Mast electrics lifehack 1: Everything connected in one go
Steamer light, deck spotlight, top light, wind sensor and aerial. All the equipment on the mast needs to be supplied with a power or data connection, which adds up to a lot. Especially in spring and autumn, when the mast is to be erected or laid, all these cables have to be connected or disconnected individually. At the start of the season, it is important to have good markings in place or to provide each cable with a unique plug so that nothing gets mixed up. No cable should be forgotten when laying the mast, otherwise there is a risk of damage. We have installed a 13-pin car trailer plug under the deck of our through-hull mast. All cable connections can now be made or disconnected with a flick of the wrist. There is also no risk of confusion. Only during installation is it necessary to be very focussed when making the connections. The system has proven itself to be robust and inexpensive.
Marco Gettel, Markranstädt
Mast electrics lifehack 2:Through the ceiling- Build your own gooseneck
Two square rectangular profiles serve as the basis for our self-made gooseneck, the smaller one with an edge length of four centimetres and the larger one with six. Both are ten centimetres long. The smaller profile was welded onto a base plate. The upper end of the larger profile was closed with a suitable piece of stainless steel sheet. We then placed the larger profile, the cover, on the base, leaving a two-centimetre gap for the cables.
Andrej Hudovernik, Ljubljana
Mast electrics lifehack 3:Stropp instead of swan neck
The deck bushings for the cables of the wind measuring system and position lights are located in front of the mast base. The foresheet rubbed against them during manoeuvres, so we decided to install a gooseneck to protect the cables from the increased wear. However, the sheet got caught on it and we had to put it back. A short, tightly tensioned wire strop now acts as a deflector. It is hooked into specially attached fittings on deck and on the mast. This protects the cables, and tacking is possible without wobbling or damage to the cable.
Werner Wölkhart, Köflach (Austria)
Mast electrics lifehack 4:Pole electrics well protected by spiral hose
The mast cables are relatively unprotected between the outlet and the socket at the base of the mast. UV radiation in particular causes them to become brittle and, in the worst case, the entire cable has to be replaced. This can be remedied with a spiral hose from a computer retailer. This is pulled over the cable and protects the plastic surface from UV radiation. Of course, it itself is affected in the process. However, if the hose becomes brittle, it can be replaced easily and inexpensively.
Carsten Dubois, Elchingen
Do you have any advice for other sailors?
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