Wiring inside the mast

orion1 · 15-06-2006, 06:49

We have an older mast without the neat extrusions designed to accomidate a PVC tube channel. The wires are just loose in there and make a terrible noise while at anchor. We had the same problem with our last boat and installed a PVC tube with pop rivets. What a job.

Has anyone heard of using those small tubes designed to insullate plumbing in the cold months outside to just run up the already installed wires.

I spoke to someone at the yard where we are hauled, who was doing a rewiring job on a newer mast, who indicated that it seemed to him that it would work and probably be a major improvement.

I was thinking of trying it by taping the six foot sections together as the were pushed up to the top. I think I have room for two tubes, one to the masthead and a second to the steaming light height.

markpj23 · 15-06-2006, 07:26

Sounds like a neat approach - IF the friction will allow you to push the tubes up far enough. Could be like trying to push a rope....

PBzeer · 15-06-2006, 07:32

No first hand knowledge, but I've been told others have done that, with good results.

**GordMay** · 15-06-2006, 08:18

Bundle the in-mast wires with wire ties (Ty-Wraps), with the tails left long. The tails should be oriented at about 120 degree offsets, so that the long tails contact the inside of the mast at varying positions around it’s diameter.
The Ty-Wrap tails help keep the wiring centred in the mast, with enough flexibility that internal halyards are not adversely affected.

Charlie · 15-06-2006, 09:58

I like Gord May's solution but it does require take the wire out to do it. Not sure if the pushed on conduit solution will work but I would try it on my own boat. What about taking a fish tape and putting it down the mast to help the conduit up?

15-06-2006, 06:49	#1
orion1 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Slidell, Louisiana, USA Boat: William Atkin Cutter, 35', "ROSA" Posts: 49 Images: 5	Wiring inside the mast We have an older mast without the neat extrusions designed to accomidate a PVC tube channel. The wires are just loose in there and make a terrible noise while at anchor. We had the same problem with our last boat and installed a PVC tube with pop rivets. What a job. Has anyone heard of using those small tubes designed to insullate plumbing in the cold months outside to just run up the already installed wires. I spoke to someone at the yard where we are hauled, who was doing a rewiring job on a newer mast, who indicated that it seemed to him that it would work and probably be a major improvement. I was thinking of trying it by taping the six foot sections together as the were pushed up to the top. I think I have room for two tubes, one to the masthead and a second to the steaming light height. __________________ "Sure You Can Trust Our Government, Just Ask Any Indian"

15-06-2006, 07:26	#2
markpj23 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tampa FL Boat: Now Boat-Less Posts: 685 Images: 44	Sounds like a neat approach - IF the friction will allow you to push the tubes up far enough. Could be like trying to push a rope.... __________________ Mark

15-06-2006, 07:32	#3
PBzeer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cruising Boat: Ontario 32 - Aria Posts: 132	No first hand knowledge, but I've been told others have done that, with good results. __________________ John Ontario 32 - "Aria" Within a dream, we may find a fantasy, But never within a fantasy, will we live a dream.

15-06-2006, 08:18	#4
GordMay Administrator Site Administrator Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario - 48-29N x 89-20W Boat: C.L.O.D. (Cruiser Living On Dirt) Posts: 9,316 Images: 230	Bundle the in-mast wires with wire ties (Ty-Wraps), with the tails left long. The tails should be oriented at about 120 degree offsets, so that the long tails contact the inside of the mast at varying positions around it’s diameter. The Ty-Wrap tails help keep the wiring centred in the mast, with enough flexibility that internal halyards are not adversely affected. __________________ Gord May ~~_/)_~~ (Gord & Maggie - "Southbound") "If you didn't have time/$ to do it right in the first place, when will you get the time/$ to fix it?"

15-06-2006, 09:58	#5
Charlie Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Nevada City. CA Boat: Sceptre 41 Ohana Posts: 1,504 Images: 2	I like Gord May's solution but it does require take the wire out to do it. Not sure if the pushed on conduit solution will work but I would try it on my own boat. What about taking a fish tape and putting it down the mast to help the conduit up? __________________ Fair Winds, Charlie Between us there was, as I have already said somewhere, the bond of the sea. Besides holding our hearts together through long periods of separation, it had the effect of making us tolerant of each other's yarns -- and even convictions. Heart of Darkness Joseph Conrad

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