Through Deck Mast Wiring.

[Steve]

I am in the process of getting some wiring up through the deck and into the mast. Read the two pages on this in the Catalina Direct Handbook but they don't seem to have any info on the fitting that goes into/through the deck itself. ?? West Marine doesn't seem to sell this either - they do for coax, but not regular wiring. Any ideas on where to find this or suggestions on what type to sell. I am planning on running a two wire for a mast light. Thanks for the help.

 

[David Bergevin]

electrical connection

West Marine does sell a deck connector for two wire and four wire through deck,Look under the electrical stuff I have a four wire for my C-22...anchor light, combo steaming and deck light. works like a champ.

 

[Garry @ S/V TASHTEGO]

Cable Clam

I used a 14 gage, 5 conductor cable for the mast(West Marine #242040). Two grounds and three hot. The three hot conductors go to: the masthead light, the anchor light and the spreader lights respectively. The grounds are: one for the masthead and anchor lights combined and the other for the spreader lights which run a lot more current. The through deck fitting is a "Cable Clam" (West Marine #540732 but they come in 3 sizes). You have to drill the rubber gasket out to fit your wires. Use a new, sharp, brad-point bit, a cordless drill and lubricate with soapy water (don't electrocute yourself using a regular drill motor and water). Don't forget to put the parts on in the right order, base first pointing down then the rubber gasket with the smaller end of the taper down then the cover. Use soapy water to lubricate the cable while pushing it through the gasket. Bed the plastic base to the deck with 4200. Mine has been in for two years and hasn't leaked a drop yet. P.S. Don't forget to use a grommet where the cable passes through the hole into the mast. It keeps the rain and bugs out and prevents chafe.

 

[Erik]

Sea Dog-brand deck connector

On my Capri 18, the OEM deck connector for the mast wiring is a Sea Dog #426234. It's rated for 5 amps, has four conductors, and is polarized. You can get it from SailNet.

 

[Marilyn P.]

Electrical Connectors (Deck)

Steve: The connector you are looking for is on page 591 of the 2001 West Marine catalog (#184226 4-pin). I put a round piece of teak under the lower portion of the fitting as the holes of the new connector did not match the ones already in the deck. Still looking for a used mainsail cover if you hear of one. Really enjoying this web site.