Small, 2-Cond, Weather-Proof Connector?

[SEMIJim]

Our compass is mounted on the mast. I'd like to get power to it to light it at night. Anybody have any suggestions for a small, 2-conductor, weatherproof connector I might mount in the mast, near the compass, to accomplish this? I've done a bit of research, but haven't found anything quite right.

Then I guess I'll need a small, also preferably weather-tight, in-line connector inside the mast, for when the mast is taken down.

Tnx,
Jim

[bubb2]

MSD 2-Pin Weathertight Connector 8173

MSD

MSD 8173 Connector; 2-Pin Weathertight; Weathertight Sealed Connector MSD Weathertight Connectors seal the elements out and provide trouble-free electrical connection. MSD Weathertight connectors are unaffected by water, chemicals, vibration, temperature, or dirt, and will not come apart accidentally. Special nylon connector housings are the basis for the connectors. These housings withstand extreme temperature from -40° to +257° and are indexed to prevent mismatching. When connecting together an audible "click" is produced, letting you know that a solid connection has been made. Each terminal of an MSD Weathertight connector is insulated from in its own tower to prevent shorting, and the pins are securely held in place by a hinged back which prevents the pins from backing out accidentally. The Weathertight Connectors use a self-lubricating silicone seal for protection from water, dust, oil and other engine compartment fluids. In addition, each terminal has its own silicone seal crimped to it that prevents contaminants from entering the wire. This combination of special housing, silicone seals, and positive locking connection makes for the best waterproof connection available. Details SKU AUO8173 Weight 0.10 lbs VH SKU AUO8173 Vendor SKU 8173 UPC Code 085132081738 Price: $7.99 Options Quantity <****** language="JavaScript 1.2" type=text/javascript> 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Add to cart Add to wish list

[SEMIJim]

Thanks, bubb2. That looks like it'd work well for inside the mast, but I don't know as it'd work well for the connector through the mast.

Jim

[bubb2]

Jim are you speaking of a deck connector?

WEST MARINE Chrome Deck Connectors From $17.99 USD

[LittleMissMagic]

Try this website:

Cooper Crouse-Hinds - The World's Leading Manufacturer of Electrical Products for Commercial, Industrial, and Hazardous Environments

They manufacture all manner of weather and waterproof connectors and plugs. We use these in a lot of submerged applications in the diving industry so they are tough and reliable. They can be pretty pricy though.

[sailboy21]

Originally Posted by bubb2

Jim are you speaking of a deck connector?

Don't do it!!! I have never had luck with those.
What I have used on two boats, and has proven completely waterproof is the Aquasignal model. It is more than two connectors but it might work for what you are looking for. I use mine for a fish finder, but it used to power an autopilot. On my last boat I used it for the mast wiring with 100% success.
Its $40 but this thing really works. No metal to corrode or threads to gum up.

[sailingdog]

I wouldn't use the WM one either... there are far better made ones..

[gc1111]

One technique that I have used very successfully is to glass a piece of PVC pipe through the deck. Run the wiring through it and make connections is a weather protected area below deck. Seal the wires in the pipe with a VERY generous amount of silicone sealant.

Remember this is not a frequently disconnected item. For a once a season disconnect, unconnect the wires at the below deck connector block, and simply pull them out the top. Reconnect with more silicone.

[sailingdog]

This is a kludge IMHO... and silicone sealant has no place on a boat, other than covering the tips of cotter pins to protect the sails.

Originally Posted by gc1111

One technique that I have used very successfully is to glass a piece of PVC pipe through the deck. Run the wiring through it and make connections is a weather protected area below deck. Seal the wires in the pipe with a VERY generous amount of silicone sealant.

Remember this is not a frequently disconnected item. For a once a season disconnect, unconnect the wires at the below deck connector block, and simply pull them out the top. Reconnect with more silicone.

[SEMIJim]

LiittleMissMagic, Thanks for the lead, but, unfortunately, that site seems all but unusable for me. I guess it doesn't like Firefox or requires Flash or something.

sailboy21, Agreed: Those WM connectors don't look like what I want, anyway. Mast is curvy. Need a connector with a small footprint. Perhaps that Aqua Signal connector you've used will work. How are the pins connected to the wires? How is the connector base secured to its mounting surface? Aqua Signal's site is light on details.

gc1111, Gotta agree with SD on this one: *ick*. Sorry. Besides: We're talking about a really tiny wire, here.

Jim