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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 Catalina 25 Specific Forum
 running bow light		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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lwirth
1st Mate

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USA
35 Posts
Initially Posted - 08/16/2006 :  11:47:27  Show Profile
I have a 1985/86 Catalina 25 with a non-functioning bow light. I tried all the obvious things and couldn't get the light functioning. Is there a possible fix that is easier than running new wire from the fixture back to the fuse box. All the other lights on the boat are working OK. The bow light bulb and related wiring/fuse behind the switch panel all seem to be OK. Thanks.
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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts
Response Posted - 08/16/2006 :  11:55:44  Show Profile
I would first get an auto fuse tester and see if you are getting power to the bow light. If so, it might be the original sccks that have gone bad. Eighter way, the best thing to do is to buy a red/green bowlight that mounts high up on your bow pulpit. You can see them much better in heavy seas. Cheers.
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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts
Response Posted - 08/16/2006 :  11:56:22  Show Profile
Check the switches too. If you've got power and the lamps work, then it's the distribution.
Good luck!
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mashedcat
Navigator

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USA
194 Posts
Response Posted - 08/16/2006 :  14:46:02  Show Profile
when i got my bow lites working i found that one of them had a corroded socket. but make sure you are getting power there first, what dennis said
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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts
Response Posted - 08/16/2006 :  15:41:11  Show Profile
I recently fixed my non-functioning bow lights. Using a simple circuit tester I discovered that I had workable circuit. I replaced both sides for about $3 and now have functional lights.
You can get just 'contacts and wires' that fit in the existing sockets. I tried to find replacement sockets but found the contacts at an auto parts store. It was the cheapest most time effective solution.
I can post pictures next week if that would help.
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lwirth
1st Mate

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USA
35 Posts
Response Posted - 08/16/2006 :  16:24:36  Show Profile
Dear Stampeder, That would be very helpful if it is not too much trouble. I am still hoping to sail at night before the season ends. Thanks, Larry
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existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts
Response Posted - 08/16/2006 :  18:39:36  Show Profile
Another solution:



http://www.duckworksbbs.com/hardware/electrical/il-560-111x/index.htm
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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts
Response Posted - 08/17/2006 :  09:16:24  Show Profile
There's a disclaimer posted along with the lights on one of the sites that sells them... they aren't legal for boats over 20' (I think that's the length anyway)
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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts
Response Posted - 08/17/2006 :  10:28:41  Show Profile
Using a simple electrical continuity tester (one with a probe and an alligator clip), I found that the problem with my bow lights was in the socket. I went to a marine store and an auto parts store and was unable to match up the socket. So I replaced the guts of the socket and now my lights are working.
This is a picture of the guts (contacts) that I cut out and replaced. Cost was about $3 for two. I probably could have just cleaned up the contacts, but for the price, replacement seemed best.
So far, the best two electrical tools on board my C25 are the continuity tester and my volt meter.
I hope this helps.
Edited by - stampeder on 08/17/2006 15:51:56
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Jasonconradt
Deckhand

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USA
14 Posts
Response Posted - 08/18/2006 :  13:20:01  Show Profile
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by ClamBeach</i>
<br />There's a disclaimer posted along with the lights on one of the sites that sells them... they aren't legal for boats over 20' (I think that's the length anyway)
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

I believe that disclaimer only applies to the incandescent (krypton bulb) lights. There are Innovative Lighting portable LED lights that aren't marked for "small boat". Actually come to think of it, maybe it's 20 meters instead of 20'?
Edited by - Jasonconradt on 08/18/2006 19:58:32
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lwirth
1st Mate

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USA
35 Posts
Response Posted - 08/24/2006 :  10:05:12  Show Profile
Thanks for all the great reponses. I will try to get the bow light working again this weekend. I would like to try sailing in the evening -- seems like a great time to be on the water. Larry
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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts
Response Posted - 08/24/2006 :  12:40:29  Show Profile
Hi Larry, I am starting to like sailing at night better than during the day....don't know why, but I like it. Maybe, someday I'll have Radar. Cheers.
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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts
Response Posted - 08/24/2006 :  13:30:40  Show Profile  Visit Frank Hopper's Homepage
The boat seems faster at night.
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Charlie Vick
Captain

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USA
423 Posts
Response Posted - 08/24/2006 :  13:43:54  Show Profile
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by fhopper@mac.com</i>
<br />The boat seems faster at night.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

Ain't that the truth!
Must be because you can't actually see how slow you're going.

Just be sure you have a charged or dc capable spotlight on board to keep you from running into "things" and "things" running into you.

edit- I also keep a battery powered bow and stern light, as Rick pointed out above, just for emergencies.

You DON"T want to be out at night with no lights!
Edited by - Charlie Vick on 08/24/2006 13:47:40
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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.