Pete,
I rewired my mast several years ago. Since my lights are all LED's, the current draw is very low and #18 is fine. I used Alpha 1897C SL005 where I needed two conductors (such as Windex light) and Alpha 1898C 3C for three conductors (such as foredeck/steaming light). These cables are PVC jacketed and have tinned copper conductors. To me having cables is better than individual conductors and these cables are smaller than multiple conductor boat cable. If you have a rat's nest of wires, I'd consider pulling everything out. If possible leave a wire for a messenger or get a snake. Good luck, Ron Ron Ricci S/V Patriot C&C 37+ Bristol, RI <mailto:ron.ri...@1968.usna.com> ron.ri...@1968.usna.com From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of kelly petew via CnC-List Sent: Monday, April 10, 2017 5:02 PM To: cnc-list Cc: kelly petew Subject: Stus-List Mast Re-Wire -- Need Advice Hello Listers, First, some background -- Earlier this year, I had the mast extracted from Siren Song, my 30-2. The rigger has completed his work, replacing the rod rigging and fittings, and rebuilding my Harken furler. Also, I just finished painting the mast and spreaders with a one-part paint. Now, I want to rewire the mast. Preparatory to the extraction, I labeled the wires, marked fittings and blocks, and took MANY pics on my tablet. I have removed the old VHF cabling, but I was unsuccessful in replacing it with LMR-400 [.405" dia.]. For other 30-2 owners, I found [the hard way] that it was too stiff and too big to fit. I could only get it about 40% down the mast before it became hopelessly stucked. Therefore, I have removed it, and re-ordered original type of cabling [rg-8x, .25" diameter]. I was hoping to get the enhance performance from the lmr cabling, but it won't happen, unfortunately. I will replace the vhf antenna. Now, I'm planning to replace electrical wires as well as light fixtures. In doing a preliminary inspection, I found a "rat's nest" of wiring just below the mast's exit hole, which lines up with the underside of the deck when the mast is in the boat. It looks as though excess wiring was simply pushed DOWN into the mast, and over time sagged further down [but still beyond arm's length from mast's bottom]. Any "tips and tricks", including the best tools to use for re-wiring the electricals will be greatly appreciated, i.e., extracting the old stuff and installing the new. Fair Winds, Pete W. Siren Song '91 C&C 30-2 Deltaville, Va.
_______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
