I notice on our masthead light it is dull and not bright like most that I see out at night. Is there a brighter light even LED that can replace it. Or do they make a strobe light for the masthead? And what's legal and not?
+1. I think the SBO opening page has an ad for LEDs? Probably a 44 mm festoon, but maybe not???The SBO store here sells excellent LED bulbs.
All you need is the type/model number of your light fixture
Strobe would not meet CG requirements. Need a steady light visible two miles 360 degrees. Converted all our navigation lights to LED from Marine Beam. Likely something like this one: https://store.marinebeam.com/double-contact-indexed-bay15d-18-led-surface-mount-cluster/Or do they make a strobe light for the masthead?
And we generally call a masthead light a steaming light, because it is on when we are steaming, but it's proper name is a masthead light and the white all around light at the top of the mast is the anchor light. We use these confusing terms to befuddle the novice sailor.I know this may be pedantic but it sounds like you are talking about an anchor light and not a "masthead light" which is a light for power driven vessels (including sailboats under power).
And it works very wellAnd we generally call a masthead light a steaming light, because it is on when we are steaming, but it's proper name is a masthead light and the white all around light at the top of the mast is the anchor light. We use these confusing terms to befuddle the novice sailor.
I believe you are correct. I'm talking about the light at the top of the mast. I assume from what I'm reading you can install a LED for the anchor light? Mine is so dem and I would like to upgrade.I know this may be pedantic but it sounds like you are talking about an anchor light and not a "masthead light" which is a light for power driven vessels (including sailboats under power).
If I'm going with LED does the housing need to be replaced? The 38 is 10 years old and I'm almost certain that the housing is just as old. Would it be recommended to replace this housing and LED at the same time? And is it possible to install a strobe light instead or is that illegal? I got the anchor light and steaming light confused.Great guidance here, @pumpkinpie . If you feel like climbing up a 5-story building (I'm deathly afraid of heights), for an extra $50-100, you can hire a guy to do this work on your masthead. The replacement of your anchor light is a 1/2 hour job (max) and involves three screws and two wire connections. If you replace only the bulb, the rusty connections and hazed-over lens are not corrected.
Actually, the steaming light on sailing vessels is not usually on the masthead but about 2/3 of the way up the foremast and the masthead light is atop the highest mast for anchoring.And we generally call a masthead light a steaming light, because it is on when we are steaming, but it's proper name is a masthead light and the white all around light at the top of the mast is the anchor light. We use these confusing terms to befuddle the novice sailor.
Nothing wrong with a strobe light, but IIRC, I believe they are used to indicate an emergency- not an anchor? As already stated, there are differences of opinions, so I suggest you go to Boat U.S. or West to see their guides on the matter.If I'm going with LED does the housing need to be replaced? The 38 is 10 years old and I'm almost certain that the housing is just as old. Would it be recommended to replace this housing and LED at the same time? And is it possible to install a strobe light instead or is that illegal? I got the anchor light and steaming light confused.
Yes, a strobe is an indication of needing help, NOT a suitable or legal anchor light. Using a strobe for an anchor light only succeeds as showing all who can see it that the boat's operator is ignorant.Nothing wrong with a strobe light, but IIRC, I believe they are used to indicate an emergency- not an anchor? As already stated, there are differences of opinions, so I suggest you go to Boat U.S. or West to see their guides on the matter.
Well, yes, "I" did. A friend climbed the mast as I am better suited as a line puller. You can get LEDs anywhere- especially this forum. EITHER CLIMB TO SEE WHAT THE OLD BULB IS, OR GET SEVERAL LEDs SO YOU HAVE ONE TO FIT. edit TO ADD: WHILE SOMEONE IS GOING up the mast, take picture of everything up there. Shroud attachment, antenna mounts, halyard exit and mast-top blocks, steaming light and anchor light, etc.Did you install the LED on your masthead yourself? May I ask where did you purchase your LED at?
Really good advice and thank you!Well, yes, "I" did. A friend climbed the mast as I am better suited as a line puller. You can get LEDs anywhere- especially this forum. EITHER CLIMB TO SEE WHAT THE OLD BULB IS, OR GET SEVERAL LEDs SO YOU HAVE ONE TO FIT. edit TO ADD: WHILE SOMEONE IS GOING up the mast, take picture of everything up there. Shroud attachment, antenna mounts, halyard exit and mast-top blocks, steaming light and anchor light, etc.