Installing Cable glad at mast base

[picardy]

I currently have the mast electrical cables routed through a hole in the mast step and into the cabin. It has caused me no end of trouble with leaks and have now removed the mast to try and sort the problem. In summary the cable hose was too short and the cables are not long enough for a proper hose to be installed so I will now route the cable out the bottom of the mast and through a deck gland.

I plan to use the Scanstrut Deck seal multi and may need 2 of them.

www.scanstrut.com/gallery/index.php...ElectronicsBrand=&cboProduct=10039&results=12

My question is that in order to do this I will need to drill 7 holes for the 7 cables.

Is there any risk that in doing so I will weaken the structure of the hull around the mast or am I worrying unnecessarily. Max hole diameter will be 10mm

Thanks in advance.

 

[Tranona]

Normal to drill just one hole per gland through the deck. Seal the exposed edge with epoxy.

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

For 7 cables you would be better off using multis like this.
http://marinestore.co.uk/Index_Marine_Deck_Gland_Dr1.html

One hole per cable, but several cables in one gland.

 

[NB Willawaw]

Whether you drill 7 holes close together or cut one long slot, the effect on deck integrity will be similar. Just be careful when you make the holes to have the least effect on structure.

 

[simonfraser]

I would extend all the cables using solder and water proof heat shrink well inside the cabin.
Install a taller cable hose, possibly tape up the end too.
Glands / connectors are a pia imo.

 

[gasdave]

Or use one of these...

A Cableport. This allows me to duct all of my mast cables easily through the deck via one hole. They are led to a sealed junction box just inside the saloon where they can be separated to facilitate mast removal. The Cableport was installed two years ago and has never leaked. It is also sturdy enough to be stood on, although as you can see in the pic, this would hardly be necessary!

 

[johnalison]

If you have multiple cables, a swan-neck is another solution, depending on how much space you have.

 

[nimbusgb]

The cable port / swan neck is definitely the way to go.

 

[BERT T]

+1 for the cable port if you have 7 cables, even if it means extending them.

 

[Talulah]

I had a plate made up to mount Scanstrut seals.

 

[ianfr]

Or use one of these...

A Cableport. This allows me to duct all of my mast cables easily through the deck via one hole. They are led to a sealed junction box just inside the saloon where they can be separated to facilitate mast removal. The Cableport was installed two years ago and has never leaked. It is also sturdy enough to be stood on, although as you can see in the pic, this would hardly be necessary!

I have one of these. One hole waterproof, strong and easy to access. 100% recommended.

Available form Salty John, (no connection apart from satisfied customer)

Regards

Ian