Replacing Bulbs

[wufibugs]

Am replacing the bulbs on my boat with LEDs. Done for Bow and stern. What about the mast light? I assume hunter used the same fixture for many boats for quite a while. Anyone replaced this bulb or know where to find the specs for it?

 

[Jon Bastien]

If you're referring to the steaming light, I'd save the money and not replace it with LED-- Every other light on the boat might get used when disconnected from a charging source, but the only time you'd use the steaming light is when the engine is running (and thus there's a charge coming from the alternator).

Having said that, it depends on what the boat was fitted with, and whether or not a previous owner replaced it. If memory serves, Hunter was using the Perko combination masthead light (link here), which had two 'festoon' bulbs (Link here).

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[Steve Dion]

I agree with Jon. The issue is that you do not know if the fixtures have been replaced on a boat that is 25-30 years old. Your best bet is go remove the old blubs and get the proper replacement for your fixture.

 

[dscribner]

One problem I've read about with LED steaming lights or all-around white masthead lights is that to a large ship, steaming along, they look like stars, close to the horizon. I can't attest to it personally but another poster mentioned it. Something to think about anyway.

 

[wufibugs]

My reason for asking was that I don't want to have to go up the stick twice. Since the bulbs can probably be exchanged, I was willing to gamble and at least take something up with me in the probably vain hope of getting it right the first time. I have to visit the masthead anyway to replace the windex, install my gps antenna, reposition my bird spikes, check the tackle and establish my machismo.