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ddsailor25 · 15-04-2014, 14:07

I would like to get some thoughts on what's the best way to run wiring either through the deck or through the stern hull. I'm installing radar on a stern mounted pole and solar this season so I'll have three wires that I need to run. The radar cable is 5/8" and the solar is 10 gauge both for the pos and neg. There are the standard compression fittings that are typically used, but I read on a blog recently an owner drilled a 1" hole and mounted a threaded PVC pipe connector. After the wires were run through it he filled it with sealant. I like this idea because if you want to add something like an AIS antenna wire it could be easily done with out drilling a new hole. Could any members give their thoughts on this and what worked well on their boat? Thank you and input, I don't like drilling more holes in my boat than I have to.

Dave
Tayana 37

Reefmagnet · 15-04-2014, 15:02

I've used the conduit gland and flexible conduit in the past. If you put a loop or swan neck at the top of the pole you wont need to fill the conduit with sealant. The main issue I have found is that the glands don't have enough thread on them to pass through the deck. This is easily solved by epoxy gluing them in place. One other caveat is to make sure that the conduit used is UV resistant - some aren't.

I've no doubt there are speciality connectors available for $$$ but the conduit works well.

**MarkJ** · 15-04-2014, 16:33

The answer is the best way is no new holes at all.

Guy I met bought the same type of boat as mine ex-charter... So both boats exactly the same except i owned mine 5 years longer and one day he said: "i hate drilling holes in my deck but today I drilled 17. How many have you put in?" None, I said. None. I recently had to put in one, but thats it, just the one.

So think is there any other way you can do it?

If theres no other way then you have to, but....

Mark

Terra Nova · 15-04-2014, 18:30

Run the wiring inside the pole and through a hole in the mounting flange--all internal.

ddsailor25 · 15-04-2014, 18:36

Terra Norva, Unfortunately, that won't work where the bracket is mounted on the vertical and the wire will be exposed. If it was a straight pole mount with a flat base it would be easier.

Dave

Terra Nova · 15-04-2014, 18:45

You didn't say you already had a bracket that you had to live with. How about a photo?

ddsailor25 · 15-04-2014, 19:09

Terra nova. I should of been more clear about his. I don't really have a problem mounting the pole for the radar I'm more curious on the best way to run the wires through the hull with the least amount of holes through the deck or hull for the three wires I have to run. The bracket we have for the radar pole is a U shaped bracket with a bolt running through the center with the cable running out the bottom.

Thank you,
Dave

w1651 · 15-04-2014, 19:29

I think Marc is right. No new holes if you can help it. If you have a rail with wires running through it use that. If you can run the wires around the pole down to a already existing hole then use that. No new holes ever. That's experience talking now.

ddsailor25 · 16-04-2014, 04:34

I do have an engine room exhaust vent close to where the radar pole will be and I hardly ever use it. I could run them through there. But, yes I really hate putting any new holes into anything.

**HappyMdRSailor** · 16-04-2014, 05:41

A PVC nipple sticking out of the hull would be hideously ugly... Other nipples while pretty and fun... are inappropriate for the application....

I think anything directly under the pole might look OK... I still would go with a deck gland, oversized and 4200 gooped if you think more wires are in the future...

No PVC is impervious to UV degradation... Painting will cure this...

FlyingCloud1937 · 16-04-2014, 10:06

If in the transom, get a right size bronze/SS/or plastic mushroom thurhull put a 90 on the back turned up. Run your wires, then pack it with electrical fire calk. It will be water tight. Will allow for future wires if needed.

Lloyd