Hole in deck for multiple cables

webcraft

webcraft

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I have two GPS aerial cables currently feeding through the aft deck to two separate GPS aerials. At the moment the cables seem to pass through some sort of mastic bodge splodge.

One of the aerials is faulty and I am going to replace it. There is also the possibility that in the very near future I will want to run a third cable through the deck for a pushpit-mounted AIS aerial.

What do the team recommend for a neat and leakproof way of running multiple cables through the deck? The initial hole needs to be big enough to get soldered on plugs through, as I would prefer not to have to resolder them. It would also be ideal if the arrangement permitted cables to be changed/added/removed in future with relative ease.

- W
 
webcraft said:
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I have two GPS aerial cables currently feeding through the aft deck to two separate GPS aerials. At the moment the cables seem to pass through some sort of mastic bodge splodge.

One of the aerials is faulty and I am going to replace it. There is also the possibility that in the very near future I will want to run a third cable through the deck for a pushpit-mounted AIS aerial.

What do the team recommend for a neat and leakproof way of running multiple cables through the deck? The initial hole needs to be big enough to get soldered on plugs through, as I would prefer not to have to resolder them. It would also be ideal if the arrangement permitted cables to be changed/added/removed in future with relative ease.

- W
Click to expand...

I have Index Marine glands which do that.

https://www.indexmarine.com/products/waterproof-glands/
 
Paragon said:
Maybe something like this

https://www.saltyjohn.com/product/cabledorade/

or I've used one of these in the past with good results, can fit plugs through fine.

https://www.force4.co.uk/force-4-stainless-steel-swan-neck-cable-outlet.html

There are probably other ones so I look forward to watching any other suggestions :)
Click to expand...

The CableDorade looks brilliant, but is a bit expensive. Might be worth it, but I also need another one for the mast foot to replace the various leaking deck plugs when I rewire the mast. It is hard to see how it works, I gather it is possible to put cables through with connectors on them so the connections can be made below deck??

- W
 
The swan neck is good for mast cabling, but a bit out of place at the pushpit, IMO. The Index marine glands would look better there.
 
In case of confusion, after drilling cable holes of the right diameter in the bung, you cut through to the edge to pop the cable in, connector attached. The split is closed up by clamping down the top. 40mm will take 4 VHF/GPS type cables. 20mm will just about get a VHF connector through the body. Available in grey, black, white, stainless and aluminium variously by Index or Scanstrut.
 
MikeCC said:
In case of confusion, after drilling cable holes of the right diameter in the bung, you cut through to the edge to pop the cable in, connector attached. The split is closed up by clamping down the top. 40mm will take 4 VHF/GPS type cables. 20mm will just about get a VHF connector through the body. Available in grey, black, white, stainless and aluminium variously by Index or Scanstrut.
Click to expand...

Like this one?

http://www.allgadgets.co.uk/marine/pc/Index-Marine-DG40-Deck-Gland-p749.htm

So as well as multiple holes, can you also cut multiple slits in the 40mm to pass more than one co-ax connector through?



- W
 
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Index marine are good and something that I have used over the years with no problem that I'm aware of.
If you size correctly connectors can pass through which keeps them below decks and makes it easier to remove mast etc.
 
Last edited:
Poignard said:
I have Index Marine glands which do that.

https://www.indexmarine.com/products/waterproof-glands/
Click to expand...

I have one of these

cable-glands-d-series.jpg


from that page, which formerly had GPS and radar detector leads and now has GPS and AIS VHF leads. Works nicely, and lots of room to get a plug through.
 
I have a swan neck at the base of each mast. They were easily made using stainless elbows, scraps of stainless for flanges, and short stubs of tube. If they are positioned sensibly, nothing will foul them.
 
I use one of these, in fact I have two, both port and starboard:

https://www.marinescene.co.uk/product/1549/heavy-duty-cable-gland-19mm

Big enough to take an in line plug. I just push in an inch of broom handle with some grease, with cut outs made by a round file to suit the wiring set up of the day - we yotters are always making changes to wiring.
Costs nothing to change and could take 5, or more, cables.

For the mast it's swan neck for me.
 
Lots of deck glands on the market.

Why anybody needs GPS aerials these days is beyond me. All the kit onboard with GPS capability, VHF, AIS, chart plotter and mobile phone all work below decks.
 
Sandy said:
Lots of deck glands on the market.

Why anybody needs GPS aerials these days is beyond me. All the kit onboard with GPS capability, VHF, AIS, chart plotter and mobile phone all work below decks.
Click to expand...

Yup I have 2 hand held . one on the tablet, one on the VHF and a little one that usb plugs into my computer for OPCN
I took the Garmin one of my rail and cut the cable and filled any holes.:D
 
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