Selecting wire dimensions for an existing system

[duckpond49]

The ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council) has free signup for a learning account. I guess due to this Covid mess they sent me an invite to watch their online video course: "Wire Sizing and Selection". Even though I've wired or re-wired a number of boats over the years and generally understand how to do so safely, this was one of the best 40 minutes I've spent re: the subject. ABYC is the Gold Standard that we are all shooting for. Members can view the course for $20, non-members $25 as well as a whole library of other courses relevant to many of the topics that come up here on CF.

https://abycinc.org/page/ELearning_Home_Temp

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Adelie

Don’t install waterproof connectors install outlets thru the deck like this:

https://www.thegpsstore.com/Shakespe...let-P2147.aspx

Especially for the VHF coax, lot of losses at connections. Even if there isn’t much initially as the connector ages it will become more lossy.

I agree 100%. Deck connectors are just trouble waiting to happen.
That or go to a swan fitting.

[stormalong]

Frederik283: You don't say the size of your boat or how often you unstep your mast. I agree with the gooseneck recommendation. A marine environment is no place for deck mounted connectors. As few connections as possible will reduce electrical problems. On my keel stepped mast I run the wind instrument, radar and radio cables all the way to the equipment without any connectors. For the lights the cables go up about a foot before going to a junction box - this forms a drip loop that keeps the terminal strip in the junction box dry.

However, I unstep the mast about once every ten years so the extra time to deal with all the extra cable lengths is not a big deal. If you unstep annually it is a different matter. Just re-installing the radar is a couple of hours of work.

[ferrailleur]

Originally Posted by Frederik283

Thanks all for your insight, much appreciated!

I think I might go with a gooseneck as suggested.

Would I be able to measure the amp requirements using a multimeter on the amp setting for the lights and wind instruments by measuring the positive and negative wires at the base of the mast or is this not precise enough?

The boat is a Willing 31 with a 10 meter mast. I have a deck light and a white navigation light up top.

any info/link on the gooseneck option..... love the idea.... thanks

[Shrew]

Originally Posted by Adelie

Don’t install waterproof connectors install outlets thru the deck like this:

https://www.thegpsstore.com/Shakespe...let-P2147.aspx

Especially for the VHF coax, lot of losses at connections. Even if there isn’t much initially as the connector ages it will become more lossy.

I honestly believe this is the correct answer. They are often referred to as 'cable glands':

https://www.defender.com/category.js...986&id=2289996

[Brian.D]

The fight between connectors and goosenecks reminds me of this...

https://youtu.be/vAEU-Lf60LA?t=33

[s/v Jedi]

Deck step masts: gooseneck. I can’t believe there would be people thinking a gland or bulkhead connector would work as well, if at all or for how long.

Belowdecks, don’t cut all the wires at the same length but rather spread them out a bit. Also, put a loop somewhere on the belowdecks part of the cable so you can always resplice a connector when it goes bad

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Deck step masts: gooseneck. I can’t believe there would be people thinking a gland or bulkhead connector would work as well, if at all or for how long.



Belowdecks, don’t cut all the wires at the same length but rather spread them out a bit. Also, put a loop somewhere on the belowdecks part of the cable so you can always resplice a connector when it goes bad

Depends. If the boat is trailered, or even lake sailed a few months a year bulkhead connectors make sense.

But if it’s kept in the water year round. There’s no reason to look at plugs, etc....

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

Depends. If the boat is trailered, or even lake sailed a few months a year bulkhead connectors make sense.

But if it’s kept in the water year round. There’s no reason to look at plugs, etc....

Trailered? Pinch me, I thought this was the cruisers forum