mast conduit

[VALDO]

'm a novice at sailboat maintenance but quickly becoming quite adept.ref: i have a c-22 with a oblong 25-ft mast.scenario: i want to put in a 24-ft schedule 20-40 pvc 'conduit' so i can rewire the mast light and use it also for my vhf radio cable, etc.question: is the mast mostly 'hollow'? i don't have any internal halyard schemes set up (yet)....any/all info/data considered.thanx.

 

[Herb McClenahan]

Mast

Valdo your correct you will find that your mast is hollow and will take a 1/2 to 3/4 inch conduit very well. Make sure that you secure it well catalina direct has an article on placing the conduit however in short it was drill two holes about 6 inches apart. Use one to reach in with a wire to pull the conduit tight and the second one to secure the conduit with a pop rivet then move up the mast. Good luck.

 

[JIm Hanebury]

Valdo;Let me know how you make out as I am comtemplating the same thing, my 77 does not have a anchor or steaming light and Barnegat Bay is a bit crowded to be running around without one. Have to drop the mast anyway as the port after shroud gave way the other day seems the thimble and wire rusted through, bad maintence on POs part and mine for not checking good luck.

 

[Ed P.]

Go Big !

I believe the standard size installed by the factory is 1/2 inch. However, if you're planning on adding cable for VHF, GPS, etc., I would go with at least 3/4 in. This will give you more than enough room for whatever you want to put into it, and provide for realitively easy routing of the wiring.Good Luck !

 

[Jim Winjum]

just did the work

This spring I replaced all the the wiring in my '74 C-22.I installed a PVC conduit (3/4" -schedule 40) this spring and wired in a steamer light and deck light. I also installed a 4-prong plug through the deck.Catalina Direct has a CD/Video on doing this job that is very helpful. It made the job do-able right the first time. It also describes two ways of getting the PVC tight against the inside of the mast for riveting. I found the coat-hanger method most effective.All in all it worked great and was worth the effort. I also plan to put the halyards inside the mast and the conduit sets you up for that project.A most helpful book is also "THIS OLD BOAT" by Don Casey. He outlines putting a PVC in the mast as well.Best of luck!