Navigation Lights

[commanderpete]

Well, my stern light has gone kaput. Turns out the interior contacts got corroded and broken. Anybody know if the guts of these lights are still sold somewhere?

I would like to keep the old fitting instead of buying a new stainless steel Perko (which would probably be the sensible thing to do). I need to replace that old wire too.

While I was procrastinating, I ran out and bought a portable stern light made by Aqua Signal. I only get about 4 hours of light for 4 batteries. But man, this light is bright.

I always wondered if the running lights on our old boats are as powerful as they should be. It seems alot of power boats out there have real bright running lights.

Maybe the working part of a new light will fit inside the old housing?

[Bill]

The internal electrical parts are standard. I picked up a bulb socket fitting from the local chandlery that fit fine. You do, however, have to break the solder fastening used to attach the socket to the light fixture.

[Theis]

My recollection is that the fitting (the entire assembly) is a standard Perko light, the same as you have. Only the insides have been changed to accept the new style light bulbs. You can replace it, if I recall without new screw holes. double check that for I may be wrong but don't think so.

[commanderpete]

A question came up on another thread about fixing navigation lights.

There could be a number of reasons why the the light doesn't work. The source of the problem is often corroded terminal ends or the socket.

You can try cutting back the wire a bit and making fresh connections, but its probably better just to run new wire.

The socket can be replaced with a standard brass "double contact bayonet socket". Often the old brass socket will have fused into the bronze housing, making removal difficult. If it really won't come out, you can punch the bottom out of the old socket and shove a plastic double contact bayonet socket in there. Its a little smaller than the brass one.

That's about all I know.

[Jim Rester]

On old Commander 80 there is a fishing float sticking out of a hole in the cabin just forward of the cockpit to Starboard. In a corresponding hole on Port there is a nifty little red light.

I am going to go out on a limb here and guess that berfore I'm done I'll need a nifty little green light.

We are trying to do stay as close to original as possible. Does anyone have a source?

Thanks ~ Jim

[Bill]

Jim,

Original hardware for Ariels, Commanders, Triton's and etc., is no longer available. We do have a lead on the original patterns and a navel architecture school that may get possession. (Search on "Ronstand" for more info.) But, this is turning out to be like going through probate . . .

Meanwhile, you can try finding an early Pearson that is headed for the chainsaws and bid on the light fixtures. BTW - I'm looking for an original stern light, in case you find one

[Tony G]

Is this the 'stuff' you guys are refering to?

[Bill]

Yes, that's the original Pearson hardware.

[Tony G]

Make me an offer. I can't refuse.

[Bill]

Do you have the lower half of the stern light? (I'm ok on the running lights.)

[Tony G]

Bill,

I'll try to find the lower half of the stern light. It must be somewhere around here in one of these boxes. When we picked up 113 she had nav lights on the pushpit and pulpit so the original equipment wasn't in use anymore. The pevious owner was pretty good about not throwing anything away. Meaning she was fully loaded with stuff. I hesitate to call any of it junk.

Anyways, I'll look for it-it's yours for showing interest. Tony G

[willie]

I need some help with the lights guys...
and they say the only stupid question is the one you don't ask so, when do i need to turn on nav. lights, and which ones.... also, if i'm anchored somewhere, is a lantern in the backstay ok?
Is the one about 10' up on front of the mast called the steaming light? I've only been out after dark one time, came in with flashlight, sweeps, sheets...by myself. Learned to head back sooner!

Anyway, if i need that light when i'm out past curfew, i need a new one. Last one had been pieced together a few too many times, so i just took it off and retired it.

I thought that since Santa brought me a new Minn Kota to try out for marina maneuvers i better get the lights working. I guess you can call it being under power.(attn. cmdrpete) Will be interesting to see how it works. The sweeps are fine, but sure would be a lot simplier to have that thing in the well. Getting old and lazy. I need something for locking through the dams too on our summer river cruise. Can't wait! Happy new year.

[commanderpete]

The light on the front of the mast is the "steaming light." Its used when the boat is propelled by "machinery." A boat under oars shows the same lights as a boat under sail.

There is no required place for an anchor light. Its supposed to be an all-around white light, visible for two miles and displayed "where it can best be seen."

[Bill]

A good addition to anyone's sailing library is Chapman Piloting, Seamanship & Small Boat Handling. Very complete discussion of lights in chapter 6, "Navigation Lights and Day Shapes." Elbert S. Maloney is the editor. Publisher is Hearst Marine Books.

[Theis]

I have some good news for all of you, unless something has changed in the last year or two, and I don't think it has.

Those are all Perko fittings, and when I rehabed my little puppy, I replaced the port and starboard lights with the Perko - they are the same as the originals except for the type of light bulb - and I may have replaced the stern light as well. Even if Perko no longer carries them (which I think they do), they might have some that are bright and shiny lying around.

If you can't find them, let me know and I'll look up their catalog number.