I'd like to change out the bulb in my anchor light (masthead) to an LED. I own a 1991 Catalina 30 (Universal 25). Anybody know anything that might save me one trip to the top?
anchor light
- Thread starter Frank Cahill
- Start date
Anchor Light replacement
We have a 1995 Cat 30 and I just changed my anchor light, although it was with the mast down. I believe it was an "Aqua Signal Series 25" at the top of the masthead. Watch out, though, because I broke the clear cover when trying to remove it. It only turns about 1/8th clockwise then straight out. My bulb was old and tarnished, and the series 25 replacement from West Marine was not very expensive. I did have to cut the wires and connect then to the new one. I also thought about buying an LED light, but it was almost $50 bucks, so I accepted the standard bulb and it is working great now.
Good Luck,
Rob Kirsten
DD Mau 6305
Frank,
We have a 1995 Cat 30 and I just changed my anchor light, although it was with the mast down. I believe it was an "Aqua Signal Series 25" at the top of the masthead. Watch out, though, because I broke the clear cover when trying to remove it. It only turns about 1/8th clockwise then straight out. My bulb was old and tarnished, and the series 25 replacement from West Marine was not very expensive. I did have to cut the wires and connect then to the new one. I also thought about buying an LED light, but it was almost $50 bucks, so I accepted the standard bulb and it is working great now.
Good Luck,
Rob Kirsten
DD Mau 6305
thanks
I see that a "Dr. LED Polar Star Series 25" is available for $50; there is also an Ancor T1044 that some folks think will fit ("double festoon") for about $18. (I just found these as I searched a bit further with the information you provided). Of course, I want the LED so I can leave the anchor light on all night without burning much battery (In Alaska much of our boating season is without real darkness, but I know it's a bad idea to leave the boat entirely unlit all night).
I see that a "Dr. LED Polar Star Series 25" is available for $50; there is also an Ancor T1044 that some folks think will fit ("double festoon") for about $18. (I just found these as I searched a bit further with the information you provided). Of course, I want the LED so I can leave the anchor light on all night without burning much battery (In Alaska much of our boating season is without real darkness, but I know it's a bad idea to leave the boat entirely unlit all night).
I just bought an led bulb and a new fixture (about $60 from West Marine) if necessary for a single trip up the mast. Hopefully someone will climb up, I helped him with a diesel engine.
I have a 1985 Catalina 30 and want to replace the anchor light. I am not concerned about LED. Anyone know the specifications of the replacement bulb I need? Thanks.
Frank - What will save you a trip up??
2 beer!
Offer a good friend a couple to do it for you.
But in all seriousness, as others have mentioned just treat it as an opportunity. It's always good to get up there and inspect the rig and to make sure there isn't some unseen problem. Lube the mainsail track on your way up, check/clean the spreaders and make sure the sheaves, etc are all lubed and running smoothly.
I'm about to switch to LED up there as well on my '82 and apart from the above this was my thought process on the topic:
- Switching to LED will mean I actually USE the proper anchor light
- Just switching the bulb in a 30 year old fixture and wiring doesn't make a ton of sense (for me) - I expect a lot of resistance in the fixture and wiring, making the LED far less energy efficient. I keep my boat on a mooring, so this is a big deal to me.
- I want an automatic situation of "set it and forget it".
- The technology has changed so much in the last few years. I've been waiting for wireless to get more robust...and here we are!
http://store.marinebeam.com/energy-harvesting-dusk-to-dawn-all-around-led-safety-light/
Depending on your dodger/bimini situation you technically could save yourself that trip up the mast with this product. Just buy a section of stainless tubing and clamp it with the light light onto your stern rail. Provided you can get it up and all-round clear of any obstructions.
Cheerio and good luck.
Mike
Thanks for the thoughts. I have used a simple led light attached to a solar cell and two triple A's, run up the burgee line (about 1/3 up the mast?) as a cheap way to deal with the issue on overnights, but I think it's a poor solution; not as visible at the top of the mast, and the solar cell doesn't keep the 3a's charged for some reason (maybe not enough light in the black hole where I keep it stored until I want to use it)..
The Marinebeam "Energy Harvesting" light sounds like a great idea, but may be better to go with their anchor light that is USCG approved. I just installed a Hella unit similar to Marinebeam that was a easy install.
If you put in an LED, have someone below to turn it on to make sure it is in the RIGHT WAY before you come down. LEDs are polarized, they will only work one way. If you put it in upside down, then it is another trip up the mast to flip it over. I don't know of any way to look and tell which end is up on an LED.