[C320-list] In-mast wiring

[mseyler at cox.net]

On my 1995 No. 232, the cables from the masthead ran to connectors inside the base of the mast.  The wind indicator wires were connected to wires from the helm in a separate box that was taped over with many layers of electrician's tape. The wiring for the anchor light and steaming light/deck light led to a 4-pin connector.  The masthead VHF antenna had its own PL259 connector, also taped over many times.  If your set up is like mine was, you may have to pull the mast to replace the cable.

When replaced the masthead wiring 2 years ago I pulled extra wire through the compression post, and ran unbroken wires  all the way to the helm for the wind instrument, and to the nav station for the lighting and VHF cables.  I left a foot or so of extra wire in the bilge at the base of the mast, so I could splice in connectors there if I need to pull the mast again.  But even then I won't have any connections I can't reach without pulling the mast.


Mark Seyler
S/V Reality, 
Catalina 320, #232
New Orleans, LA



-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Tong Yi via C320-list
Sent: Monday, July 29, 2024 3:00 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Cc: Tong Yi <laowai1975 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] In-mast wiring

I’m replacing my wind instrument cable. This runs through the compression post to the bilge then routed back to the wheel.

I have hull 787

On Mon, Jul 29, 2024 at 3:42 PM Steve Weinstein via C320-list < c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

> I should know the answer to this, but before I go poking around, where 
> are the cable connections for the in-mast wiring and where to the 
> cables run to the inside of the boat?  Do they run down the 
> compression post, or are they under the headliner?  Are the connectors 
> in the mast step or inside the mast, or elsewhere??  How are the 
> accessed?  Thanks!!  I've avoided messing with the wiring in the mast, 
> but I have a few problems that have now popped up that need attention.
>
> Steve Weinstein,2000 C320 #722, Vega
>