Cable connectors at sea

[BabaYaga]

Didn't notice the plug and socket version at the bottom of that page. Yes, similar but not identical, as far as I can judge from pictures. Handy not having screw and unscrew the wires.

 

[Hydrozoan]

The OP's choice so far seems to be between a multiway plug like the Buccaneer (which is rated to IP68) and a plug and socket type connector strip which is not waterproof, but has better corrosion resistance than standard chocstrip.

I have not personally used them, but these automotive/marine connectors seem to offer a potentially very neat solution, with waterproofing to IP67, given that only very occasional disconnection (annual) is required. They come in various unit sizes up to 6-way, each way being rated at 14A. Two 6-ways would meet the OP's present needs with capacity to spare. http://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/superseal-waterproof-connector-pair-6-way-1-5-series.html

 

[prv]

I have not personally used them, but these automotive/marine connectors seem to offer a potentially very neat solution, with waterproofing to IP67, given that only very occasional disconnection (annual) is required. They come in various unit sizes up to 6-way, each way being rated at 14A. Two 6-ways would meet the OP's present needs with capacity to spare. http://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/superseal-waterproof-connector-pair-6-way-1-5-series.html

I've used a couple of them for the miscellaneous wiring to my VHF. It came with plugs for the power, the aerial, and the remote, but the three NMEA channels and the hailer and speaker connections were plain wires. I didn't want to have it permanently attached to the boat (I generally solder most wiring connections) so I used SuperSeals to allow these connections to unplug as well.

The plugs are slightly fiddly to assemble (but not to the extent of being a problem) and they feel good in use. The waterproofing of the mating joint is very convincing, but the sealing of the wires into the back of the plug less so. I wrap this part of mine with looming tape (a bit like PVC electrical tape except it doesn't go gooey and fall apart after a few years) and the result looks quite professional.

I'm going to use them on my mast wiring too this winter (the joints are below deck).

Pete

 

[nigelmercier]

... I wrap this part of mine with looming tape (a bit like PVC electrical tape except it doesn't go gooey and fall apart after a few years) and the result looks quite professional...

AKA Self Amalgamating Tape. Like the stuff they sell at the Boat Show, but 1/4 the price.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0034PM9MK/dolcetto-21

 

[Hydrozoan]

The plugs are slightly fiddly to assemble (but not to the extent of being a problem) and they feel good in use. Pete

Thanks for that information, Pete. They looked a little fiddly to put together, so it's good to know that isn't a problem as they seemed very neat.

 

[prv]

AKA Self Amalgamating Tape.

Nope, not self-amalgamating. That would certainly enhance the waterproofing, and be a good idea for plugs used outside, but mine are behind the chart table so hopefully dry.

I just wanted to prevent the situation you get with old PVC tape where after many years in place the glue seems to go all gooey and lose most of its adhesion, the whole joint then becoming a bit slimy and easy to pull apart. The looming tape is as used for the wiring behind my car's dashboard, and after fifteen years it's still just as clean and tight as when it left the factory. It has a textured, fabric-like appearance which looks smarter than the usual bodgy wraps of PVC too. I decided if it was good enough for Volkswagen it was good enough for me.

Pete