Intermittent Bow lights

[22Nauti]

Ok folks I've searched for an answer in the archives...no direct answer there.My bow lights keep dropping out at night and the only fix up till now has been to wiggle the wire entry point near the port crib board corner. There are three wires there which run the bow and stern running lights. There are also 3 wires on the Starboard corner as you enter the cabin. I don't see any frayed wires, but there is a mass of melted duct seal at the point of entry in between layers of deck and cabin.1. Do I try to repull new wires?2. Open up that entry point and solder any broken wires?I'm looking for the "right" way to restore this to working order.

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.c]

Run new wires

Given that you mention wanting to do it "the right way", I would definitely recommend pulling new wires to ensure you've fixed the problem. You will feel better knowing you've got it licked.Best,Trevor

 

[Herb-Alaska]

new wires

Hi there what you have are broken wires and you need to run new ones you do want to use marine wire that is tined. What happens with auto wire is the salt air gets inside and corrodes the wire and then they short or break. Marine wire is coated in soder and is more corrioson proof. You do not want to us solid wire like house wire as the solid wire will weaken with fibration and then it will break as well. So to fix it right you want new marine wire, remember that it is your navigation lights and you would not want to be shaking the wire trying to get lights when a big power boat is coming down on you at night. Good luck

 

[22Nauti]

Can I pull with exsiting wires or....

Do I need to surface mount inside cabin. The other side of this task is I'm also considering changing to a pulpit mount to increase visibility.Thanks for confirming my thoughts.

 

[22Nauti]

Lights are up and running!!!

It appears my main wires were ok... both the connections at the bow were broken by an unaware passenger who stuffed clothes in the forward cubby. Still not sure how they came on when I wiggled the aft entry point...only time will tell.Also...anyone who pushes their boat hard, be sure to check all the pulpit bolts..mine were loose and with all the rain we had here in MD I had a rather large puddle up front.Thanks for the input folks...I was praying I would'nt have to pull new wires, they were all glassed in.