Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length.

[John W E]

Hi there all

This is one method I have used for producing a mast to enable me to run mast lights; basically, you require:-)

One piece of 1/64 thickness plywood 2-3 inches longer than the length of mast you require and about 1/16 wider than the thickness of the mast;

Two pieces of softwood, half the thickness of your mast 2 inches longer than your mast

Some bell wire with the insulation stripped off; this again must be 3-4 inches longer than your mast

First procedure

If you wish to have 2 mast lights; you will need 2 pieces of bellwire soldered on at right-angles to your long length of bell wire the same distance apart as your mast lights on both bits of bell wire

Second procedure

Glue one of the pre-made copper wire assemblies to one side of the 1/64 plywood.  Glue the other copper wire assembly on the opposite side of the plywood.

Third procedure

Now glue the softwood on top of the 1/64 plywood so it covers the copper wire.  This is done on both side, so in actual fact you have made a 'sandwich' up.   So, you should have softwood, copper wire, 1/64 ply, copper wire and softwood.   Set this aside to dry for at least 24 hours.

When dry, take off the corners of the mast assembly with sandpaper.   Place in a drill, (I use a bench drill with the use of sandpaper) to produce the round long tapered mast.

You should be left with the two copper wires poking out of the bottom of the mast    Also, where you want your lamps, there should be the copper wires protruding out of the mast there. 

You will see below a sketchy scribble I have done, hope this is of some help.

aye
john e
bluebird

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

I typically insert the mast into a grounded brass tube. Then run one or two wires up the outside as "conduit"
I currently have only run two circuits up the mast, but could run three for longer tows...( a third tow light) or  maybe radar motors...

A Tito Neri Mast
1. Lighting test
2. mast socket, and plug for two hot leads
3. Door
4. Switches behind door for main power, running lights, Tow lights, and flood and spot lights.
5. Mostly lit...

[John W E]

 Umi you beat me, I meant to post a picture straight after my posting - so, if Martin would be so kind maybe he can put this picture between the postings.

It shows the mast on the Seaforth Conqueror, made by the method described in my posting.

aye
john

[sinjon]

I did a replacement mast for a Yorkshireman using brass tube from Squires. The original on the boat was tapered, although FLJ said it shouldn't have been (and he should know)
Each brass tube O/D is the same as the next size up I/D, so you can get a nice taper, I needed three lights on the mast, loads of space, and of course one wire to the bulb, and solder the other to the tube (no return wire) just connect the mast base back into the circuit ( FLJ)

Colin

[cos918]

hi yer did the same as Colin for the front mast on my smit rotherdam. John that suggestion with the wood sounds good  will have to bare that one in mind for futher builds. john