Wiring in Centaur mast

[Hillary]

I have just had my Mast down to be re-rigged while it was down I took the opportunity to replace the aerial and also to fit a running light and deck light. I needed to run some new wires down the mast and although in one instance I had an old cable to use to pull the new one through the others were new.

I actually achieved the cable run through in around 20 minutes. So this trick might help others and save the £200 I was quoted by a marine electronic engineer.

I got an old phillips type screwdriver bit which was about 30mm long and since it had a groove at the end that I tied some whipping twine to the thinest part. The groove is vital because it stops the twine from slipping off. I then popped the screwdriver bit through the newly drilled hole in the mast. and arranged the twine so that it could run freely. Then I got a strong neodymium magnet and drew the screwdriver bit down the mast. It worked a treat and I was able to guide the screwdriver bit through the rubber cable gland at the base. I then tied stronger nylon cord to the twine and pulled that through and lastly tied the cable to the cord and pulled that through.

The workmen and engineers in the yard thought I was crazy at the start but when they saw the job done so quickly they asked where I got the magnets from.

[sgr143]

Wow - that's what I call a Top Tip!

I might need to use it soon, too...

Thanks!

[Gary-Cottam]

I purchased one of these and it seems just the job:

http://www.allproductdesign.co.uk/anchor%20lights.html

[TyroSailor]

That looks good - LEDs, presumably. Three Qs:

• Is it bright? (1M vis)
  Is it waterproof?
  Does it turn itself off at dawn?

[Gary-Cottam]

Hi Tyro,

The light itself at least 1m, but I guess sea state and height play a factor.

The light is waterproof, but obviously not the socket end.

Nope, I am afraid there isn't a photocell.

I keep one on board as a backup, should my main lights fail for any reason.

[TyroSailor]

Might give it a go. If it only draws a fraction of an amp it doesn't much matter if it stays on from dawn till whenever I haul myself out of my pit.