[Baiteater]

Hi all,
I'm new to the forum and have done some extensive searching of previous posts for a solution to my problem but having found nothing specifically applicable I'm making my first post now.
I just had the center console of my 1999 Hewes Redfisher 18 refinished to fill and cover several holes that were made to accomodate a CD player, speakers, an a VHF mount and I'm thrilled with the results. However, now I need to remount my Garmin GPS 168 Sounder onto the top of the console. It mounts on a standard bracket using 4 screws. However, in the past I just ran the electrical cable (attached to the power source, ground and transducer) through a hole in the top of the console adjacent to the mounting bracket because the console had too many other places for water to intrude for me to bother sealing this one hole. Now my console is truly water tight and I want to install the GPS and bracket in a fashion that will maintain that integrity.
My question is this: How would you recommend that I seal the hole that will be necessary for me to drill to allow the cable to pass through the top of the console from the power source below. It must be about 1/2" in diameter to allow the largest part of the transducer cable to pass through, however once the coaxial connection is through there will be only two cables of considerably less diameter than the 1/2" left in the hole. I need to seal that hole with some compound that will be water tight as well as look good against my brand new console. I've considered MarineTex, clear or white silicon, 3M 4200 or 5200. I suppose it should be somewhat flexible because the cables could be under some lateral pressure at times and the cables will flex when I remove the unit for security reasons.
I've considered drilling right through the bracket (I have access to a drill press that might make it easier to do so without breaking the bracket) in order to make the lines of the unit look a bit cleaner and the black color would be easier to mask any sealant I end up using. Ideas?
Lastly, what type of sealant is used to seal around switch plates, steering consoles, hatch covers, etc? It's black with a dull finish and seems to me that it blends easier with the edges of black items on the console like switch plates and the base of the steering column. Is it that stuff I see at the marine store in the black and yellow package...marine lite, marine tite? Am i barking up the wrong tree here or what?
Thanks to all who respond and for hosting a very informative forum.

[tashasdaddy]

they make electrical grommets to seal the wire.

[tommays]

Clam shells make a nice cover that allows sevice in the future

[dingbat]

Sounds like you need a cable clam

http://www.google.com/search?q=cable...e7&rlz=1I7ADBF

[Baiteater]

I don't think the clam shells will work as the surface I'll be drilling is horizontal and they would clearly leak. The cable clam looks interesting, though. I'm not sure that I could get a grommet over the coaxial end piece however. Thanks for the tips.