New Hunter 23.5 Owner - missing equipment - rookie sailor

[Cape Charles]

I just bought my first boat, a 1993 Hunter 23.5, and want to prep for first sail...but missing some vital equipment: red/green bow light, mainsail battens, jib (and maybe associated rigging?), battery, plastic fuse covers on the electrical panel, anchor, and the bridle wires that go with the mast raising pole. So the question is, how to replace the bow light (have no idea what the original looked like), is there a substitute? And how best to test all the electrical functions before going to the marina to raise the mast?
Anyone know a source for documentation on the Hunter electric stuff (Owner's manual says "refer to separate instructions on batteries, wiring diagram, and electronics"). Thanks! -- Charles from Cape Charles

 

[Hugh Straub]

For reasons known only to Hunter the combination red/green bow light is positioned in the most vulnerable spot on the boat. Fortunately the replacement is an inexpensive Aquasignal series 25. As there's an excellent chance you'll replace it more than once, you may wish to consider an alternative solution. If you think of a good alternative, please post it so that I can follow suit.

Kind regards

Hugh Straub

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Re: New Hunter 23.5 Owner - missing equipment - rookie sailo

Polarity with 12v lighting is not important. In other words, one wire has to be from the negative side and the other from the positive. So, to check the mast lights before raising, just bring a battery to the end of your mast and connect the wires to the battery. One positive and one negative, without touching them, of course. That will tell you if your bulbs are ok and wiring is ok. If a light doesn't work, change the bulb first. If after that it still doesn't work, then you need to check the wiring making sure it is in tact. You can take a multi-meter to check the wires from the inside of the boat to the deck where they attach to the wires in the mast. Or, use one of those screwdriver like tools with a light in the handle, a sharp point at the tip and a wire with alligator clip on the other. You can get these at automotive or marine stores. Turn the switch on and see if you get juice on the multimeter or that the light comes on in the tool.
You say you need fuse holder caps. They are available at any good marine store, or can be special ordered for you. You just have to know which type you need as they vary. Of course, you have to have the fuse in place before you can check the continuity of your lights. No fuse (or bad fuse)-not lights.
Battens can be purchased at your local sailboat chandlery or at a sail loft. Bring your mainsail in if you don't know how to measure your batten pockets. The wiring on a Hunter 23.5 is pretty simple, so you really don't need a wiring schematic to figure it out, but if you really want one, contact me and I might have one.

 

[Cape Charles]

Re: New Hunter 23.5 Owner - missing equipment

Hugh, Thanks, I will look for the Aquasignal light.
Barnacle Bill, thanks also - great advice. Will definitely test the mast light before putting it up. Not sure what amperage to use--they are glass fuses, I'm most concerned to have the one for the bilge pump working. Looks like the seller put in a new bilge pump but since it is not wired and never been used...I think I need to test it.