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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Mast Electrical Problems

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skrenz
Captain

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USA
351 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/25/2012 : 09:00:11

Like everybody else, I have wiring in my mast to the anchor light, the running light, and a deck light. These all lead down in a single multi connector cable to a plug. The receptical is in the fore deck at the base of the mast. The connector is the four connector model from West Marine http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=100454& catalogId=10001& langId=-1& storeId=11151& storeNum=50523& subdeptNum=50566& classNum=50570

My problem is this, even though I only sail on inland lakes and am not in any sort of salt water environment, I keep having issues with these connections in the plug and socket not passing voltage to the mast lights. Last summer I spent an afternoon painstakingly cleaning all the surfaces and then using anti-corrosion grease before putting the connection back together. It lasted ONE DAY

I can't figure out why other boats do not have this issue but I can't seem to make a reliable connection using these components.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Steve Krenz
`Elan
1978 SR/SK #482
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2012 : 09:07:21

Not sure, but I think corrosion usually points to a grounding issue. Is any one wire lead worse than the others? How well is the ground bonded to the rest of the system? Have you put dilectric grease on the connections?

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3408 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2012 : 09:12:38

Steve,

I replaced my connector and rewired the mast and cabin over 6 years ago. I do not recall exactly the layout on those deck connectors but I do remember using dielectric compound/lube on the wiring to the connector after the wires were attached. That and gasket sealing the connector should keep moisture from effecting the wiring at the connector.

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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3475 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2012 : 10:07:54

Have you checked your circuits in the mast? Check for continuity for each positive lead to ground. Do you know how to do that?

This is what I found on mine. The problems are usually associated with compression points in the line somewhere where the wires are running between the liners, wearing open the wire insulation on those going to another circuit, or to ground ( but that would generally blow a fuse.)

Mine was lighting another circuit, and had me stumped. You could turn on the anchor light and the running light would light up.( on occasion ) And this (shown above ) was the wire I could find, not the wire hidden in the liner.

But who knows.. Catalina used some uninsulated 3 way connectors to tap a circuit that can cut an insulator also.

ANyhoo.. nothing would stay constant, so I could not diagnose a problem at any given time.

You are saying the deck connector is the problem.. you cleaned it so it probably is working. Are the other parts of the circuit new?

Edited by - redeye on 05/25/2012 11:56:36

iwillnotsubmit
1st Mate

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64 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2012 : 04:06:49

I replaced the mast wiring, deck connector and wire running from the deck connector to the electrical panel. I used 14 gauge wire which is way too big for the original style deck connector. I used an Aqua Signal, Model # 315168, from West Marine. I was able to fit the 14 gauge wires in it with no problems. The mast got new light fixtures and conduit for the wire. I figured that by replacing the whole circuit the right way, I can enjoy sailing for years without trouble. Fingers crossed!

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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4298 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2012 : 07:11:34

I think I would be tempted to drill through the deck at the original mounting location and use one of these -->> http://www.westmarine.com/buy/products/926-cableclam-waterproof-through-deck-fittings.html Then use a simple connector to attach the wires together on the inside of the boat and out of the weather.

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