Mast cables into main cabin

[Ian McGain]

I have just finished a project of re-wiring the mast and changing out the steaming,deck and anchor lights so they now work. In the process I added a TV attenna and a Standard Horizon wind-speed,wind-direction (both an ebay purchase). Along with my marine VHF this made a six wire gang. This what I ran them through to keep out the water and make it easier to work in the future. I sealed the bottom with gray electrical box clay ($1.50 at Home Depot)This is still a work in progress as I need to re-paint the area if it does not clean up to my satisfaction.Ian

 

[coleman brydon]

what kind of boat?

On my h30, I found a pipe coming through the cabin top with wires running through it.

 

[Ian McGain]

1979 Hunter 30

This is a 1979 Hunter 30. When I purchased the boat there was a clamshell against the mast which was filled with liftime caulk.This broke in half due to age, and I just had the entry point filled with Lifetime to keep the out the water penatration.Ian

 

[NWSailor17138]

Drip loop

I agree with what you did Ian and I can see that it will keep water from running down the wires to the cabin top... but I would also add a drip loop to the wires before they go into the mast... ie add some length to the wires if possible so that the wires hang below the entry into the mast. That way any water water on the wire will run down the wire and drip off the loop onto the deck instead of running down the wire and into the mast if the caulking around the wire ever fails. This is a good idea anytime you have wires running from a wet area to a dry one. Add a drip loop just before entry so that water wont run along the wire and enter the dry space.

 

[jboernge]

re drip loop

I would agree with having a drip loop in the cabin below the deck penetration, however, the base of the mast is not waterproof. Just look at all of the holes in the mast. You would be kidding yourself if you think that area isn't frequently wet; unless you sail where water doesn't ever get on the deck!So, I wouldn't bothere with trying to reclaim that distance of lines.Is that pvc loop well anchored in the deck, so that your jib sheet won't get caught on the vertical part and break it loose?Happy sailing. Nice to have the lights again?