Mark,
The bulkhead configuration may not be the same for an 81' but my 87's mast wires ran straight up thru the compression post. At the top they are threaded thru the deck where they are bedded in a small channel under the mast step. Basically, the wires exited the bottom of the mast, went thru the hole in the mast step and then made a 90 degree turn towards the bow. The recessed channel under the mast step is about 1 1/2" long and deep enough to handle the combination of wires for the mast. I removed the sealant to expose the wire harness and then dug out the remaining sealant going thru the deck. Hope this helps!
Steve
--- In [email protected], "Mark Robertson" <mrobert...@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Steve, This last weekend I was trying to trace the mast light wires on my 81. What I found is that they appear to be glassed into the deck. At least they are when the cross under the companionway. Did you find them threaded through the compression post? I have about 2 inches of the original wires coming out of the deck so in the future I may have to completely run new wire to the mast.
>
> >>> "Steve" <scant...@...> 6/8/2010 7:42 AM >>>
>
> Just wanted to post a brief update on my progress with the replacement of the starboard bulkhead on my 87' C27. Thanks to all who offered their help with this. All went well and the rotted bulkhead is out. The new bulkhead has been cut and will be installed this weekend. I've been documenting my efforts and will make the final version available for those who might have to tackle this in the future. It was not a difficult task and can be done by most anyone. A word of advice, make sure you keep the old panel intact as you will have a dog of time recreating the pattern without it. Highly recommend performing the work while the boat is on the hard with the mast down. The mast wires must pulled through the deck to allow the removal of the compression post. Will repost when I complete the install.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Steve
>
