So I am looking at replacing the mast head lights with two discrete lights, one on the front of the mast steaming and the other, a Davis Mega Light for an anchor light) The way hunter has it set up, I believe you've got a 20w anchor light! Also discovered that the factory installed the mast head light (the one with the two 10W bulbs) backwards. The 'steaming' light is the one forward and the 'anchor' light is the aft one (although when you have the 'anchor' light on, both lights are on). The 'steaming' light has kind of blinders on either side so that it can only be seen from in front of the boat, whereas the aft bulb is 360 except where the steaming light interferes, so when they are both on, you have a 360 degree 20W anchor light. Anyway, I was trying to convert it to two discrete lights but I think I might need a power panel with more capacity (breakers) to accomodate two more switches. Would anyone have any thoughts or experience with this? Thanks. Tom
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Anchor Light
Tom, You'd only need one more switch on the circuit breaker panel. You can use the three-way switch you have (or replace it)for one light, and install another switch for the other. Also, you'll need to look at your wiring. My guess is you can split the ground at the masthead and the C/B panel and use the two "hot" wires for the lights. But, I'd do the research, first. You should have a three wire line running up the mast (two hot, one ground) for the current set up. Simplicity would be to run a four wire (or two two wire) line and have a dedicated ground for each light. After all....all new stuff that needs power, be it in the boat, car or home, is all about how to run the wires...sigh... Deucer
Tom, You'd only need one more switch on the circuit breaker panel. You can use the three-way switch you have (or replace it)for one light, and install another switch for the other. Also, you'll need to look at your wiring. My guess is you can split the ground at the masthead and the C/B panel and use the two "hot" wires for the lights. But, I'd do the research, first. You should have a three wire line running up the mast (two hot, one ground) for the current set up. Simplicity would be to run a four wire (or two two wire) line and have a dedicated ground for each light. After all....all new stuff that needs power, be it in the boat, car or home, is all about how to run the wires...sigh... Deucer
Anchor light
Thanks Deucer, you're right! Guess I'll just run one other wire up there for a four wire configuration, and another switch or maybe two. I neglected to consider that option, and that's what is nice about this site, other folks help you to pull your head out
Thanks again. Tom
Thanks Deucer, you're right! Guess I'll just run one other wire up there for a four wire configuration, and another switch or maybe two. I neglected to consider that option, and that's what is nice about this site, other folks help you to pull your head out
Thanks again. TomLED
Have you considered switching to LED? I swapped my bulbs out for LEDs and dropped the power usage by 90%. I have an H260 and it takes 2 32mm festoon bulbs. After staying the weekend my battery dropped to only 95% charge (5% loss) with using the lights and stereo and stuff (I do have a solar panel so the biggest drain is at night with the anchor light on).
Have you considered switching to LED? I swapped my bulbs out for LEDs and dropped the power usage by 90%. I have an H260 and it takes 2 32mm festoon bulbs. After staying the weekend my battery dropped to only 95% charge (5% loss) with using the lights and stereo and stuff (I do have a solar panel so the biggest drain is at night with the anchor light on).
To JungleJetJock
Can you tell us more about the 32mm festoon bulbs you used in your mast for running and anchor lights. Like where to get them ;how much they cost,brand name and wattage used ??? Do you know the bulb number they replaced and what the wattage was on them? It sounds like a great way to go when anchoring.
Can you tell us more about the 32mm festoon bulbs you used in your mast for running and anchor lights. Like where to get them ;how much they cost,brand name and wattage used ??? Do you know the bulb number they replaced and what the wattage was on them? It sounds like a great way to go when anchoring.
mike and tom
Check these link below for replacements. When i was running 2 light fixtures and the cd player this winter I was pulling 3.7 amps for all. Now that i have completed my swap out I can run the radio, cd player, and all 6 light fixtures now for 2.5 amps. Nav lights are next. Not cheap but not overly expensive I did the whole interior of Blufftopia for about 100 bucks,40 more and the nav lights are done. Pray for Wind, Lugeman
Check these link below for replacements. When i was running 2 light fixtures and the cd player this winter I was pulling 3.7 amps for all. Now that i have completed my swap out I can run the radio, cd player, and all 6 light fixtures now for 2.5 amps. Nav lights are next. Not cheap but not overly expensive I did the whole interior of Blufftopia for about 100 bucks,40 more and the nav lights are done. Pray for Wind, Lugeman
Sorry
Sorry, I have been out of town. Look on ebay, they were $4. Take out one of your bulbs, measure it, and search for the size. The bulb I took out was 32mm and the one I bought was actually a 31mm festoon. It's nice and bright and uses very little power. If you put it in and it doesnt work, turn it around. LEDs are diodes after all which means they must be in the right direction.
Sorry, I have been out of town. Look on ebay, they were $4. Take out one of your bulbs, measure it, and search for the size. The bulb I took out was 32mm and the one I bought was actually a 31mm festoon. It's nice and bright and uses very little power. If you put it in and it doesnt work, turn it around. LEDs are diodes after all which means they must be in the right direction.
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