CRAZY CRAZY warm weather. It hit 72 degrees the other day and it's DECEMBER! With moderate temperatures seducing me, I decided to tackle running the new wires and coax for the VHS-DSC radio from the mast boot through the deck and inside the compression post. The OEM connector had only a 4 prong connector (Figure 167) and I needed a 5 prong connector to support the new LED anchor light and LED combo steamer spreader light. I took some time to determine whether I wanted to array more capabilities at the top of the mast, like an anemometer or wi-fi antennae. I shot both of them down. However, that same thought process concluded in a brilliantly inexpensive idea for the 5 prong connector - a standard trailer harness with male and female connector. They cost between $12-14 as a kit for both, have 18 guage wire and are built for rugged weather use. The female end comes with a two foot trailer of multi-color wires that will easily support the amperage requirements of the LED lights and allow that length of wire to traverse through the deck (Figure 168) to the inner harness.
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| Figure 167 - 4 Prong OEM Plug |
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| Figure 168 - Mast Wires Through Deck |
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| Figure 169 - Ingenuity at its best |
I bought a Blue Sea 30 ampere AC/DC 6 circuit terminal block to connect the five wires in Figure 168 to the wiring run from the DC panel. I was able to buy the exact same color wire (but 16AWG) from Best Boat Wire.com for a 25 foot roll at $3.50 a roll (Figure 170). I will work some wood to provide easy access and have it look good at the same time.
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| Figure 170 - Matching colors of 16 AWG |
