Running Lights

[Sherry Miller]

I have a Hunter 22 (1983). The battery is fully charged, but only the bow running lights are functioning. I haven't replaced the fuse, but if the bow lights work, the stern should too since they share the same fuse. There is a different switch for the mast light however. I have no clue where to start to determine why stern and mast lights are not operable. I have a xerox copy of owner's manual and it shows where the connections are, do I just examine those and replace wires possibly? Any ideas, as I'm totally non-technical minded. I enjoy the after work evening sails but need my running lights in order to stay out longer. Naturally, I'm trying to avoid spending $$$. Any suggestions?

 

[Bryan C.]

Solutions

I'm not an expert either, and not familiar with the wiring of the H22, however, assuming it is not a burned out light bulb, the only (or at least easiest) way to test the circuit is with a circuit tester, or better yet, a multimeter. You can buy them at radio shack. They have probes you touch to the positive and negative leads of a circuit to see if any electricity is flowing. First you will want to see if there is any juice getting to the stern light. Touch the probes to the metal prongs which hold the light bulb and confirm if there is any current flowing. If not, you have to work your way back to the source of the power for the light. Probably there is a loose or corroded wire either at the stern light housing or at the junction box where the switches are located.For the mast light, there may be connections at the base of the mast you can test or you may have to test the circuit at the switch box. If the circuit is good, there may be a connection problem at the mast head (or burned out bulb).If you have no clue about how electric circuits work, find someone to help you are buy a book on basic marine electrical systems. While this type of testing is not that hard to do, the first time you do it it can seem a little confusing. It's good to have and know how a multimeter works and know how to do basic tests as this will probably not be the last time in your life you have electrical problems. I have and recommend Nigel Calder's book "Boat Owners Mechanical and Electrical Manual" which has a very good section on electrical systems and how to troubleshoot them. While that book (about $30 at WM or BoatUS) has a lot more info than you need for this particular problem, it is an excellent reference book to have for all your boat's systems. There are less expensive books dedicated to marine electronics. Good luck

 

[Phil Teter]

Easy things first

Check the lamps and the sockets. Wipe off the inside of the lamp socket - a pencil eraser will usually rub off any corrosion. Check the lamps by putting them in a socket you know works.Phil Teter Force 1

 

[Gregg Brock]

Running lights problem

To Sherry Miller I bought an 83 h22 about 4 years ago. It had been neglected for a few years so I intended to refinish the boat inside and out. I had tha same problem with the bow light working but the transome light not. If you still have the switch panel on the starboard side below the seat, the connections for both lights is under the starboard quarter berth. The connection was corroded and would only conduct sporatically. I separated the connection and replaced as much of the wire as I could. Apparently the wires will corrode over time and will need to be replaced. I moved the electrical panel up from the floor to above the saloon table. To keep everything as simple as I could, I put each light on a separate switch. It cost me about $35 for a new switch panel, wire, electrical connectors, and tape. It's labor intensive but you have to trace all the wires and inspect them. It took me a weekend to complete the project.I picked up all my materials at K-Mart  Most of the connections are easy to get to. If you replace one wire at a time and label it with tape you can't go wrong. On my boat ,the bow light,transome light, mast light,and interior lights are on a separate switch. Since I have replaced the wiring I havn't had a problem at all.I moved the switch panel because the switches took alot of abuse being at foot level.The connection for your mast light is just behind the mast step. I had to replace the connection there because it was corroded.I ended up replacing the wire in the mast as well. If you're having these electrical problems now, it's most likely an issue of corrosion. Cheer up. It's not a hard or expensive fix but it does take some time to trace down each of the wires. If you get to a point where you want to add some accessories like a stereo,TV, night vision lighting,and a power outlet, you'll need to add an additional battery. Keep me posted on your progress.Sincerly,Gregg Brock" Ocracoke " h22(83)Joe Pool Lake,Cedar Hill,Texas