R-31CB Mast Wiring Access

[Jlow49]

I’m in the process of installing a back-up camera on my mast and am looking for guidance on leading the cabling to my chart plotter. I know I’m gonna have to remove some interior panels to get to where the mast cables enter the cabin top, but I want to minimize the “destruction.” Anybody done something like this?

 

[OdyseaII]

I am curious if you completed this wiring project and if so what tips you might pass on to a fellow R31 owner thinking of a similar project.

Thank you

 

[watson1987]

I added a wifi and cellular antenna to the mast on my boat. I reused the existing wiring access hole and bought a new piece of inside plastic to drill out inserts for the new and existing cable runs. From there, I was able to use a snake and route all the cables across the top front of the boat where the storage cubbies were.

I then ran the wires down the A-pillar of the starboard side windshield and followed the CB wire down into the rear electrical cubby behind the dash. I did not need to take down the roof or storage bins, but I can't say it was quick work; it took several hours (or was it days) and lots of "I give up and bringing it to someone to finish." I used both a circular ribbon-style snake tool and a tent-rod style, as well as some plastic pry bars to open the areas up.

Good luck - they don't make it easy.

 

[Jlow49]

I am curious if you completed this wiring project and if so what tips you might pass on to a fellow R31 owner thinking of a similar project.

Thank you

I’d love to claim some cleverness (like Watson1987) but I eventually ran the cabling outside in a number of places and hid it behind hull edging/gutters etc. The cables eventually enter the interior through a thru-hull fitting through the floor outside the helm door.