I have a 1988 Catalina 30 with a non-working anchor light. As far as I can tell it is the orginal light. Before going up the mast I was hoping someone could help me out with getting the correct replacement bulb. Another option would be if anyone has found a good LED replacement anchor light that was easy to replace. I was hoping to only go up the mast once.
Anchor Light Replacement
- Thread starter Randall Jansen
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Catalina used a dinky little Perko
half round light that was useless. I don't think they make 'em anymore anyway.
We replaced ours with a Davis megalite many years ago which came with its own mounting harness and just extended the wiring. It has an auto shutoff at daylight. Low amp draw, don't ask me what, look it up on WMs website, they still make 'em.
Newer LED s are somewhat superior to the Davis in lower amp draw. Lotsa discussion about legality of LED running lights, don't remember much about anchor lights.
We always use a lamp oil anchor light on the backstay. Our anchorages are small and we feel safer with a light at deck height. Many discussions on this concept as well. Search on "anchor lights."
half round light that was useless. I don't think they make 'em anymore anyway.
We replaced ours with a Davis megalite many years ago which came with its own mounting harness and just extended the wiring. It has an auto shutoff at daylight. Low amp draw, don't ask me what, look it up on WMs website, they still make 'em.
Newer LED s are somewhat superior to the Davis in lower amp draw. Lotsa discussion about legality of LED running lights, don't remember much about anchor lights.
We always use a lamp oil anchor light on the backstay. Our anchorages are small and we feel safer with a light at deck height. Many discussions on this concept as well. Search on "anchor lights."
I have a 1986 Catalina 30.
replaced it with a OrcaBlue LED mil spec anchor/running/strobe light.
Haven't had a problem in 2 years.
See http://www.sailthehudson.com/Refitting Sea Fever.htm
When you get up and look at the unit you'll see it hazy and glazed. The easiest would be to buy a exact replacement unit. Clean and coat all connections.
Good luck.
replaced it with a OrcaBlue LED mil spec anchor/running/strobe light.
Haven't had a problem in 2 years.
See http://www.sailthehudson.com/Refitting Sea Fever.htm
When you get up and look at the unit you'll see it hazy and glazed. The easiest would be to buy a exact replacement unit. Clean and coat all connections.
Good luck.
We replaced our bulb with a Dr LED. Our amp draw went from 2 amps to .2 amps. $40 for a led bulb vs $200 for a new led fixture. IMHO, to assure you get the correct bulb, it would be worth a quick trip up to fetch the old bulb and do a check to assure the fixture is good.
Get out the bino's and have a close look at the top of the mast. Then compare to units at your local marine store. Or better, if you have a good digital camera, zoom it full mag on the light and email the picture to your marine store before you arrive.
Also, it may not be the bulb. It likely is, but also check the contacts inside the housing while you are up there to make sure they haven't corroded over, a common failure. Bring emory or sand paper and contact cleaner with you up the mast to clean the unit. Then monkey with the original bulb to see if you can get it to light. If it does, then you will have a spare bulb.
Also, it may not be the bulb. It likely is, but also check the contacts inside the housing while you are up there to make sure they haven't corroded over, a common failure. Bring emory or sand paper and contact cleaner with you up the mast to clean the unit. Then monkey with the original bulb to see if you can get it to light. If it does, then you will have a spare bulb.
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