Well, I have a Bebi Owl that I've used for years. Really sad that they got forced out. Was an excellent light
No Anchor light this season,electr. questions
- Thread starter DAVA390
- Start date
an anchor light is an "all around light" and having the complete 360 degree arch of the light interrupted by the mast makes a light below the masthead non compliant to the CFR. Nothing wrong with additional lighting mounted lower but an anchor light is an all around light.
Well, Colregs specifically states- in the forepart of the vessel, or where it can best be seen. A mast, 12, 15 feet away from a bright light, does virtually nothing to block that light. I've rowed around the boat from various distances to check.
And I've had Coast Guard and marine patrol officers complement me on the light, and ask for info on where it came from. Sadly, I now have to tell them it's unavailable, due to the makers being forced out of business/..
But as Brian said- there are alternatives. I'll never put one at the mast head. I want that early morning, or late night fisherman to see me. I don't anchor where I need worry about ships seeing it.
What I noted in the photo is the deck light plug is also under the mast step plate. I wonder if the area of concern is there. You will have to remove it anyway if replacing the deck plug and they too can go bad..
I also noted a VHF cable coming out of the deck. Shakespear makes a two inch double ended female plug to accept the cable ends of a Pl 259 connector. Simply drill a hole thru the deck just for the two inch fitting to go thru, screw on the nuts sealing with 4200 . You can also buy a stainless steel cap that goes over the outside of that fitting as well to prevent water intrusion when not in use. My customers liked that set up when raising and lowering the mast so as not to pull wires thru, cut wires and so on.
I also noted a VHF cable coming out of the deck. Shakespear makes a two inch double ended female plug to accept the cable ends of a Pl 259 connector. Simply drill a hole thru the deck just for the two inch fitting to go thru, screw on the nuts sealing with 4200 . You can also buy a stainless steel cap that goes over the outside of that fitting as well to prevent water intrusion when not in use. My customers liked that set up when raising and lowering the mast so as not to pull wires thru, cut wires and so on.
Dave, next question, as you have experience with these boats. Is it possible I will find in the wiring harness under the plug another wire to the "unused" running from the switchplate area. ? 4 wires from switch panel to the mast or just 3?
It look like the plug is along side the mast step plate, not under it. Mine is under through the plate and inside the mast, a bit of a pita when trying to resolve these type of issues.
He really needs to remove the plug and inspect it underneath for corrosion between the wire connections. That is where he may be getting the continuity between the ground and the various hot wires. The whole area looks like it needs to be treated and sealed (IMHO)
BTW: Good idea on the cover for the plug. I understand that the caps from the small propane bottles fit perfectly.
Ok I'll buy it and stand corrected. I reviewed the navigation rules again and your argument is valid, thanks for the correction.