Re-Wiring the mast light!

[Bobby Stone]

I've noticed that the 12v power lead to the mast is chafed bare right where it goes in to the fiberglass top of the boat. Anyone have an idea about the path this wire runs? Or how difficult it would be to re-pull new cable to there? Which also leads me to wonder about accessing the business end of the circuiyt / switch panel.Thanks!

 

[Ben Allen]

Time For A Rewire

Bobby,If the wire is chafed through, you will be better pulling in new wire, it's not hard to do at all. While you're at it, you might consider installing a combination steaming/decklight. With the mast unstepped, lay out the wires that you will need and tape them to the outside of the mast, label the wire end as to what each wire goes to, it will pay off later. With all your wires cut to length, get a bundle of wire ties and place 3 ties at a time every 18", leave the tail on and arrange them in 120 degree spacing. This will keep the wire from slapping inside the mast. With that done, tie the new wiring harness to the old one at the base and pull the new one through. While the mast is unstepped, it also a good time to check all the swags, spreaders and boots, masthead fittings, fix anything that needs attention.Ben AllenMontgomery, AL"Latte Dah"O'Day 26

 

[Bobby Stone]

Thanks but..

Thanks for your reply.. but tmy problem is not the wiring in the mast, but the wiring trhough the top of the boat to the circuit panel. That's where the chafe is.. right at the metal fitting that goes through the top of the boat.

 

[Ben Allen]

Oops ! Same Basic Answer.

Sorry about that, but for that part of the wiring, it needs to be replaced. The only problem that you have there is that if you have a liner, the wiring is run between the liner and the deck, and cannot be pulled out. You have to run the cable along the ceiling, usually next to the bulkhead to the side, where you might be able to splice into the original wire.I really hope that I'm in the right part of the boat this time.Ben