rewiring mast head light

[rszobel]

The wire for my mast head light broke right where it comes out of the bottom of the mast (26X 2001). I want to rewire it, but am concerned about getting the new wire through the mast. I am wondering this -- the original wire is old and doesn't look to be in great shape. I was planning on using it to pull the new wires through the mast. wondering if this is a good idea or if anyone has a better way to get the new wires from base up to the light?? I have heard some say that the mast is full of foam making it diffiuclt to run wires through. I have not looked nor have i tried.

[Tomfoolery]

I have heard some say that the mast is full of foam making it diffiuclt to run wires through. I have not looked nor have i tried.

There is no foam in an mast, just the boats. You'll have no trouble pulling wire through half the height of the mast, but of course, it'll be easier with the mast down.

[rsvpasap]

Very helpful tool.

https://www.google.com/search?q=fish+tape

[rszobel]

mast is down and ready to pull the wires. i do have a fish tape as well should the wires break as i pull the new ones. thanks all.

[Tomfoolery]

I pulled a new cable all the way through for an anchor light, with a detour at the masthead light. I added a diode at the masthead light and at the anchor light so I can just switch polarity with a toggle switch to go between anchor and steaming lights, but using only one switch on the DC panel.

[Demos]

When I did mine, I prebuilt a wiring harness(with good quality marine grade wire) so I could have led masthead, Steaming, and a spotlight on my foredeck as well as rig a masthead UHF antenna. I replace the standard Macgregor plastic switch plate in the boat and made a new one out of a 4" wide piece of wood (walnut I think) that I got at home depot that and stained/varnished it and it came out looking nice. I've had other boats in the past that had lots of Teak and while it's beautiful when its all newly oiled or varnished, I've become a fan of the no wood/low maintenance approach on the outside. Pulling the wire wasn't hard, but do it with the mast down. Take off the mast cap and I used a wire snake to pull wire. Ran a string from the mast midpoint (steaming/deck light) to the base first, then ran the snake from the top so I could pull the wiring harness all at the same time I also built a plate out of an old cutting board to move my windex out of the way of the UHF antenna.

At some point, plan on redoing the black plastic covers for the inside mast support pole, but not today. I know it's somewhat overkill, but I also ran 12v accessory plug (cigarette lighter plug/ USB charging ports) and an extra switch for possible other options (led lights around the rub rail, docking headlights, disco ball,...). I didn't have a good drill press when I made it, so got a few holes slightly out of alignment, so will need to redo it at some point.

I've also rewired my entire boat with new panels, led lights (some red/white), installed fans, shore power, dual batteries, underwater lights, bilge pumps, battery meters, GPS/Plotter/FishFinder added compass with light switches, new radios/speakers, UHF Radio, and lots of other stuff in the electrical area.

In the middle of adding a horn and contemplating some low-level deck lights around the steering console/stern area to give me low impact visibility. My wife wonders about all the packages that show up from time to time but figures its a harmless stress outlet I'll post pictures later along with my current project which is overhauling the stern seat and now adding cup holders and fold up a cutting board.

[Goatman]

I recently replaced my wires in my M26S and tried to use the old wire but it pulled off somewhere inside so I ended up using the back-stay to fish a wire through along with an extra one for future use. (Antenna cable etc.)

Mitch