I need an Electrical, Water Tight, 4 or 5 pin plug in Please

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 5:03 pm

Hi All,

Chrysler Brain Trust, I need your help!

I have looked the internet over, and even a couple of boating goods stores. I can not find a new Single electrical plug/water tight/though hull plug for 4 or 5 wires.

I am re-wiring my mast. New wires new LED lights. Now I need the plug. Being a Trailer Sailor my mast must come down. this means I have to disconnect the wires from the mast through the deck/hull and it must be water tight.

Now I find the classic Perco 2 wire though hull plug. That's what I have now. I want one single plug to carry 5 wires through the hull in a water tight plug that I can un-plug and re-plug in with then mast down and then up.

Now I could live with a 4 wire/pin system but I can't find only Hella Marine which make the prices at West Marine seem like Wal-Mart.

Who's got something better out there for me to try

I'm so close to being done with the electrical I can taste it.

Thanks
Alan

lecker68 · Post by **lecker68** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 5:11 pm

Alan here is 2 or 4 pin designed for the purpose you are lokking for.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sNum=10615

trev · Post by **trev** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 5:39 pm

I used the 4 pin in Lyle's post. I thought the price had to be wrong so I called before going to West Marine, thats the right price and it is very high quality. What all are you running up the mast that you need a 5 pin plug?

TravisJ · Post by **TravisJ** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 8:47 am

lecker68 wrote:Alan here is 2 or 4 pin designed for the purpose you are lokking for.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sNum=10615

I just installed this same connector, the 4 pin model, on my boat a couple of months ago.

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 9:14 am

trev wrote:I used the 4 pin in Lyle's post. I thought the price had to be wrong so I called before going to West Marine, thats the right price and it is very high quality. What all are you running up the mast that you need a 5 pin plug?

Hmm, I would venture a guess . .
Anchor light, Steaming light, Deck light, ground wire and 1 spare?

Just guessing . . . .

Scott

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 12:14 pm

I am running a new never had one before anchor light LED, 2 wires. I have a new combo Steamer Deck light that needs 3 wires. It has 1 shared positive wire for the Steamer and Deck light. They each have there own single return negative return wire which allows me run each of the 3 lights alone or in any combination or all 3 at the same time.

I suspect I would not be running the deck light too long at any point as it is a halogen light. The anchor LED and Steamer LED could run all night and leave me with power in the battery I think.

Now if I do the 4 wire plug then it will be 1 positive wire for all 3 lights and each have there own single negative return negative wire. Or should that be the other way around? Three Positive wires and one Negative return wire

Thanks for the Deck connectors advise.

Thanks
Alan

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 12:19 pm

Yup that 4 pin plug will work perfectly and at 1/4 the price I was looking at.

Thank you very much!

Thanks
Alan

trev · Post by **trev** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 12:36 pm

Got ya. I just ran a separate switched positive to each light (LED anchor, and LED steaming/halogen deck light combo) all running on a common ground.

mariner · Post by **mariner** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 6:28 pm

Alan, check this out,

http://newboatbuilders.com/pages/elect.html

I'm doing the same but still have not decided on a plug, my issue is what to cover the wires with once they exit the mast for a professional appearance... Any thoughts on this ?

http://www.hellamarine.com/?a=3&t=3&Vie ... 30&pcid=46

http://www.aquasignal.info/aquasignal_u ... pdf?id=191

This one looks like it could be nice...

This could be useful for coax? I still have not found what I'm going to do with the VHF...
http://www.scanstrut.com/products/produ ... KgodgzIcmw

mariner · Post by **mariner** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 11:45 am

Alan,
To take this one step further, what did you do for the steaming/deck light ? I'm not finding any that I like and that don't look like crap or cost an arm and a leg. I'm thinking of buying parts and making my own. (I dont like the "plastic wrap around approach that the few manufacturers that make this sort of thing have taken and dont want to drill a ton of new holes in the mast) Any insight? thoughts would be appreciated.
thanks

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 6:05 pm

mariner wrote:Alan,
To take this one step further, what did you do for the steaming/deck light ? I'm not finding any that I like and that don't look like crap or cost an arm and a leg. I'm thinking of buying parts and making my own. (I dont like the "plastic wrap around approach that the few manufacturers that make this sort of thing have taken and dont want to drill a ton of new holes in the mast) Any insight? thoughts would be appreciated.
thanks

Hi Mariner,

This is the hardware I purchased...

I paid $54.74 for the "Aqua Signal 25 Masthead Deck 12V/10W Light ASL-234047". I also got an LED anchor light at the same time "Hella Masthead/All Round 4" Light HLL-995003001" which is USCG approved for vessels up to 65 foot, for $23.87. I bought these back in September 2010 from JMS Online Marine Supply, www.jmsonline.net.

Now the LED Anchor light I am very happy with.

The Aqua Signal 25 Masthead Deck 12V/10W Light ASL-234047, I'm not as happy with that one. It is the Black Nylon wrap around, combo light. I don't mind that part. This Deck light part of the unit has no lens or cover. It is a bare Hologen bulb, with no cover at all. I'm not happy with that. I did not know it till I opened the package so I could not return it. I will be installing it.

I will keep the old OEM Steamer light in a box till the New Combo Steamer/Deck Light proves itself worthy.

Thanks
Alan

mariner · Post by **mariner** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 1:55 am

Alan, at what height are you going to install the combo? I just got a new old stock combo deck and steaming light from forespar, it's a aluminum housing - I'll post picks when it arrives. Seams like reading other posts most people are not really impressed with the quality of the combo lights on the market, some are just making up their own or modifying whats out there.... My big conundrum is how I'll wire this thing in the middle of the mast... I'm not to keen on making a bunch of big holes....

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Fri Apr 29, 2011 8:06 pm

Hi Mariner,

I am going to cover the old hole for the old steamer light which is about 2 foot from the top of the mast.

I just picked up my 4 pin water tight plug today for only $12 and I am very happy with the plug. I am planning on installing it and the light this weekend if all goes well. I will measure and post the data hear by Sunday night if all goes well.

4 Pin Electrical Connector, Deck Mount from "Seadog Line"
http://www.sea-dog.com/search/10121
Part Number 426234-1

Who new, Seadog Line is based about 10 miles from my house and the local Marine supply store carried it in stock. Happy Day!

Thanks
Alan

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Sun May 01, 2011 3:55 pm

Hi Mariner,

I got that measurement for you for the steamer light. The center of the steamer light and the hole for the wires to it is 13" from the top of the mast, not the pulleys and cap where all our lines and standing rigging attach. I measured right from the end of the Aluminum Mast Extrusion, right from the seem where the cap seats.

I also completed the new 4 pin deck plug for the mast today and wire it all in place. All I have left to do is pull the new wires through the mast and mount the lights. I'll put that in another post in the near future. I'm betting I have about 2 hours work or less left to compete my mast re-wiring.

I am a very happy camper today getting this done.

Here's a photo of the finished installation. I left in the old 2 pin connector seen above. I already had the second hole that the coax used but was all corroded out, now removed with the new plug in it's place.

Before the install with the old nasty coax plug from days gone by.

Thanks
Alan

Bhacurly · Post by **Bhacurly** » Mon May 02, 2011 8:46 am

Hey,

Again,,, if your replacing your wiring,,, I put 8"-10" zip ties on the wires spaced every 18" or so and left the "tails" on them... it has done well keeping the wires from slapping internally and makes for a quiet mast...

lecker68 · Post by **lecker68** » Mon May 02, 2011 11:07 am

I would look for 16/4SJ wire and if you cant find that 16/3 with a ground wire outside it taped to it or you can use plastic wire tubing called convolute tubing split down the side to put wires in.

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Mon May 02, 2011 2:00 pm

Got it, 16/4SJ wire or 16/3 with a ground wire outside.

I remember the Zip tie trick. The current old wiring rings like a bell in my mast when the boat rocks. Very annoying and I'm looking foreword to that noise being gone for ever. The sound interferes with my cable sound humming through the boat like a big single string base fiddle, playing one very long note.

No seriously thanks for the tips. I will use them. I hope to have the mast done this week.

I am having trouble getting the top of the mast off. The screws are locked down tight! Any thoughts, tips or ideas to loosen these without damaging stuff?

Thanks
Alan

lecker68 · Post by **lecker68** » Mon May 02, 2011 4:40 pm

I would not take the top of mast off I would use Mason twine available at HD fasten to wiring and pull wiring out while someone guides twine and pull new in in reverse. Also 16/3 has black, white and green.

tgentry · Post by **tgentry** » Fri May 06, 2011 6:06 am

I'm actually using a trailer hitch plug. It's fully potted and watertight plus it has a spring loaded flap with gasket for when it's not plugged in. When the plug is in place it the flap has a tab that locks the plug in. It's a bulkhead mount, so a bit of sealant and four screws took care of it.

I don't recall the brand, but I got it at Walmart for something like $15. I'll try to get pictures this weekend. Oh and it has 6 pins.

mcrandall · Post by **mcrandall** » Fri May 06, 2011 6:10 am

Interesting, Tom! Look forward to seeing it!

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Fri May 06, 2011 3:42 pm

To run my wires I just tipped the mast against the house so it had a good angle and used a couple fishing weights on a string lowered down from the masthead. I could easily fish them out the opening at the bottom of the mast and then used the string to pull the wires. It's not like you will be pulling a lot of weight, and you can lay the mast horizontally while pulling the wire so you don't need a very stout string to pull this off (or in, as the case may be). After pulling everything out the masthead I ran a stiff wire from the deck light/mast light position out the masthead as well. A jumper was connected for the common ground and it, along with the hot wires for the masthead and foredeck light were pulled back in to their location. Then the soldering commenced!

mariner · Post by **mariner** » Fri May 06, 2011 3:58 pm

Paul wrote:To run my wires I just tipped the mast against the house so it had a good angle and used a couple fishing weights on a string lowered down from the masthead. I could easily fish them out the opening at the bottom of the mast and then used the string to pull the wires. It's not like you will be pulling a lot of weight, and you can lay the mast horizontally while pulling the wire so you don't need a very stout string to pull this off (or in, as the case may be). After pulling everything out the masthead I ran a stiff wire from the deck light/mast light position out the masthead as well. A jumper was connected for the common ground and it, along with the hot wires for the masthead and foredeck light were pulled back in to their location. Then the soldering commenced!

When you say "jumper" is that like a "T" connection? Also has anyone placed their steaming light in the area near the spreaders? ( that's where I'm planning to place it). Thoughts comments, sketches appreciated.

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Fri May 06, 2011 8:00 pm

Yes, my steaming/foredeck light is where the OEM light was, near the spreaders. The grounding tee I referred came about because the steaming/foredeck lights each need a ground. They are joined with a ground wire that goes to the mast head. At the mast head there is a Windex light with a ground wire. Someday there will be a masthead light as well that will need grounding. The ground wire from the steaming/foredeck lights is connected at the masthead with the Windex ground wire and the wire that runs all the way down the mast to the 4 pin connector.

mariner · Post by **mariner** » Sat May 07, 2011 2:32 am

Something makes me think that the "OEM" steaming lights if there was such a thing were dealer installed as they appear to be installed in different locations on everyone's mast. My light is a few inches from the top of the mast. If I install in that location, I fear that the deck light will be ineffective. I will hook up the lights at home at night and see how far the light spread is...

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Sat May 07, 2011 8:33 am

Point of clearification: I said I ran a stiff wire from the spreader location to the masthead. This wire was only for the purpose of pulling the ground & two lead wires up to the masthead to join the bundle that runs down the mast. Sorry for any misunderstandings.

lecker68 · Post by **lecker68** » Sat May 07, 2011 3:12 pm

My masthead light/anchor light also lights my windex and it was a stern light I bought at Wal Mart. cut the tube 4" from light and kept wires full length to wire in.

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Sun May 08, 2011 10:40 am

mariner wrote:Something makes me think that the "OEM" steaming lights if there was such a thing were dealer installed as they appear to be installed in different locations on everyone's mast. My light is a few inches from the top of the mast. If I install in that location, I fear that the deck light will be ineffective. I will hook up the lights at home at night and see how far the light spread is...

Mariner,

I've been thinking about your steamer light at the Spreader level of the mast. I understand closer to the deck makes a more effective deck light which was making me think that was a good idea. Then it hit me that this is a very bad idea because of the posting under the "New electrical panel".

You use the White Steamer light when you are under sail at night not while motoring. If I were to put the combo Steamer/Deck light at the spreader/cross tree level of the mast, my jib would be in the way of my White Steam light and it would not be visible for the required 2 Nautical Miles.

We must place the steamer light at a level above the spreader/cross tree level of the mast or else you Steamer light is not properly visible. Don't lower your light sir. I was getting set to drill those lower holes when I got one of those blinding flashes of the obvious.

They are real clear when you know about them and not so clear when you don't those blinding flashes of the obvious.

Again the Chrysler Brain Trust comes to my rescue before I get myself into trouble. Thank you one and all. Keep up the good work!

Thanks
Alan

mcrandall · Post by **mcrandall** » Sun May 08, 2011 10:47 am

Steaming is under power. That correction made, you still could have your sails up, blocking the view of the steamer light.

Mariner- Did you do the test yet?

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Sun May 08, 2011 10:51 am

mcrandall wrote:Steaming is under power. That correction made, you still could have your sails up, blocking the view of the steamer light.

Mariner- Did you do the test yet?

Mcrandall,

So I'm okay to lower my Steamer light below visible level blocked by the sail

Thanks
Alan

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Sun May 08, 2011 10:55 am

Okay I got it now.

Under Steam (motor), use the Steamer light, Under sail not steaming, no steamer light. Nice!

Thanks
Alan