Mast Light problems on H240 :{

[Daniel]

Hello,Was taking the tarp off my H240 yesterday and saw that the mast light was hinging by the electical wires. The mast light broke away from the base.Have several questions if you please.1. When I went to take off the mast light, the electrical wires were soddered to the springs in which the bulbs are pushed into. I can't get the wires, attached to the soddered springs, out of the plastic mast light mold, without cutting the wires. Is this correct or am I missing something??2. Should I cut the electrical wires closest to the springs they are soddered to?3. My Hunter Mannual says the mast light is part # RIO507A. The light itself says Perko, with numbers RINA 5/242/89. Does any one know if and where I can get a replacement? Or is there another one I could use or which would be better??4. Is there a way to connect the electrical wires on a new light without having to sodder the wires to the new springs? Can I just use a "twist" connector. I am doing this work with the mast down, of course, but having to stand on a ladder and its not easy.I would prefer not running new wire through the mast, and would rather just put on a new mast light.Thanks in advance for any and all help. Really appreciate it. I was dissapointed I could not get the boat in the water yesterday as it was 70 degrees here in Wisconsin.Thanks again and regards,Daniel

 

[Bob Noble]

Think about an LED replacement

DanielI take it your referring to the anchor light at the very top of your mast. I had mine go on the fritz and replaced the whole kit and caboodle as I didn’t think 24 gauge wire was sufficient. Anyway if your going to replace the fixture look into an LED light. They draw vary little and are said to last two lifetimes. As far as wiring I’ve heard that crimp on butt splices are the preferred method which should be fairly easy atop a ladder.BobS/V Miss Lisa

 

[Mark]

Solder only

If you are going to do any work particulary at the top of the mast I would solder. Crimp on is good for short term but in marine conditions they do not last long.

 

[Crazy Dave]

daniel

I would use butt connectors. If it is the regular style, put liquid electrial in the ends to seal. Or you can get the waterproof kind which costs a little more. You can also put shrink shield over the wire and heat it up to seal too but make sure you put the sleeve on the wire first and then shove up. I would not sodor.

 

[Ross Terry]

mast light

you can get a replacement at west marine. I purchased replacement LED bulbs for my 240 mast light on ebay for 6 bucks. works great and about 1/5 the current draw of incandescents. you can solder or butt splice, just waterproof it after. shrink tubing works nicely for that.

 

[Daniel]

Thank for info...

Thanks to all for the good info.I was able to get a replacement light from West Marine and just used some crimp attachments which I could then heat with a lighter and it shrunk wrapped around it. Works great and thanks to all.Good Sailing,Daniel

 

[Ron Mehringer]

Ross - LED bulb info?

Ross can you provide more info about the LED replacement bulb you purchased? Is it designed to replace a festoon bulb? That's what the masthead light on the h26 uses. I'm a bit of an LED nut, owning many LED flashlights. Most of the LED anchor light replacements I've seen have been very expensive. Do be cautious about what you accept for an LED mastlight as the output can be significantly less than needed.Anyone interested in a great forum for LED (and other) lighting, see the related link below.Thanks,Ron Mehringerh26 Hydro-Therapy