Thru deck connections for the masthead electronics
Finally last week I got the thru-deck connectors for the masthead light in the mail. I have had to wait on this project since I got the wiring through the mast about a month ago for a couple of reasons. First is I didn’t really know where I wanted to drill the holes for the thru deck connections. I didn’t really feel comfortable with drilling holes directly on the deck as any mistake may lead to water getting into the core of the deck and cause big problems later. Another reason was the antenna connectors have been difficult to find. No one seems to have the exact part I need. There are some thru deck antenna connectors that allows the wire to be fed thru but it will be a problem for me when I lower the mast for transport. What i really needed was a PL-259 type coupler that can be fed thru a hole on the deck and secured using nuts and washers on either side. I ended up having to piece this together using parts I got from Fry’s Electronics and Lowes hardware store.
I finally decided to drill the 2 holes on the forward hatch of the boat. It is a few more inches forward on the deck then I’d like but I figured it would not really get in the way of the headsail during tacking and a hatch is made of solid fiberglass and easily replaceable so my deck core will be safe from water penetration.
I prepped it by simply measuring where my holes needed to be and applied masking tape to the surface to be drilled.
Once the holes are drilled I applied marine silicone sealant and inserted the connectors. I used stainless machines nuts and bolts to secure the masthead light connector and the PL-259 coupler is just secured with the standard nut and washer I got from the hardware store.
After some more splicing, soldering and taping, I have my thru-deck connectors in place.
Electrical tape doesn’t look as pretty as it can be but it will work for now…
June 5th, 2006 at 4:51 pm
Just a note for others who may be considering running wiring to the mast.
I thought about the thru-deck plan, but I know I’ll very rarely need those lights, and I didn’t want to add more deck holes than absolutely necessary, so I connected my wiring to a trailer light harness, and I run the wire from the cabin to the base of the mast when I need it, and just plug it in.
So far, I’ve owned the boat for three and a half years and haven’t used it but once. I’m glad I didn’t drill the holes.
Part of the reason I don’t use it is because I use a 6-volt portable anchor light. I have a regular anchor light on the top of the mast, but I worry about draining my marine battery while I’m on a trip. Works fine.
I mounted my antenna on my stern rail. It doesn’t get as much range as on the mast, but that doesn’t seem to bother powerboaters, and I can still call for help if I ever dismast.
Mine isn’t a better solution. It’s just one that fits my needs. There’s more than one way to skin a cat.