Replacement Bulkhead Lighting

Jan 29, 2018
3
Catalina 387 Portsmouth
Hello Catalina owners, I am new to this forum and a new owner of a 2005 Catalina 387.

After the initial season we are finding many of the plastic toggle switch eyeball lights screwed to the interior cabin, are dying. These have halogen bulbs and when removed from the cabin walls have two wires connecting in the back.
The issue is: these appear to be sealed lights - I can not find a way to open and replace the bulb without breaking the plastic housing. I would like to replace with LED if possible.
Any recommendation on how to replace the bulb and or what is a good replacement product for the entire light fixture?
Thank you and happy sailing.
 
Jul 12, 2011
1,165
Leopard 40 Jupiter, Florida
Unlikely that a halogen bulb would be in a sealed unit as they do have to be replaced. Can you post a photo? Also, you may have some luck on the Catalina 36 / 34 or 38 International Assoc. web pages, which are not as frequented as this one, but more specific.

This site has a parts area, and they have excellent customer service. Here's the lighting department: http://shop.sailboatowners.com/cat.php?11572/Lighting
Catalina Direct is the parts supplier for your boat, and this selection may help you identify your light: https://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/category/1117/interior-lights.cfm I don't see anything in the interior lighting area that looks sealed, although some of their dome lights may take a bit of prying to get the plastic cover to snap off.
As a final try, I've found good quality replacement bulbs and fixtures on MarineBeam.

If Dave Groshong is correct, then this is the same light on Catalina Direct: https://www.catalinadirect.com/inde.../cabin-light-white-plastic-swivel-eyeball.cfm
On that one, the halogen bulb looks like a simple G4 2-pin base that is just held in by friction - give it a pull and see if it doesn't come out. Make sure it's off first, those things are like soldering irons when on!

BTW: Welcome to the forum!
 
Last edited:
Jan 29, 2018
3
Catalina 387 Portsmouth
Thank you for all the responses and the welcome to the forum.
Yes on catalinadirect.com they have the LED version that indicates the bulb can be replaced. Thank you for the recommendation.
https://www.catalinadirect.com/inde...17/cabin-surface-mount-ledbr-swivel-light.cfm

The original looks exactly the same as the new LED, but appears to be halogen and not able to be opened.

I have to replace about 3-4 of them so I was trying to replace just the bulb.
Looks like I need to buy the entire fixture and be done. Thanks all.