Replacing mast lights

[Les Murray]

I was working on the mast on my 1986 Cat 36 Tall Rig, and noticed a couple of lighting problems. The short of it is that I am going to replace my masthead and anchor lights. I bought the replacements, AquaSignal series 25 lights - a white all around for the anchor and a masthead/spreader combo. My question is what is involved with drilling into the mast to mount the new lights and anything of which I should be aware? I am a bit worried about drilling alot of holes in my mast. Also, the lights did not come with fasteners. Any recommendations there? Self tapping sheet metal screws, bolts, rivets?Thanks for your help,Les Murrays/v Ceilidh86 C-36 #560

 

[Rich]

aluminum rivets

I need to replace the combo steaming/foredeck light and was told to use aluminum pop rivets...to avoid problems with dissimilar metals.

 

[Chris Hyland]

Mast Lighting

Les, Sometimes they bed metal parts to the mast with neoprene. I suppose to prevent galvanic action. I'm not sure if the light fixtures you purchased are metal or poly of some kind. The previous advise of aluminum rivets sounds good to me.Regards,Chris

 

[Bob Fischer]

machine screws

I would recommend tapping the holes for #8 machine screws. Machine screws will not leave a sharp edge for halyards and wires to chafe on. You can can pick up a small tap set for 15 dollars at Sears.

 

[R.W. Landau]

Location

Les,Are you mounting it where it was or are you going to relocate it and run new wire and all?What did they previously use?Can you make one or more of the old holes work?If you use stainless screws, coat them with and anticease compound.Rivits are simple if you already have the gun and drill bit.If you are rewiring, repost to get more input as to wire type and size.r.w.landau