A cable passage designed for boating
On board a boat, every cable that has to go from the deck to the inside of the hull raises the same question: how to cross the structure cleanly, without damaging the sheath or leaving a badly finished hole? This Wattstunde deck cable gland answers with a small stainless steel plate. It is meant to frame the hole through which a cable, for instance one from a flexible solar panel laid on the cabin top, reaches the technical compartment.
Where to fit it
The product suits the boater who equips his or her own sailboat just as well as the yard or marine electrician who revises several installations.
- Deck crossing for a solar panel cable.
- Passage of an aerial or lighting cable through a bulkhead.
- Replacement of an old or corroded plate.
The manufacturer does not state the cable diameter accepted or the hull type that is compatible: take your measurements and read the instructions before drilling.
What the construction reveals
The part is made of stainless steel, a metal commonly chosen for deck hardware because it copes better with damp and salty air than ordinary steel. Its dimensions, 40 x 44 x 12 mm, point to a flat profile: barely 12 mm high, which limits the risk of catching a sheet or clothing. Screws are not included, so plan fasteners suited to the material of your deck, preferably stainless as well.
A word on mixing metals
Combining different metals in a damp setting can speed up the corrosion of one of them. Choose screws whose nature is consistent with the plate and with the support.
Fitting steps
- Mark the position on a flat area, away from walkways.
- Check what lies behind the surface: frames, pipes, existing cables.
- Drill to the diameter given in the instructions.
- Apply a marine sealant suited to your support, then fix the plate.
- Leave the cable a drip loop before the entry.
For any link to the boat’s circuit, contact a marine electrician.
Data sheet
- Brand: Wattstunde
- Dimensions: 40 x 44 x 12 mm, without screws
- Material: stainless steel
- Use: boats
Safety guidance
Before drilling a sandwich deck, check the nature of the core: water seeping into a badly sealed hole can cause lasting damage. Cut power sources before touching an onboard cable and protect the sheath from sharp edges. As no watertightness rating is given for the part itself, take care over the seal when fitting.
Care and storage
Rinse regularly with fresh water to remove salt, then wipe with a soft cloth. Inspect the area at the start and end of the season and redo the seal if it cracks. When not in use, keep the part dry in a clean bag.
