Mast Deck Light

Joe · Feb 1, 2016

Go for it.

eianm · Feb 1, 2016

LED is brighter and consumes MUCH less amps- crazy not to go this way- but remember LED's are polarity sensitive! So check it while you are up the mast!!!!

Terry Cox · Feb 1, 2016

Replaced our old mini incandescent deck light bulb this past season with a mini bayonet LED from Marine Beam. Wow, amazing how much light a single emitter can produce. Our deck light is a combo Perko fixture that also includes a separate steaming light, which I also replaced with an LED bulb. The deck light LED is on the link that follows:

https://store.marinebeam.com/high-powered-ba9s-deck-steaming-light-led-ba-9s-5w/

Our 1991 model Hunter came standard with the deck/steaming light fixture shown in the following link. The lower lens cover for the deck light is gone on ours, so I fabricated an aluminum shield to protect the bulb from the genoa whenever we change tacks.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/perko...tion-masthead-deck-spreader-light-1--14121859

kito · Feb 1, 2016

Terry Cox said:
Replaced our old mini incandescent deck light bulb this past season with a mini bayonet LED from Marine Beam. Wow, amazing how much light a single emitter can produce. Our deck light is a combo Perko fixture that also includes a separate steaming light, which I also replaced with an LED bulb. The deck light LED is on the link that follows:

https://store.marinebeam.com/high-powered-ba9s-deck-steaming-light-led-ba-9s-5w/

Our 1991 model Hunter came standard with the deck/steaming light fixture shown in the following link. The lower lens cover for the deck light is gone on ours, so I fabricated an aluminum shield to protect the bulb from the genoa whenever we change tacks.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/perko...tion-masthead-deck-spreader-light-1--14121859

Quick question, does one switch control both the steaming and deck lights? I would think you would want the deck light off when motoring at night to avoid light glaring off the deck.

Scotty C-M · Feb 1, 2016

Funny, I just went up the mast yesterday to replace mine. I just plugged it in, so I guess the polarity was OK. I have a fixture with both steaming and deck lights, but there are two seperate switches at my nav station. I didn't like how the light just plugs in, with no keeper. I might make a keeper so that it dosen't come loose in a sea.

Terry Cox · Feb 1, 2016

kito said:
Quick question, does one switch control both the steaming and deck lights? I would think you would want the deck light off when motoring at night to avoid light glaring off the deck.

Our main panel has a separate switch for each, but they share the same fixture.

Terry Cox · Feb 2, 2016

You are most welcome. In order to protect the deck light bulb from leaving the socket, as it has done before, as I said earlier I made a bracket from aluminum bar to help protect the fixture from the flapping genoa during tack changes, since the lens cover on ours left the boat many years ago. I also installed a small adjustable clamp around the socket so as to help secure the bulb inside the socket. So far so good. I think you will really like the LED bulb's performance. Sure impressed me.

kito · Feb 3, 2016

Terry Cox said:
Our main panel has a separate switch for each, but they share the same fixture.

Ok. thanks. My PO had both lights wired to the same panel switch....geez. It looks like a cheap light that I need to replace and wire up correctly.

Terry Cox · Feb 3, 2016

RHUMB RUNNER said:
Mine uses the sealed beam bulb which has screw on terminals, par-36.
Had a 420, great boat hope you are enjoying your passage 42.

Wonderful boat. Solo sail most of the time as I have her set up so. Comfy, fast, stiff and sturdy. Cruised her thousands of miles all over PNW waters. Have not made it to Alaska yet, but...

Terry Cox · Feb 3, 2016

kito said:
Ok. thanks. My PO had both lights wired to the same panel switch....geez. It looks like a cheap light that I need to replace and wire up correctly.

The Perko brand that I referenced earlier came standard with our boat. Steaming and separate deck light. Maybe they sell them now with LEDs. Both should be on their own switch, as it is on our boat. Might get a better deal through Defender.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/perko...tion-masthead-deck-spreader-light-1--14121859

Kermit · Feb 3, 2016

Terry Cox said:
Have not made it to Alaska yet, but...

Can I go? PLEEEEEAAASE!!!!!

kappykaplan · Feb 3, 2016

Kermit said:
Can I go? PLEEEEEAAASE!!!!!

Only in the summer, you siwwy fwog!

artboas · Feb 5, 2016

Terry Cox said:
Replaced our old mini incandescent deck light bulb this past season with a mini bayonet LED from Marine Beam. Wow, amazing how much light a single emitter can produce. Our deck light is a combo Perko fixture that also includes a separate steaming light, which I also replaced with an LED bulb. The deck light LED is on the link that follows:

https://store.marinebeam.com/high-powered-ba9s-deck-steaming-light-led-ba-9s-5w/

Our 1991 model Hunter came standard with the deck/steaming light fixture shown in the following link. The lower lens cover for the deck light is gone on ours, so I fabricated an aluminum shield to protect the bulb from the genoa whenever we change tacks.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/perko...tion-masthead-deck-spreader-light-1--14121859

Kermit said:
Can I go? PLEEEEEAAASE!!!!!

RHUMB RUNNER said:
I have a 2009 Hunter 49 that needs a new deck light bulb, has anyone replaced the mast deck light bulb with an LED bulb. The old one is a sealed beam, I have replaced it before and it doesn't last very long. I'm thinking it might be due to the mast vibration?

I have a different option for you

Ok, it's a bit more work, but the results are well worth the effort
I suggest you put on spreader lights.
Firstly, they will light up your whole deck, which has a huge safety improvement. The difference between one tiny bulb in a foredeck light, and spreader lights is amazing
What I would truly suggest are the Lumitec units. The reason is that they are dual Color, and dimming. I would go with the blue ones. They are ultra COOL at night.
To install, it's not that bad.
You have a choice of running with the deck light, or a desperate circuit.
If you want to run it with the deck light, that is much easier.
If you are interested in how to install either method, PM me: You know me quite well already.
Btw, my impeller change modification is done, and I'm testing it as soon as I launch.
Looks good!!!

Romagic · Feb 10, 2016

So I am in the same position as Rhumb Runner. I have an 08 Hunter 49 and need to replace my deck light. Does anyone know specifically what LED replacement bulb to get?

Also, while I am at it, I am thinking of replacing the fixture/housing and getting a brighter LED light. Any suggestions on what to get. It seems like most LED fixtures are designed for power boats so the beam gets too wide pretty fast. I would like to have something pretty bright. Any thoughts?

Stu Jackson · Feb 10, 2016

Romagic said:
and need to replace my deck light. Does anyone know specifically what LED replacement bulb to get?

The first step is to determine what fixture you have. Use a pair of binoculars or a camera zoom and find out what you have on YOUR boat. Then compare it with the available fixtures in a marine catalog, like West Marine or Defender. There are usually only two or three vendors: Forespar, AquaSignal or Hella. The find out the regular bulb designation and use a site like Marinebeam's to find the LED replacement.