Mast wiring debate

[cdreamIII]

After many hours of cleaning, and repairing items that didn't work or hadn't been maintained properly I am finally looking at splashing my new to me compac 27.

Here is my mental debate....The steaming and anchor lights are not working.  I've ruled out everything else and am 95% sure that the problem is at the connector at the base of the mast (inside).  So do I pay the extra $75-$100 and have the yard unstep the mast when they put it in the water or do I attempt to cut an access hole near the bottom of the mast and put the boat units towards something else?

I'm thinking that a 1 1/2" dia hole about 4 inches up from the base of the mast might work.  Any thoughts?

Bille

[nies]

Bille, pay the money and do it right, from my other life "why is it we never had enough money or time to do it right the first time,but always had the money and time to fix it right the second time?"..........................if you drill hole and not the problem , now you have a unnesscary hole in your mast...Phil

[Bob23]

Billie:
   My thought: Don't drill the hole. Do it right or get it done by someone else who can do it right. I don't like the thought of drilling such a large hole anywhere on the mast. Seems to create a weak spot. Your 27 is worthy of correct repairs. In my exhaustive experience,  Rube Goldberg repairs always come back to haunt you. Don't ask how I know this.
Best, Bob23

[cdreamIII]

Thanks guys.  I'll have the yard lift the mast.  I guess I just needed a sanity check.   I'm getting anxious to get it in the water.  Sold my old boat last weekend, my slip is all paid for and it would really stink if I have to start paying summer yard fees...The season up here is short enough as it is.

Happy Sailing

Bille

[Craig Weis]

WAIT!! No new holes. I too am thinking its the plug-in connectors. Two tiny little screw drivers and pull that plug and wire out the bottom of the stick. Open up the plug, first you'll need to release the wires from the pins, then release the pins from the plugs...it's a matter of clean contacts.

Take the battery charger and once the wires are out individually 'electrify' each wire, + AND - AS CHECK TO SEE IF THE LAMP IS LIT.
This may take a few fancy connectors. I believe I use tiny cotter pin and a needle nose for the check.

When I ran my Davis Anchor light I ran a set of new wires down my mast and out the bottom, with a small 1/4" hole and rubber grommet and in through the top-o-dog house overhead with a 2" double ended screw connector and lots of 3-M 5200 slow set. The new wires down the backside of the compression post, through the lockers under the Vee birth and under the quarter births to the wiring panel. Took two days. Slow but right.

skip.

[cdreamIII]

Thought I'd send a little update since my original post as lots of things have happened in the interim....
  Side Note: CdreamIII is a new to me boat and everything is really new to me...first boat with an inboard motor, first diesel, first roller furler, first pressurized water, first enclosed head, first standing head room, first Bimini, first wheel....
1 week ago ...
1.  Splashed CdreamIII  and had the yard lift the mast so I could replace the connector.  Ended up using trailer connectors - the flat 2 wire style and used 1 for each light on the mast.  They worked out well and when I flipped the switch on the panel everything worked perfectly!
2.  Fired up the old iron jenny and she started right away,  no leaks of any kind any where...yahoo!
3.  Traveled down the river to my slip and managed to get it tied up without removing any gelcoat...I have to admit though that it was a good thing that the guy next to me was not there as I needed both spots.
This past weekend...
1. Installed Main (discoved I'm missing a batten) & Jib on the furler with some help from another sailor at my marina who also has a Furlex furler on his Pearson 36.
2. Spent the night on board with the family and managed to return home with everyone still talking to each other!
3. Went out for a sail.  Started out with just the main, then unfurled the jib.  Winds were about 8-10 knots and we were cruising around 4-5 knots.  Winds started to pick-up later on and after a gust forced me to head up, so  I rolled up the jib 50% from the cockpit ...wow!
4.  Celebrated with a Guinness!

[bmiller]

Sounds like you had a great time and went well. Congrats on the new boat.

[Billy]

congrats! good read and enjoy your new to you boat! Sometimes it may be better to reef the main than to only use 50% of your jib. The Jib loses its shape. Try reducing the jib by about 20% and then reef the main. That should keep the boat more balanced.

[Bob23]

Mucho congrats, Billie:
   Another Guinness man on board! Whoopee! I'm sure your 27 will provide a platform for some great family memories...I have a 23 but if I were to move up, a 27 would be the next logical step.
   Where do you sail, Billie?
Bob23 in NJ

[cdreamIII]

Bob23
I have CdreamIII up on Lake Ontario on the Oak Orchard River which is best known for its fishing.  I plan to eventually cruise the lake which is popular with a lot of sailors around here.  I have a friend that is on vacation for the next 2 weeks and is sailing up to the thousand islands.  For me this is a "get familiar with the new boat" year and I am looking forward to spending as much time as work & family will allow doing just that. 

Work some,  Play some, and Dream Some........

Bille