Mast wiring

[jlb40514]

I'm replacing my mast wiring while she's is on the hard ('86 37'). I'm also going to replace the inline connectors at the base of the mast. Can anyone recommend an online vendor for those connectors? Thanks.

[niftynickers]

Hi
FWIW I tried various connectors over the years on my 1982 C37 and have had the best luck with trailer light connectors made for boat trailers. They have very robust connectors that once closed and sealed with tape are tough and waterproof.
Dianne and Chuck Burke S/V NiftyNickers C37 #139

[billbalme]

One thing you might consider doing while the mast is off - if it's not already been done, is place a small diameter tube into the hole that the wires come through - such that the open end sits up 4 or 5 inches above the mast step. Silicone it in place to be watertight. Feed the wires through this pipe. In this way, you can prevent water that enters the mast ending up going down the inside of the compression post and into the bilge.

Just a thought...

Bill Balme
s/v Toodle-oo!
Outbound 44 #27

[niftynickers]

If the mast is off and your mast shoe on the deck is of the older type (as mine was) without the raised nipple for the wiring to enter,a newer style replacement shoe with a nipple is available from LaFiell.At some point the factory and LaFiell recognized that water ingress thru the wiring hole was a problem and redesigned the shoe.It is quite inexpensive but a PITA to replace.
If water does enter the compression post it gathers in the fiberglass boot at the foot of the compression post and causes rot in the post.You can access
many previous discussions of this in archives.Aint old boats fun?

Good Luck,
Dianne and Chuck Burke S/V NiftyNickers C37 #139

[jlb40514]

Thanks for the help!