SO34.2 anchor light cable

[SY Racer]

By troubleshooting my defective anchor light I found a completely corroded cable (the section between mast and deck). The cable was totally disintegrated, no chance solder a new section, as there was no solid copper in the reachable area any more. I've never seen a wire so completely fouled away before. Some genius used a cable type called "Ölflex", which, in its standard configuration, will quickly deteriorate from UV exposure.  Somebody should have told the yard electrician not to use cable for "normal" industrial use in a marine environment, where UV resistance and tinned wires are essential. 

I'm now in the situation tho replace the cable (standing mast). Does anyone know how the cables are fitted on a SO34.2 (1998)?

BTW: "Ölflex (produced by Lapp Cable) is available as marine grade (tinned wires and UV resistant PUR insulation).


Thx
Carsten

[MickeyB]

Hey,

I am very much interested in this as well, as I have a similar problem with my cable.  Although working, it is on its last legs and will need replacing sooner than later.  I also have to run an additional brand new wire up the mast, so double problematic.

Mike

[SY Racer]

I already ordered new cable and will try to replace the cable.  The sensible part ist the section between mast and deck. If your cable still works, it might be a good idea to protect the sensible area with a black (UV resistant) heat shrinking tube (preferable the tubing with adhesive lining). Fortunately my cable for the steaming light and the fore deck floodlight ist still operational, so I could stabilize it with a heat shrink tube. 

[MickeyB]

The exposed part of the wire (between deck and mast) is my delicate bit as well.  It is so crumbly already that I think any additional fixing will probably break it.

But since I need to pull another wire through anyway, I will just try to do both at once.

Getting the wire in is the next problem, do I pull it through from the top down, or try to pull it up the mast from the base.

I really don't want to take the mast down.  What are you planning on doing?

Mike

[SY Racer]

I'm planning to attach a thin mousing line (2mm Dyneema) to the old cable at the bottom (might be easier than to do this up in the mast) and then pull the old cable from the top. The mousing line should have quite low resistance being pulled up and in turn has a high breaking load (much more than the rotten cable) to pull the new cable from the top to the button. In any case a two-man job to do and presumeable no fun to be expected 
Pulling the new cable from top to button will let gravity help you instead of making it harder.

[SY Racer]

BTW: this is a cable to go with:

www.lapp.com/en/de/oelflex-440-p/p/0012800

it's available in different sizes regarding cross-section and number of wires.

This is a heavy duty  cable for industrial offshore use. If it's good enough for a drilling rig it should be good enough for us