Mystery connectors at the base of the mast on the deck

[Nevermoor]

Good morning all!

My name is Brian and I own a Lancer 28'. I have been refitting the inside but have now started working on the outside as I tweak the electrical. Could anyone tell me what the two different connectors are for that are mounted on the deck in front of the mast. One connector has (2) female pin sockets in it, one larger than the other. The other connector as (2) copper tabs, across from each other. Was considering putting a glomex 10" tv antenna on top of the mast and getting the mast lights working. Wondering how difficult it is to get the cable fished through it or would you wait until you take the mast down? Also, there is only one cable hanging out of the mast. It is long to reach one of the connectors but is bare on the end with two wires protruding. I am guessing that it is for dc, lighting. Any thoughts on the connectors? Thank you! I will attach a drawing of the mast and connectors.

Happy sailing!
Brian
Nevermoor
Augusta, GA

 

[Brian D]

Moved this thread to Ask All Sailors for maximum exposure.

 

[Ross]

The short answer is you need to rewire the mast. The really short answer is: I don't know.

 

[sailingdog]

One is probably for your anchor light, if you have one atop the mast. The other might be for a steaming light. I doubt either is for a VHF, which usually is a PL259 connector of some sort.

Given the age of your boat, and the fact that you have no idea what these wires or connectors are for, I would highly recommend that you re-wire the mast.

 

[sailaway78]

Just a guess

I would guess that one is for an anchor light, the other for a steaming light. Agree that the whole thing should be redone.

 

[Nevermoor]

Thank you folks! At the end of this coming summer, I am planning on taking her out to get the hull painted. Sounds like the right time to lay down the mast and do some rewiring. Again, thank you for your help.

Brian of Nevermoor

 

[Ross]

Brian, When it comes time to re-wire the mast attach a strong string to the end of the wire before you pull it out . Leave the string in place to pull the new wire in. Otherwise you will need an electricians fish tape.

 

[Jhonnymag2u]

mast wiring

Hey Brian:
Dont know how much useful info you got but if this reaches you, let me know and I will try to help as much as possible. If it means anything, I am also a guitarist. Johnny Mag

 

[ColorfulPseudonym]

Good morning all!

My name is Brian and I own a Lancer 28'. I have been refitting the inside but have now started working on the outside as I tweak the electrical. Could anyone tell me what the two different connectors are for that are mounted on the deck in front of the mast. One connector has (2) female pin sockets in it, one larger than the other. The other connector as (2) copper tabs, across from each other. Was considering putting a glomex 10" tv antenna on top of the mast and getting the mast lights working. Wondering how difficult it is to get the cable fished through it or would you wait until you take the mast down? Also, there is only one cable hanging out of the mast. It is long to reach one of the connectors but is bare on the end with two wires protruding. I am guessing that it is for dc, lighting. Any thoughts on the connectors? Thank you! I will attach a drawing of the mast and connectors.

Happy sailing!
Brian
Nevermoor
Augusta, GA

Brian,

The only wire in the masts originally was for the steaming light, located on the front of the mast below the spreaders. That would be the female connector with the two pins that is on the deck.

CP

 

[higgs]

It sound to me that you have wiring coming out of the cabin top and wiring come out of the mast. I would try to connect the two ends as best as I could. If you get your masthead light and your steaming light working there is no need to replace any wiring. this is a separate issue from the TV antenna.