Steaming Light Problem

[Sandpiper20958]

Dear Fellow Sailors:I recently purchased a 30' Catalina. Great! However, the Steaming and Mast lights are apparently not working. Not so Great.I am told that I can purchase a portable light that can used. Solar powered too.I cannot find any light that would give me the 2 mile radius and work. It has to be able to be hosted up, not clamped down.Any Suggestions for those in the know?Thanks!Bob

 

[Ken]

Light Problem

I would fix the normal steaming and Mast Head Light. My rule is don't skimp on saftey items-I'll spend money for saftey areas and wait if I have to for creature comforts. Could just be the bulbs. Your marina may have a Crane with a ladder built in. Mine does. You might be able to clinb the ladder and reach the bulbs. If not borrow a Bosuns chair. I would first check your panel and make sure your fuses are ok, wiring is good and you have current at the switch.Fairwinds!Ken

 

[Paul4360]

Look for weak contacts..

Bob:I just finished tackling a similar challenge on my C27; mast, steaming and spreader lights were all out. I checked and tested everything, starting with the fuses, panel, etc. It turns out the culprit was fouled contacts in the plugs at the base of the mast. My mast is currently unstepped, which of course makes this an easier task. I am not sure what one would do if the mast were stepped. But, if none of your mast lights are functioning, I wager it is a connection that needs cleaning.Sail on.Paul

 

[Frank Wilson]

When I had this problem

The problem was that the wire had got pinched between the mast and step, brteaking them. I was able to repair ir with the mast stepped by removing one of the blocks through which the halyards exit the mast to access the wires and repair them.

 

[Sandpiper20958]

Thanks Frank:I'll check that out. Surely would make life alot easier.Take Care,Bob

 

[Peter18012]

THE RULES SAY...

that the lights are required items, that you can't have "pretty near" or "work around", especially underway. There are portable ANCHOR lights made by Davis that are great, legal, use very little 12V, plug into the cigarette lighter on a long cord, about $35. But its not a steaming light. If you're ever under power at night, you need a light on the mast, above all other lights, with 225 degree coverage on the front of the boat, with 2NM visibility. Anything different, and after a collision, YOU'RE LIABLE. If by "mast light" you mean an anchor light, it has to be 360 degree visibility, but same other requirements. (This is the Davis ligt referred to.) I've known people who owned boats not displaying a legal anchor light who were hit at 1:30AM by a drunk on a jet ski (also with no lights!), and were partially liable. If you mean a deck light shining down, there's no legal requirement, just convenience.