Wiring Mast Lights

[grady]

What did you use 9 connectors for? Whatcha got up there?

Mast running lights
Anchor light
Mast head light
Spreader lights
Ground
Wind indicator takes up the last 4 pins.

What are the 'mast running lights'? The masthead is the 'steaming' light, and the anchor light is self-explanatory. Are you using a tri-color at the top when sailing after sundown?

I have a red/green on the fwd part of the mast 3/4 of the way above the headstay. The anchor light has been modified to only shine aft when the mast red/green is on. I put the mast running light on because with my bowsprit and asym spin will cover up the lower runnning lights.

[Tomfoolery]

OIC.

[Jonair222]

Just wanted to make a note. My masthead wires make an stupid slapping noise inside my mast. I only just figured this out as i thought it was mainsheet and jib lines flapping along exterior but nope, inside mast. I had thought of ramming a few of those kids pool noodles in there or something. maybe someone has a better idea. just a thought
Braxon

[Spector]

Just wanted to make a note. My masthead wires make an stupid slapping noise inside my mast. I only just figured this out as i thought it was mainsheet and jib lines flapping along exterior but nope, inside mast. I had thought of ramming a few of those kids pool noodles in there or something. maybe someone has a better idea. just a thought
Braxon

When I re-did my mast wires I put a zip tie on the wires every few feet and left the tail on them. it has worked well to stop the slap

[Russ]

When I re-did my mast wires I put a zip tie on the wires every few feet and left the tail on them. it has worked well to stop the slap

This is a good way to keep the wires "suspended" so they don't bounce around. The pool noodle will work if you can slide it down the offending wires.

You could also fill the mast with Styrofoam packing peanuts. Just be sure to use real Styrofoam peanuts and not those corn starch peanuts that melt when wet.

--Russ

[Sumner]

Just wanted to make a note. My masthead wires make an stupid slapping noise inside my mast. I only just figured this out as i thought it was mainsheet and jib lines flapping along exterior but nope, inside mast. I had thought of ramming a few of those kids pool noodles in there or something. maybe someone has a better idea. just a thought
Braxon

I had...



...some dry-fast foam left over from the cockpit cushions....



...so used it...



... and it has worked great...

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner ... de-41.html

Sumner

============================
1300 miles to the Bahamas and back -- 2015

The MacGregor 26-S

The Endeavour 37

Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links

[Russ]

I had...

That is similar to what we did years ago with a boat. It does work well. Good use of scrap foam.
We pulled blocks of V shaped blocks of foam up the mast that pinched the wires against the inside.

[ULLR]

I have had the same problem with mast wiring making a tinging noise when docked in rough weather. No matter how well I tied up the halyards it went on through the night...finally realized it was inside the mast, pulled the wire tight and it almost went away. Didn't sleep more than 15 mins straight that night so needless to say it is on my winter repair list. I had kind of envisioned adding some sort of foam disks around the wire so good to see the pics.

[Highlander]

U know all those little sponges r gonna suck-up all ur electrical power off these wires right !!

J

[Sumner]

U know all those little sponges r gonna suck-up all ur electrical power off these wires right !!

J

I guess that explains why my anchor light was dimmer after installing the foam

Sumner

============================
1300 miles to the Bahamas and back -- 2015

The MacGregor 26-S

The Endeavour 37

Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links

[ULLR]

I finally fixed the ringing noise in the mast. Tied a rope to one end of the wiring and then pulled the wire out of the mast from the other end. I then attached tie straps every foot leaving the tails on....once complete pulled wire back through using rope. Just like magic....tinging noise gone and can sleep soundly! Thanks for the tips.

[sailboatmike]

Ahhh Halyard clanking the bane of my life, not only on my boat but on those around me.

My partner finds it soothing, on the other hand I find it like nails on a blackboard.

BUT here is the rub, she cant sleep with any noise in the house, but halyard clanking soothes her to sleep, me on the other hand cant sleep without the TV on, but one clank from a Halyard and Im wide awake, go figure that

[Catigale]

I finally fixed the ringing noise in the mast. Tied a rope to one end of the wiring and then pulled the wire out of the mast from the other end. I then attached tie straps every foot leaving the tails on....once complete pulled wire back through using rope. Just like magic....tinging noise gone and can sleep soundly! Thanks for the tips.

Leaving the ends of the zip ties on is important for this trick.