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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Electric Connector

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/12/2008 : 15:17:24

We have an Autohelm on our wheel. When we anchor I like to remove the wheel in order to open up the cockpit and make access to the transom cutout and dink easier. This means I need to disconnect the power cord to the wheel Autohelm assembly. The stock connector is in an awkward place with my pedestal. So I want to cut the cord about 6" or so out and then put in a quick-connect. It is a two wire cord and the wires look to be about #14 or so. Any recommendations for a waterproof/water-resistant easy-to-use connector??

Here is one at WM but it is hard to see just how big it is. Shows four conductor but comes in two conductor as well. Anyone using such a thing? Thanks!

We cannot direct the winds but we can adjust our sails.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2008 : 15:56:45

Does your Autohelm have GPS inputs? If so you're going to need more than two connectors.

I can dis-recommend the [url="http://www.fisheriessupply.com/online/ln_menu/product.asp/mode/1/product_id/10439/Ntt/ELECTRICAL+CONNECTOR/N/0/Dx/mode+matchallpartial/Nty/1/R/348/D/ELECTRICAL+CONNECTOR/catalog_name/FISCO/Ntx/mode+matchpartial+rel+Inactive/act/A01/Ntk/All"]connector that's used at the base of our masts[/url], they're crap. The little screws that make the electrical connection shear their heads off, and it's nearly impossible to get the wires inside while the screws are in, and the screws are so tiny you can barely get a fine screw driver on them or see them with older eyes. Poor-poor design. I bought two of them, and one's going back unused so some other poor sap can buy it, and the other one that's broken, I don't know what they're going to do with it after they give me back my money.

Edited by - delliottg on 06/12/2008 18:09:41

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2008 : 17:46:27

I use those connectors on the boat. I use them for my solar panels, anchor light, and for the lights on the mast. They are about the size of a dime (larger than a dime, smaller than a quarter). For the autopilot I prefer a stainless connector that screws together. West Marine has these also but they cost a lot more.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2008 : 18:12:50

Jim,
I presume you're talking about the connectors Randy first showed?

If I could find who makes the connector for my Raymarine Autopilot, I'd buy several of those. Well made, polarity connectors, easy to work on, screw down caps, and six connectors. Nice stuff.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2008 : 21:29:29

David, I do not have the Autopilot connected to the GPS. Where we sail there is no need that I can see.

Jim, I don't see a stainless connector in WM. Bear in mind that I am not looking for a deck connector. I am looking for a mid-wire connector that will be just hanging by the pedestal.

Edited by - on

sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2008 : 23:54:49

Randy, I don't know if this would work for you as I have the tiller Autohelm unit. I made the cord a bit longer so I could use a mounted receptical with polarity key inside the locker protected from the elements. You would have to be able to remove the unit which I do so the Autohelm doesn't have to stay in the elements. The wheel unit must be a mounted unit which this would be a problem. A good connector that is weather resistant cost alot and is usually big. Keep the electrical connectors to a minimum.

Edited by - on

farrison
Navigator

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USA
166 Posts

Response Posted - 06/13/2008 : 10:39:57

Randy;

I bought a set of connectors through the iboats website to make a quick disconnect for my electric start outboard this spring. I got a transom mounted female socket and a plug for the starter cable. It's a different and heavier duty application than yours, but they had a good selection there.

Paul

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 06/13/2008 : 12:39:39

Would an electric trolling motor plug work?

Edited by - on

Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts

Response Posted - 06/13/2008 : 14:18:16

Check out this website, their connectors can be had with various numbers of conductor pins and according to their specs they are waterproof when submersed up to six feet.

http://store.jbn-duraline.com/category/119

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 06/13/2008 : 14:57:08

Dog, you da man!

That is exactly what I was looking for.

Edited by - on

Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2008 : 11:54:04

We aim to please, I'm very happy to be able to help out. :)

Edited by - on

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.