LED Anchor Light Bulb

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Jul 10, 2010
23
Catalina 30 Edmonds
On a Catalina 30, has anyone replaced the anchor light bulb with a LED bulb? I checked Catalina Direct but only found incandescent replacement bulbs.

Looking for Supplier, LED part number, length, etc. Also wonder if a LED bulb would work for bow and stern lights, steaming light, etc. thanks
 
Dec 11, 2008
172
Catalina 30 Solomons, MD
Yes, but I replaced my entire fitting.

Which bulb you have depends on the year of your boat, & which fittings you have.

I have a 1977 boat, so I have the old SeaDog fittings (teak pad,etc..)...Hence, I replaced my anchor light with the AquaSignal Series 20 (8" stick with screw in base) and put a BA-9 9-LED bulb in it from superbrightleds.com.

One of the issues with simply replacing the running lights & anchor light with LED bulbs is most replacement bulbs are NOT USCG approved (but there are a few, $$, see below). If the USCG wants to climb my rig and inspect my anchor light for compliance, they are welcome to...it is as bright as the 10w halogen bulb it replaced & has a 360 degree arc, but draws 35mA.

Additionally, unlike incandescent bulbs, you cannot simply put a white LED light behind a colored lens (i.e. running light). You must put a red LED behind the red lens and a green LED behind a green lens. That being said, there are a few LED fittings & replacement bulbs for running lights that are approved. Check out Dr. LED. (I think it is doctorLED.com)

I chose to keep the incandescent festoon in my new Series 25 steaming light (also replaced & re-wired while I had the stick down) since I figured I'd only have the steaming light on while motoring, so power draw should not be a concern. I also have the old OEM running lights in the hull. They still function, but I hope (someday) to add the bow pulpit style when I get around to it during the boat re-wiring project. I would expect I'd get the Dr. LED style bulbs for those fittings at that time.

Good luck.
 
Jul 10, 2010
23
Catalina 30 Edmonds
Thanks Shawn.. Good info. I have a 1989 Catalina 30, but not sure of fittings. Was thinking of an LED for anchor light only since I will be on batteries while on the hook. Have already changed the cabin light bulbs (bayonet and festoons) to LEDs.
 
Dec 11, 2008
172
Catalina 30 Solomons, MD
Bob,
I cannot say that I am a fan of the Dr. LED lights either..I've helped a few folks install them, as well as the OGM lights which are USCG approved but they are $$$.

It seems silly to put in a $50 bulb into a $25 fixture, but if it actually lasts for 50,000 hours, it would be worth it.
 
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