Y25 mast step and electric line

[dee.yeah]

Just got the mast down, and I noticed there's an electric line (now broken) goes inside the hull through the mast step. However I find no line on the cabin. Where does it go?

Also, I intend to detach the mast step and re-real it. But I only found the 2 aft through-hull bolt nuts. I am afraid if I turn the 2 front bolts, they may break and very difficult to repair. Any suggestions if I should proceed?

Thanks!

 

[furdui]

1) the cable goes into the hollow of the crossbeam and from there to starbord side then to fuse panel.
2)in the crossbeam,towards V berth,there is a cut under the light fitting,check if you can access any existing nuts through that cut.

let us know what you found
could you give us a pic with the position of the hole in the mast step where the cable goes inside?

good luck

simon

 

[dee.yeah]

Thanks Simon for the info. I didn't think of the V-berth cabin light as the access to the nuts!

The electric cable is right in the middle of the mast step, and it is NOT accessible once the mast is in place. So I'm thinking to remove the cable and seal the hole - as the previous owner(s) have drilled 2 holes for electric cables near the bottom of the mast.

Will take a couple of pics to share later.

 

[dee.yeah]

A picture of the mast step taken from starboard side. Haven't cleaned it yet though.

Simon, I've checked the cabin light of the V-berth, but found nowhere to access the mast step's front bolt nuts. All I found is just a hole for the electric cable for the light (see pic).

Any idea? Thanks!

 

[furdui]

thanks for the pics

on my boat there is a larger cut behind the light fitting.
i would not be at all surprised if the the two front bolts are just coach screws,and not through deck bolts,the mast step is loaded only sideways.

 

[dee.yeah]

I guess our boats are of different design on the cross beam opening.

Hmmm... I'm still thinking if I should remove and refit the mast step. The old screws just make me nervous if I might break them.

 

[harryjak]

My mast is down for the winter. I have the same step as you. I am planning on pulling the step after I get the tent done. It will be a couple of weeks yet. I have been heating the bolts with a torch and putting on mouse milk to make sure they come loose.

I am going to put new wires in the mast for a radio antenna and an anchor light that will replace the steaming light on the front. I would like to run them through the step if possible. If not I will use Sytonos solution see Mast wiring/Radios thread.

I will post pics when I get (or don't get ) the mast step off.

 

[dee.yeah]

It is good to know that you're also working on the mast step. Looking forward to knowing more about the work process and possibly seeing pics.

Is the mouse milk something like wd40?

 

[harryjak]

Mouse Milk is a super duper penetrating oil used a lot in aviation.

http://www.chiefaircraft.com/wf-mm8oz.html

The standard technique (especially on Phillips heads) is to use mouse milk and then put valve grinding compound on the bit to give a little more bite.

 

[Pakele]

been there... yes, done that...

Back in 2009, I was aghast when we pulled the mast and I had to cut the wires... there was no other way. So, that lead to a total rewire and like others have mentioned, had to figure out the best way to do it... (Check out the pictures in my albums)... I was happy how it came out and now dropping and stepping the mast should be tremendously easier in the future... the connectors I used need to be replaced already though, the elements work quickly against you...

 

[dee.yeah]

Thx Pakele for the sharing. So how do the connectors of the cables go into the mast? I guess there are 2 corresponding connectors mounted near the bottom of the mast?

 

[Pakele]

Yes sir, sorry I didn't get those photos in... Yes we drilled through 2 holes and used very tight rubber grommets to protect the cables... connectors out... as you supposed...

 

[dee.yeah]

Just finished the mast and spreader light cable connections. I added a box for housing the connectors. See attached picture.

 

[harryjak]

The way I understand this is you have the connectors in the box and the screw cap on top gives you access to the connectors?

 

[dee.yeah]

Yes, all the connectors are housed inside the retangular box, which is installed on the original place where the on-deck power socket were sitting(now installed on the top of the box).