leading cables with plugs on through the deck - please help

[Burnham Bob]

I'm probably going to have to install a new wind instrument system. As far as I can see they come with a masthead unit and a cable that plugs into the back of the unit. Obviously I can mouse the plug and cable down the mast. But most instructions say do not cut off the plug. So please advise how I get the cable through the desk and then seal the hole? With the vhf aerial I know I can get a connector through the deck with a socket up top and a plug that goes into it from the aerial cable so breaking the cable is no problem.

To get the wind instrument cable through the desk with the plug on will need a bigger hole than the cable itself As far as I can see a gland will still need me to cut off the plug to feed the cable through. So is there a magic solution (or one I simply don't know about like a gland that opens up enough to take the plug then reseals tightly around the cable) or does everyone cut the cables and then join them once through the deck regardless of the instructions.

Once the cable is inside I can lead through the headlining and up to the display on the coach roof.

 

[sailorman]

http://www.indexmarine.co.uk/cable-glands.html

http://www.marinescene.co.uk/category/695/deck-glands

 

[David2452]

It really depends on the system you buy, some have a moulded plug and some come with a field attachable plug so you can use a standard deck gland.

 

[ianj99]

I'm probably going to have to install a new wind instrument system. As far as I can see they come with a masthead unit and a cable that plugs into the back of the unit. Obviously I can mouse the plug and cable down the mast. But most instructions say do not cut off the plug. So please advise how I get the cable through the desk and then seal the hole? With the vhf aerial I know I can get a connector through the deck with a socket up top and a plug that goes into it from the aerial cable so breaking the cable is no problem.

To get the wind instrument cable through the desk with the plug on will need a bigger hole than the cable itself As far as I can see a gland will still need me to cut off the plug to feed the cable through. So is there a magic solution (or one I simply don't know about like a gland that opens up enough to take the plug then reseals tightly around the cable) or does everyone cut the cables and then join them once through the deck regardless of the instructions.

Once the cable is inside I can lead through the headlining and up to the display on the coach roof.

You cut a slit in the rubber of the gland so you can slide the cable into the hole.

 

[Burnham Bob]

thanks - beginning to see the light..........installed the new engine on the old boat myself complete with new controls, fuel lines and filters so I'm not completely hopeless, but some of the simple basic maintenance and installation jobs are new to me and I'm finding just how far my ignorance stretches!

 

[sailorman]

thanks - beginning to see the light..........installed the new engine on the old boat myself complete with new controls, fuel lines and filters so I'm not completely hopeless, but some of the simple basic maintenance and installation jobs are new to me and I'm finding just how far my ignorance stretches!

when i started i swapped the engine every w/e .
from the dinghy to the Silhouette

 

[knuterikt]

Or this

http://www.saltyjohn.co.uk/cableport_boat_product.htm

 

[ianfr]

Or this

http://www.saltyjohn.co.uk/cableport_boat_product.htm

+1 Absolutely simple, waterproof brilliant.

If you are near Tollesbury, PM me to have a look.

Ian

 

[LadyInBed]

You are putting the cart a bit before the horse, first decide on the system and take into account the plug routing issue when you decide.
Then come back with dimensions if you absolutely can't cut the cable.

 

[PetiteFleur]

Index Marine do deck fittings that allow you to put a lead complete with plug. I've done this with my VHF cable with a connector below deck to prevent the corrosion that inevitably happens with the deck mounted VHF plug & Socket. Sehttp://www.indexmarine.co.uk/index.html Lots available on ebay at usually better prices than your usual swindlery.

 

[tillergirl]

Swan neck - that's what you need. See http://www.eastcoastsailing.co.uk/ECS07-low.pdf on Page 24.

 

[Jaguar 25]

I have cut the cable to my NASA wind instrument lead and then soldered the 5 (??) wires back together without any problem.

 

[knuterikt]

Swan neck - that's what you need. See http://www.eastcoastsailing.co.uk/ECS07-low.pdf on Page 24.

The swan neck is good at catching ropes. If you choose to install a swan neck - make sure it is placed where it wont be able to make trouble.

 

[knuterikt]

You are putting the cart a bit before the horse, first decide on the system and take into account the plug routing issue when you decide.
Then come back with dimensions if you absolutely can't cut the cable.

Planning ahead has never been a good idea?
Some of the solutions out there can even take more than one cable. Choosing a solution with all the plugs/splices below deck is good.

 

[Graham_Wright]

So is there a magic solution (or one I simply don't know about like a gland that opens up enough to take the plug then reseals tightly around the cable) or does everyone cut the cables and then join them once through the deck regardless of the instructions.

Yes there is. It's called the FlatGland and, apart from solving your (very common) problem, it avoids tripping over deck plugs and thus wrecking either the plug or your toes (or both).
P.m. me and I'll send you one f.o.c.. Call it a development model and all I ask in return is a report on its efficacy.

 

[nimbusgb]

+1 for a cable port type system.

I made mine from a glassfibre encased base with a food grade stainless cover made from a butter dish. Looks the business and cost a whole £10. ( less than a quality cable gland! )