Running cables through mast

[Norwegian Blue]

Noob owner of ‘84 e30+, getting ready to step mast for the first time. And pondering replacing the VHF coaxial cable in the mast and the boat. I was not present for the unstepping last fall, but it appears the coax coupling was cut off to allow the cable to be pulled through. Is there a way to considerably enlarge the foramen magnum so the coupling can pass through, and not have to be cut and resoldered each year?

 

[frick]

You can put in a Male / Female "bnc" Connector at the inside near the base of the mast - it waterproof connector.

 

[garryh]

or use a cable gland

 

[garryh]

an example of a cable gland. You can leave the connector end on and it is always inside the cabin

 

[Norwegian Blue]

The channel through the plate is almost .75” ID, and the BNC’s OD is .57“, so it should fit through—yay! But is it electronically compatible? Why do websites say to use a bulky PL259 connector?

 

[bigd14]

Maybe you could have the VHF connector located inside the mast? It would be subject to corrosion I guess. The stock hole is a tight fit with the other mast wires and pulling them all through is difficult. The hole is kind of angled aft and enlarging it Is also difficult with the compression post underneath in the way. Maybe a hole saw would work. I reamed mine out with a large drill bit but I should have made it a bit bigger and that was without the VHF connectorTest to make sure all wires pass through easily before stepping the mast. When the mast is hanging over the boat you don’t want to be spending extra time fighting the wires through like I did... Also if you go straight through the cabin top consider installing a standpipe to prevent water from getting in and rotting the compression post. Good luck.