nav lights and butt connectors

[Roger (Ninette Manitoba)]

This may be an overly simple question, but I am new to boat wiring. I have a 17 footer with a small cuddy. I am occasionally out sailing after sundown, so will be mounting a single circuit for nav lights this spring. I just picked up the lights this past weekend, and note that they have the two wire pigtail setup.Do I just connect them to the circuit with butt connectors (crimped), or should I be using something a bit sturdier and more moisture proof to connect to the wiring circuit, ie soldering then heat shrink?Also what about the spade connectors on the switch. Should I be covering them in silicone once the connection is made?

 

[Gord May]

Step-Down Butts

You got it! Use appropriated size Butt Connectors and heat shrink at the masthead, and Crimp Spades c/w Shrink at the switch. Don't silicone over the switch spade, but you could coat the Sw. tab /w No-Alox anti-oxidant (or just Vaseline).

 

[John Nantz]

Put Dielectric Silicone on Bulb Sockets

What I'd add is to put a bit of dielectric silicone on the bulb seats to help combat corrosion and oxidation. The bulb contacts is usually the first thing to cause problems. A person could even put some on the screws that hold the lenses on and the machine screws that hold the light fixture to the boat.For the wires that go from the lights to the battery one should of course use tin-plated copper marine grade wires. will be really bright but their life expectancy might be reduced. If this would be your setup you might ask around about how others handle it.

 

[TT]

Use only marine grade connectors

Roger - Ancor makes good quality connectors, wire etc for marine use. There are probably other sources as well. Whatever you do, DO NOT use the cheapy connectors sold at auto discount stores - they're garbage. Wire for marine use is both stranded

 

[Roger (Ninette Manitoba)]

thanks all, for your replies

I have all the right pieces now, including the dielectric goop and liquid neoprene. Thanks for that one guys!The boat should be coming to the home driveway for spring prep in about 4 to 6 weeks.