Simnet cable splicing

[Draughty]

A few years ago I fitted a Simrad IS20 wind instrument and masthead sender, foolishly connecting the two with a single 30 metre simnet cable. Now that I am looking at pulling out the mast again I would ideally like to cut this cable and rejoin it when the mast goes back in, either by splicing directly or by cutting in half a 300mm cable I have and splicing those ends onto the bare ends created by cutting the 30m cable. Would then use the simple male/male cylindrical simnet joiner.
I could also un-run the cable from the mast back to the instrument; leave it coiled in a locker abaft the mast and buy another 10 metre cable and joiner to run back to the instrument.
Any ideas what might work or not?
Thanks

[smac999]

I would cut it and get 2 nmea 2000 field ends. Male / female. To rejoin.

I have never seen simnet ends. Maybe they exist. Same cable though. N2k connectors will work.

[boatbod]

These days Simnet is essentially the same as N2K. You can splice, but adding connectors would be battery and more flexible in the future.

[Lake-Effect]

Some comparisons of Simnet and NMEA2k cable.

As per the other comments, cutting and installing a connector pair seems the best idea. Field-installable NMEA2k connectors would work.

If you have time to experiment, you could also try connectors like this or this.

[Reefmagnet]

You can't beat the simnet plug when it comes to fitting it through tiny openings. Makes it much better than the clunky field connector. I think most of the simnet cables on my boat have been "cut and shut". Never had a problem. Just take care to ensure the connection is watertight and reasonably protected in service. I use dual wall heat shrink for the job. if I planned to remove the mast occasionally (and didn't have a Swan neck gland), I'd just make the lead a bit longer and use waterproof joiners that are quick and easy to replace.

[boatbod]

The simnet connectors are certainly low profile, but they a friction fit and have been known to pull out of their sockets.

[Draughty]

Thanks for all the comments; great forum.