sealing a wire hole in stainless tube arch and bow pulpit

[schoonerdog]

I have electrical wire going through the sides of my transom arch and bow pulpit for navigation lights and solar panels. The holes serve as great places for rain to enter in and sharp edges to cut the wires. I'm thinking a solution will be to put some sort of plastic L shaped tube (facing down of course) and sealed in with some sort of marine adhesive. Anyone have any novel solutions they'd like to share?

Doug

[Joli]

I've seen clear tubing used around the wires to protect them as they go through the hole.

[Sandero]

You can find rubber grommets for this pupose. The hole should be on the underside of the tube and water should not enter at that point You could also put a gob of silicone to seal and hole the cable and prevent chafe.

[RaptorDance]

For the arch, use a grommet and clear silicon sealant.

For the Transom: There are a variety of inexpensive (around $10 US) waterproof wire feed through fittings on the market. One example is the "Wire Seal" another is the "Cable Clamp".

They work, they're waterproof, they don't use caulk/sealant so they're not messy and it's easy to remove the wire later for servicing.

They also look nice - e.g. ship shape.

No need to DIY a solution.

[schoonerdog]

Thank you Bill! Precisely what I was looking for, didn't know it existed!

[Sailorguy]

I have used a sticky rubber tape material called coax seal to seal wire exits on the aluminum mast and SS pulpits. It adheres well to electrical wire insulation and conforms / sticks well to metal, fiberglass + is easy to remove. Lasts for years before requiring replacement. Also use it to water proof SSB antenae connection on backstay.

Steve T

[hellosailor]

Schoonerdog-
If you can finesse it, try using a small tool or wire to push the wires UP inside the hole, or push "up" from the bottom, so the wires form a 'drip loop' above the hole. That way any water following the wire has to run uphill before it runs downhill into the boat. Because even the best seals eventually find a way to open up.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by RaptorDance

... For the Transom: There are a variety of inexpensive (around $10 US) waterproof wire feed through fittings on the market. One example is the "Wire Seal" another is the "Cable Clamp"...

The Ancor "Wire Seal" is generically known as a "Bullet Hub" or "Cable Gland".

[hugosalt]

Sailorguy... I've used coax seal very much the same way you have described for years, I Agree ...great to seal holes, waterproof connections and lasts. Great when "not made for marine purpose products" work out. Wonder if there is a thread
for non marine products adapted? I'll check/start one.