thru deck electrical connectors

[Ingy]

What do the knowledgeable people on this board use to get electrical connections through the deck?  I have tried the sea dog & Perko pin connectors with no luck as the wires or pins either corrode or come loose.

[Tim]

I take it this has to be able to be unplugged. For 12v DC?  I think most plugged connectors require a certain amount of maintenance.

[CharlieJ]

First- what kind of connector?

For two wire I usually use the Perko fitting, coat the pins with dielectric grease, and the threads with never-seize.

I use that fitting for my solar panel and for the tiller pilot connector.

Doesn't much matter which fitting you use, you have to service it once in a while. Re apply the dielectric grease.. Every few months works for me.

[Ingy]

Sorry, I wasn't more specific.  It's 12 volt to run the anchor and masthead lights on the mast.  I'll try the dielectric grease and see if that helps.  Would soldering the ends of the wire help keep the wires in place?  It seems that the little tiny eyeglass screw that holds the wire in the fitting isn't really big enough to hold more than a strand or two

[CharlieJ]

Yes, tinning the wires helps. As does careful use to the clamp ring most plugs have. I also will pot the top of the wires with a dab of liquid tape it it's in an exposed place.

[Adodero]

I really like what this guy did for his mast wiring (scroll to the bottom):

http://www.triton381.com/projects/restoration/maststepping.htm

We will probably do the same thing when Mariah's mast comes down in the next few weeks. It's simple, clean, and effective.

[CharlieJ]

Yep- Tim did very nice work. He's moved on to other boats, and other projects.

Used to oversee the Plastic Classic board, but has moved on from there too.

http://plasticclassicforum.com/forum/

Now run by CaptK, who runs THIS board.

[kgs113]

Here is what I used.  I have masthead nav light/anchor light and a steaming/deck light.  I used a 3 pin plug for one and 4 pin for the other that way they don't get mixed up when the stick goes up in the spring. 

http://www.downwindmarine.com/Hella-Plugs-amp-Sockets-Chrome-Plated-Brass-Water-Resistant-p-91001846.html