Runing Wire down Mast

[Beneteau 321]

Planing on installing a wind speed /direction on mast head,on our 1997 Beneteau 321 any helpful hints on doing this job.
Will be taking mast down to do install
Thanks in advance

 

[Tejas]

You might want to use a fish-tape, aka draw-tape to pull the wire.

 

[Southpaw]

If you do not have a fish-tape you could tie a line to one of the wires that all ready runs down the mast, pull that wire out now the line is in the mast. Tie the line to both the wire you pulled out and the new wire for the wind instrument and pull it back down the mast.

 

[DougM]

With luck, you may have a messenger line left there by the manufacturer that would facilitate pulling the wire in through the conduit that runs to the masthead.
If so, then pull the wire in along with another messenger line for future use. Otherwise, a fish tape would be the alternative.

 

[slaume]

Don't forget to do something to keep it from clanking around in there. If you neglect to do this, you will regret it later, Steve.

 

[Gunni]

You should have a wiring conduit in there. Unfortunately it may just be split and friction fit to an internal extrusion. Take the time to drill, tap and fasten the conduit so that it can't move.

 

[Syversens]

I've been looking at wireless anemometers for a while. I've particularly followed Sailtimer. To me having wireless on top of mast would be the only way to go. I haven't bought one yet as I'm not sure if I'd link it to my navigation or PC system, I'd also have to get a wind instrument but that could be in iPad in this case.

That said my autopilot is a complete drunk inside my pedestal somewhere, never seen him but I see how he steers, maybe linking him into wind would be a bad idea anyways.

 

[dziedzicmj]

If you have a messenger line, then it is a no brainer. But if you don't have one, running the wire when the mast is stepped might be easier, because you can use the gravity to pull the messenger line down. Use a piece of bicycle chain or something similar as the weight (nothing bulky would do).

just my $0.02

 

[Beneteau 321]

Just an update Took mast down Got cable for new wind meter run down mast using a fish tape and mast back up .Total time about 4 hours .Matter of interest left sail on boom and main sheet reef lines ect attached just removed boom from mast and laid on deck.also left sail on roller furler no problem.
Next step connect cable to system this weekend
Thanks for the input