Confirmation on windex replacement & LED anchor light

[smokey73]

1994 Hunter 40.5

Before I make the trip up the mast I wanted to confirm that the windex is entirely separate from the ST-60 masthead transducer.

Something has happened to my Windex vane. Not sure what but it no longer has its "tail" so won't point in the wind direction so I'll need to replace it. As I understand it the windex is a "visual" indicator and the masthead transducer is what sends the signal to the Autohelm ST-60 wind instrument. I will probably buy a ST-60 transducer refirb kit to install while I'm up there.

I'd also like to replace the masthead anchor light with an ABYSC approved LED light. As I understand it there is no approved simple bulb replacement that would meet Coast Guard standards but there may be some approved light replacements. If anyone knows of an approved bulb that can be used or a brand/kind of total light replacement I'd appreciate the info.

I don't mind heights but I don't want to go up the mast any more than I have too. I already plan on replacing the deck lights while I'm at it. I won't put in a LED steaming light since the diesel will be running if I'm using that.

Any pointers, suggested brands, tips or other comments would be appreciated. Thanks in advance

 

[uncledom]

The windex is separate from the anemometer. I Iike Marine Beam LED lamps and fixtures. They make a USCG approved LED anchor light with a 3nm range for vessels to 50 meters. They might have something in the SBO store here.

 

[smokey73]

Marine Beam bulbs and lights

The windex is separate from the anemometer. I Iike Marine Beam LED lamps and fixtures. They make a USCG approved LED anchor light with a 3nm range for vessels to 50 meters. They might have something in the SBO store here.

I see that Marine Beam makes a bulb to fit the Perko Anchor light fixture
http://store.marinebeam.com/dusk-to-dawn-anchor-light.html
but it does not say it specifically meets USCG certification.

They also have a fixture that says its USCG certified
http://store.marinebeam.com/dusk-to-dawn-anchor-light.html

Perko also makes a USCG certified fixture
http://store.marinebeam.com/dusk-to-dawn-anchor-light.html

I like the idea of a dusk to dawn type bulb but I want to make sure I'm compliant with current standards for lighting.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Any suggestions on the windex would also be appreciated.

Smokey73

 

[Ron20324]

...Before I make the trip up the mast ...to replace the masthead anchor light with an ABYSC approved LED light. ... If anyone knows of an approved bulb that can be used or a brand/kind of total light replacement I'd appreciate the info....I don't mind heights but I don't want to go up the mast any more than I have too. ...

On a boat that old, you might have to wait for a mast trip to make sure what the bulb is. Maybe take your lunch up then have someone run to the store while you eat? Tomorrow i have someone going up the mast to take down the parade of light equipment and will change to an LED. I know it's a festoon bulb, so I bought bought both types and will take one back. I'll use an Imtra cool white.

 

[uncledom]

I was thinking more along the lines of this http://store.marinebeam.com/led-anchor-light.html which would be USCG approved. I think it's reasonably priced also. I would never do a bulb replacement into another manufacturers fixture. I re-lamped my whole interior and they will give you a better price for quantity orders. I haven't researched a windex yet so I can't help with brand.

 

[smokey73]

thanks

I was thinking more along the lines of this http://store.marinebeam.com/led-anchor-light.html which would be USCG approved. I think it's reasonably priced also. I would never do a bulb replacement into another manufacturers fixture. I re-lamped my whole interior and they will give you a better price for quantity orders. I haven't researched a windex yet so I can't help with brand.

thanks, that was the one I was looking at too. Somehow I posted the wrong link in my previous text. I'm thinking it would be easier than trying to match the bulb. I think i'll probably go that way.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

You can buy individual parts for the Windex and don't have to buy the whole thing. So, if you know which parts are damaged or missing, just order it/them up from your local chandlery (a good one would carry parts in stock). If you are not sure, then you can spend the money on a whole new one, but just trying to save you some cash. It definitely is stand alone and has no function with the ST-60. And, if your wind instruments are working ok (the ST-60), why rebuild it?

 

[smokey73]

thanks

You can buy individual parts for the Windex and don't have to buy the whole thing. So, if you know which parts are damaged or missing, just order it/them up from your local chandlery (a good one would carry parts in stock). If you are not sure, then you can spend the money on a whole new one, but just trying to save you some cash. It definitely is stand alone and has no function with the ST-60. And, if your wind instruments are working ok (the ST-60), why rebuild it?

The ST-60 (found out its an ST-50) is not indicating direction correctly. Looking with binocs it looks like the "feather" portion of the wind indicator (the fin) part is missing or broken. I can buy a kit to replace the fin direction indicator and while I'm at it put on new cups for a very reasonable price so I'm going to do that while I'm up the mast. The Windex itself is not too bad so I figure my "labor" and pucker factor at going up the mast are high enough that I'll just replace the windex, put in the new fin and cups on the ST-50 and clean the contacts for the ST-50. While I'm at it I will put in a new bulb for anchor light. I hope to run a chase line for a future spinnaker halyard and a spinnaker pole line.

 

[uncledom]

While I'm at it I will put in a new bulb for anchor light. I hope to run a chase line for a future spinnaker halyard and a spinnaker pole line.

Thought you were gonna spring for a new LED fixture.

 

[seadaddler]

Anchor bulb

I replaced my anchor light bulb with Led and even brighter and can be seen better than old bulb.
See what bulb you have when up the mast and than just do search and you will find plenty of places to order a new one for sure.
Nick

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

I replaced my anchor light bulb with Led and even brighter and can be seen better than old bulb.
See what bulb you have when up the mast and than just do search and you will find plenty of places to order a new one for sure.
Nick

Including this site's ships store. They have LOTS of LED bulbs. Here's the link to the bulb conversion finder-

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/cu/detail-led.php?/prod.php?54143

 

[arf145]

If you are looking to replace the whole fixture, I've had good luck with the Hella NaviLED 360 anchor light (USCG certified). They have several configurations. The one I use cost a little over $100.

 

[Capt jgw]

Regarding replacement LED bulbs, the USCG requirements only apply to what boost manufacturers install in boats. An owner can put anything he wants in the fixture. Most of the newer LED'S are brighter than the original incandescent bulbs and will fulfill COLREGS requirements just fine. When installing an LED bulb, make sure you test the light before you put the lens back on. LED's are polarity sensitive and must be inserted the right way around. If it doesn't light, just put it on the other way around.
I actually never use my mast top anchor light
I hang one from the boom of z I'm anchored in a location requiring a light. If another boat is close enough to hit you, they probably are not looking up at your masthead 50 feet in the air.

 

[smokey73]

Agreed on light at about deck level

Regarding replacement LED bulbs, the USCG requirements only apply to what boost manufacturers install in boats. An owner can put anything he wants in the fixture. Most of the newer LED'S are brighter than the original incandescent bulbs and will fulfill COLREGS requirements just fine. When installing an LED bulb, make sure you test the light before you put the lens back on. LED's are polarity sensitive and must be inserted the right way around. If it doesn't light, just put it on the other way around.
I actually never use my mast top anchor light
I hang one from the boom of z I'm anchored in a location requiring a light. If another boat is close enough to hit you, they probably are not looking up at your masthead 50 feet in the air.

Agreed. I intend to hang an LED light from a flag halyard just above the boom height so it can be seen all around. From my review of COLREGs nothing precludes one from having both the masthead anchor light and a second all around light if one so chooses to provide added visibility when anchored. If they are far away they should see the masthead anchor light, but as you say, if they somehow missed that and are close they should see the lower light plus it should illuminate the mast so if they are that close there is no mistaking it for a light on shore. I agree the LEDs are much brighter. My new Hella NaviLED running lights are much much brighter than the old lights I replaced plus a lot less draw on the batteries when under sail an night.