I've searched and seached but when I check sites thier catalog is thin, they're out of stock, want more than my boat is worth or the light is for a huge mast. I'm looking for a simple bright LED "all around" anchor light for the top of my skinny stock '94 Mac 26S. I pull the mast down often to trailer in the summer and fall so the stubbyer the better. I'm still reading this site and others and regs to determine if I have to have a mast mounted steaming light. So far I think not. Broke my masthead fly before it ever went up, so I'll be offsetting it. Bought this boat used and it only had a small stock stern light, an all aound 3' pole starboard stern light, and the red/green bow light. Anyone got a part number and/or site that's a proven connections? thanks
LED mast lights
- Thread starter Leftfield
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You will probably think it is too expensive....
...but considering that it should be a one time buy and it is Coast Guard approved I'd recommend the....
NaviLED®360 from Hella Marine
...We bought one from.....
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|65136|739053|760449&id=769978
.....and put it on the boat and like it for a couple reasons. Works well, consumes almost no electricity and finally we feel it is worth the extra for a Coast Guard approved light just in case there ever was a boating accident involving us at night. One less thing that a lawyer could chew on. We anchor out almost every night on the boat, so the above are important to us.
Here is a link to the original install...
http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor/outside-23.html
...Since then I put a VHF antenna at the top of the mast and.....
.... now the light is at the top with the VHF antenna and a windex offset below and to one side.
Good luck,
Sum
Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida
Our MacGregor S Pages
Mac-Venture Links
...but considering that it should be a one time buy and it is Coast Guard approved I'd recommend the....
NaviLED®360 from Hella Marine
...We bought one from.....
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|65136|739053|760449&id=769978
.....and put it on the boat and like it for a couple reasons. Works well, consumes almost no electricity and finally we feel it is worth the extra for a Coast Guard approved light just in case there ever was a boating accident involving us at night. One less thing that a lawyer could chew on. We anchor out almost every night on the boat, so the above are important to us.
Here is a link to the original install...
http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor/outside-23.html
...Since then I put a VHF antenna at the top of the mast and.....
.... now the light is at the top with the VHF antenna and a windex offset below and to one side.
Good luck,
Sum
Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida
Our MacGregor S Pages
Mac-Venture Links
While under power, you are required to have red/green side lights, a white stern light, and a white masthead light (aka steaming light). The steaming light is not a 360 degree light. It is visible from the front and sides. While sailing and not under power, you don't need the masthead/steaming light.
Optionally, you may display an all-around white light in lieu of the masthead light + stern light. While under sail, you display the side lights and stern light, but no masthead light. This is why people don't opt for replacing the stern light and masthead light with a single all-around light.
While at anchor, you need the all-around white light.
I've had good feedback about the Davis Mega-Light and will buy one this week for my boat (which currently lacks an anchor light). I haven't decided where I will put it or how I will wire it. Some people hang them from their boom.
I'm thinking I will probably make my own self-contained unit with its own rechargeable battery and a little solar panel. That way I don't have to run any new wiring. I just leave it out to recharge during the day and hang it up at night while at anchor. I'll crunch the number to see if this is viable, but I like the idea.
Optionally, you may display an all-around white light in lieu of the masthead light + stern light. While under sail, you display the side lights and stern light, but no masthead light. This is why people don't opt for replacing the stern light and masthead light with a single all-around light.
While at anchor, you need the all-around white light.
I've had good feedback about the Davis Mega-Light and will buy one this week for my boat (which currently lacks an anchor light). I haven't decided where I will put it or how I will wire it. Some people hang them from their boom.
I'm thinking I will probably make my own self-contained unit with its own rechargeable battery and a little solar panel. That way I don't have to run any new wiring. I just leave it out to recharge during the day and hang it up at night while at anchor. I'll crunch the number to see if this is viable, but I like the idea.
I'm thinking of adding the masthead light as well and the prices are high. My boat came with Aqua Signal Series 20 bow and stern lights. I'm considering buying the pedestal masthead light for about $25 http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10109&subdeptNum=10577&classNum=10578
and switching out the bulb to LED from Marine Beam
http://store.marinebeam.com/ba15mibaledr.html
Total would be about $45. Will probably switch out both bow and stern light bulbs at the same time.
and switching out the bulb to LED from Marine Beam
http://store.marinebeam.com/ba15mibaledr.html
Total would be about $45. Will probably switch out both bow and stern light bulbs at the same time.
THANKYOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm probably ordering the Hellamarine. Defender.com pt#700896 as suggested. I'm not sure about a changing a perko to LED due to lens brightness. I've read those past theories pros and cons and ain't savvy enough to leave anything to chance. I've confirmed I have to have a steaming light (thankyou) and have found several of those in LED's. Read an earlier suggestion about putting a rocker switch on the mast so I can go with a 3 pin connector into cabin box. Got a 100 W solar panel (49"x21") today so I can stay out of a marina for a few days. Due to my lack of fabricating steel, ABS and hose clamps are gonna have to suffice to hold the anchors. Thanks for the info and sites!!!!!!!!!!!
With regard to LEDs, I made the decision to only have an LED anchoring light. For me, night sailing only occurs when I'm out later than expected. So, the anchoring light is the only light that I plan to have on for extended periods. For the rest of the fixtures, I am fine with incandescent bulbs since they should only be on for an hour or so at a time.
Eventually, I'll probably get around to replacing them all with LED, but the anchoring light is most important to me.
Eventually, I'll probably get around to replacing them all with LED, but the anchoring light is most important to me.
http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor/outside-23.html
...Since then I put a VHF antenna at the top of the mast and.....
.... now the light is at the top with the VHF antenna and a windex offset below and to one side.
Good luck,
Sum
Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida
Our MacGregor S Pages
Mac-Venture Links
Ok, Whats going on here?
2 halyards with a extra sheave for a 3rd?
thats a pretty trick setup... you moved the stock block up and back too!
not to mention the windex and vhf setup and light.
-a trick setup I saw is putting the R/G under the masthead light. for a tri-power light.
The angled "no sail zone" bracket for your windex is upside down... The side with reflective tape should point down.Sumner said:
I have at 1992 26S and I am considering getting a masthead light from Bebi in Fiji - have seen reports of a few people being happy with lights from these guys.
http://www.bebi-electronics.com/owl.html
Good eye, it does point down now. That was in the shop when I was making the bracket and doing the wiring and did have it on upside down.
One nice thing about all of that reflective up there is that it is now easy to see if the anchor light is on as it reflects on all of it and also easy to see the wind direction while on anchor,
Sum
Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida
Our MacGregor S Pages
Mac-Venture Links
The one block with the blue line is the main halyard block and I want to move it up a little more also. I'd moved the boom up some....
http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor/rigging-3.html
.....to gain bimini clearance and right now the new main is almost right at that block with the halyard tied to the top of it. I can pull the main taught, but just taught. Another inch or two would be nice.
The other double block at the back is for the topping lift with that line showing. The other side of the block has a second 1/4 inch halyard that we use on the....
..anchor sail.
http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor-canvas/canvas-5.html
I know more weight aloft, but we really don't notice that the way we cruise. It has all proven to be very functional and I'd do the same again.
Interesting idea about the mast R/B light. Are you saying move it up from where MacGregor put it so that it is right at the top of the mast just under the anchor light? I did run other wiring up there and can turn the anchor light and/or R/B light on separately,
Sum
Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida
Our MacGregor S Pages
Mac-Venture Links
OK I see,
if you wanted to gain another inch or so you could make a sandwich with your chicken neck and a sheave.
when you move the r/g up high its just seen much further off. which is what you want offshore, and w/ freighters. but for coastal sailing I'd probably rather have it around eye height.
on the big boat it might be nice. or have ability to use either.
did it come with AIS?
if you wanted to gain another inch or so you could make a sandwich with your chicken neck and a sheave.
when you move the r/g up high its just seen much further off. which is what you want offshore, and w/ freighters. but for coastal sailing I'd probably rather have it around eye height.
on the big boat it might be nice. or have ability to use either.
did it come with AIS?
I found this on cruisers forum and will be ordering for 30.00 you can't beat it.
http://www.yachtmollymawk.com/2009/11/led-anchor-lights/
http://www.yachtmollymawk.com/2009/11/led-anchor-lights/
I hate spending money as much as the next guy, but still Ruth and I spend hundreds of dollars a year on boat, car, home and health insurance to both protect us from unforeseen circumstances and to also protect us with liability insurance in the off chance that we become involved in litigation where someone feels we were in the wrong.
The chances of you ever being in a situation where you are taken to court because your boat didn't have Coast Guard approved lighting is slim to none, but still there is that slim chance that it might happen. For that reason we decided to spend the extra $50 to $70 more "once" to have a Coast Guard approved anchor light on the boat.
I'm not saying the other lights mentioned above aren't adequate lights, we almost bought the one from overseas, but if you ever were in court room, the manufacture won't be there with you.
Ok I'm done and someone else can have the soap box,
Sum
The chances of you ever being in a situation where you are taken to court because your boat didn't have Coast Guard approved lighting is slim to none, but still there is that slim chance that it might happen. For that reason we decided to spend the extra $50 to $70 more "once" to have a Coast Guard approved anchor light on the boat.
I'm not saying the other lights mentioned above aren't adequate lights, we almost bought the one from overseas, but if you ever were in court room, the manufacture won't be there with you.
Ok I'm done and someone else can have the soap box,
Sum
Regs aside an approved light helps keep some drunk idiot from running me down in the night. I'm more worried about that than a ticket. Right now I'm guessing my anchor light has a ten watt festoon bulb. Next time the masthead is in reach I'm gonna replace it with an owl from Bebi (the one with the photo sensor). Leave your boat during the day with the anchor light switched on and it comes on when it gets dark, or if you leave early in the dark, it goes out when the sun comes up. How cool is that?
By the way Sumner, I have greatly enjoyed your's and Ruth's exploits. Congratulations, by the way. I almost, but not quite bought a Mac, but the right one didn't come up before the Bene fell in my lap. If you get up to slick city, look me up. I'd be glad to take you and Ruth for a spin on the briny not so deep.
By the way Sumner, I have greatly enjoyed your's and Ruth's exploits. Congratulations, by the way. I almost, but not quite bought a Mac, but the right one didn't come up before the Bene fell in my lap. If you get up to slick city, look me up. I'd be glad to take you and Ruth for a spin on the briny not so deep.
My last boat (34 ft) had a Perko all-around light with two bulbs at the top of the mast. The front 225 degrees was the steaming light, and combined with the rear 135 degrees, acted as an anchor light. The boat still had a stern light, and of course, red/green bow lights.
It had a reported 3nm range, but it drew about 1.5A as an anchor light.
Perhaps the OP can find something similar in an LED version.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10109&subdeptNum=10577&classNum=10578
It had a reported 3nm range, but it drew about 1.5A as an anchor light.
Perhaps the OP can find something similar in an LED version.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10109&subdeptNum=10577&classNum=10578
Just a quick comment on the all around combo lights, they may meet coast guard regs, but they are sometimes very hard for other boaters to make out for 2 reasons.
1) We are generally looking down near the horizon for nav lights, not above it, and as you get closer to the other boat you have to look higher and higher to see the nav lights, and at some point you may not even see them up there (maybe your limited in your upward visibility by a Bimini). I have been surprised by sailboats coming towards me in the harbor more than a few times that had absolutely no lights visible on the hull, they were at the top of the mast, and difficult to see.
2) When looking at a boat with combo lights from a distance (or any set of lights that are directly next to each other), the colors often bleed together (particularly with older incandescent lights, it is not as bad with colored LEDs though it still happens) Without enough separation between the colors our eyes will blend the colors together just like pixels on the tv / computer screen, and we won't see red and green anymore, you get something between brown and maroon. So if a boat with lights right next to each other is coming right at you, you may actually see a single brown colored light, and never realize it is a boat coming toward you.
Just a few things to keep in mind when installing new nav lights. If you have the option to put them on the hull instead of a combo all around unit, I would encourage that.
1) We are generally looking down near the horizon for nav lights, not above it, and as you get closer to the other boat you have to look higher and higher to see the nav lights, and at some point you may not even see them up there (maybe your limited in your upward visibility by a Bimini). I have been surprised by sailboats coming towards me in the harbor more than a few times that had absolutely no lights visible on the hull, they were at the top of the mast, and difficult to see.
2) When looking at a boat with combo lights from a distance (or any set of lights that are directly next to each other), the colors often bleed together (particularly with older incandescent lights, it is not as bad with colored LEDs though it still happens) Without enough separation between the colors our eyes will blend the colors together just like pixels on the tv / computer screen, and we won't see red and green anymore, you get something between brown and maroon. So if a boat with lights right next to each other is coming right at you, you may actually see a single brown colored light, and never realize it is a boat coming toward you.
Just a few things to keep in mind when installing new nav lights. If you have the option to put them on the hull instead of a combo all around unit, I would encourage that.
Sumner brings up a good point re liability. I was just reading the info Bebi have on their site regarding LED light output, operation and compliance - it makes and interesting read and has some interesting comments at the end regarding the complexity of compliance.
http://www.bebi-electronics.com/specs.html#NichiaLED
The reason for the light is to be seen.
If the light draws less power and you feel safe, ok.
If you are worried about battery ussage, you might just want to get a screw on propane lantern and run it up the forestay and not use any power at all.
This Fourth of July I will have the anchor and deck light on untill well after the fire works are over.
I use my deck light whenever I am worried about others seeing me.
Nothing like a Mac at night with the sails lit up.
I can tell you that a lot of big boats anchor lites run out of power after just a few hours.
Nothing like checking the anchor at 3 AM and not seeing some of the other boats untill you look real hard because the battery has gone dead.
If the light draws less power and you feel safe, ok.
If you are worried about battery ussage, you might just want to get a screw on propane lantern and run it up the forestay and not use any power at all.
This Fourth of July I will have the anchor and deck light on untill well after the fire works are over.
I use my deck light whenever I am worried about others seeing me.
Nothing like a Mac at night with the sails lit up.
I can tell you that a lot of big boats anchor lites run out of power after just a few hours.
Nothing like checking the anchor at 3 AM and not seeing some of the other boats untill you look real hard because the battery has gone dead.
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