Nav lights - any mid cabin (might be model specific) experts

[BobCT]

Much like removing my wiper motors, this seemingly simple task of getting the Nav/Anchor lights to work has turned into a saga.

I had some help today and did some more troubleshooting. No way, no how could we get them working the right way.

The 1st mystery is why there's only one wire running through the windshield up to the light. Ok, so I'll run another wire if I have to, no big deal. I checked some pics of other '86-'88 mid cabins and the lights are in the same place, center of the windshield.

The second mystery is the RED wire labled #45. It goes to the switch and then runs down to the terminal block inside the mid cabin closet. I have continuity from one end to the other. It connects on the terminal block and there's another red wire right across from it.

This wire does not have voltage, I'm not sure if its' supposed to be live or not. #45 according to the wiring diagram is labeled "Nav Lights Anc". Seems a likely suspect.

This wire doesn't do anything no matter what terminal I connect it to on the switch. Every Nav/anchor light switch diagram shows only TWO 12v wires going to the two center terminals.

Is it possible that this wire should be a 12v output (a 3rd power source) and it's just not working?

If someone with a mid cabin feels like cleaning under the helm panel, I would greatly appreciate any insight as to how the switch and/or mast light is wired

The closest I can get now is getting the 360 light working but the nav lights stay on too. When I got the boat, only the forward 1/2 of the mast lit up (I guess I know why now)....


thanks,
Bob

[S.A.M.]

New, the boats had a masthead light on the radar arch and the windshield.
The one on the radar arch was your 360 anchor light.

I have the same problem with my boat. The masthead light on the arch is long gone. The design in the wiring is such that to run a second wire, you'll have to put resistors in the wiring to prevent the back flow of electricity.

I have not done this, so it's all based on theory. Where we moor on the weekends is always up close to the beach with the stern in and out of navigable waterways. So I don't worry about it. The front light on the masthead comes on with the anchor light button engaged.

Good Luck

[wowzer52]

You can buy 12volt diodes (one way valve for electricity) at any RV parts store. They are commonly used for the tail lights on the towed vehicle behind a motorhome. I have installed several.

[S.A.M.]

You can buy 12volt diodes (one way valve for electricity) at any RV parts store. They are commonly used for the tail lights on the towed vehicle behind a motorhome. I have installed several.

Thanks for the correction, diodes are correct.

[BobCT]

Funny, I had pretty much thrown in the towel and was going to install another light up there for this purpose. I actually bought another short Perko but it has to be a tall mast so you can see it above the radar dome.

That explains why there's only one wire run up to the windshield. Do you believe the RED wire #45 goes up to the radar arch then?

I don't think I saw any indications that a light was there before. Was it an option?

If the red wire runs all the way up there then the wiring will be easy.

thanks!

[S.A.M.]

Funny, I had pretty much thrown in the towel and was going to install another light up there for this purpose. I actually bought another short Perko but it has to be a tall mast so you can see it above the radar dome.

That explains why there's only one wire run up to the windshield. Do you believe the RED wire #45 goes up to the radar arch then?

I don't think I saw any indications that a light was there before. Was it an option?

If the red wire runs all the way up there then the wiring will be easy.

thanks!

Bob,

That would be my guess that the wiring is still there. It had to be standard to pass requirements. If you look at any of the pictures from catalogs and brochures they all had the two masthead lights. Some showed on center, some off to one side, plus the one on the windshield.

My arch has a gps antenna, 48" radar array, remote spotlight and a hdtv antenna. My guess is the light went away when the previous owners begain putting all this on the arch.

[BobCT]

I pulled down the radar arch access panel and sure enough, there was the red wire not connected to anything.

With the switch off there was no voltage. When I moved the switch back to "Anchor", I had 12v.

So, I think all I need to do is install a new light and connect BOTH the white and grey wires to the red/switched and it should work.

Why did you guys think I need to install diodes?

Sherman, thanks. I wouldn't have ever figured this out trying to wire it up at the helm. My only other dilemna is where to mount the light and have it look ok. If I mount it on top of the arch it would have to be to one side of the radar dome. If I mount it on the forward lip of the arch, I'll have a problem with my top being in the way....

Bob

[wowzer52]

Bob, diodes would come into play if you only wanted one wire for two functions without one feeding back into another. Check out this anchor light mounting. might be an option to go back and up from the bottom of your radar mount.?

[prowlersfish]

I have wired up many lights on boats and never used or needed diodes

[BobCT]

I don't need to come out as far but that idea would keep it centered and higher than the dome.

My other option is to epoxy the short Perko light to the top of the dome. I just talked to a guy at Ray Marine and he said that we be just fine (disclaimer if I botch it up).



Bob

[koviak]

Bob, mine is mounted to the port side of the arch,(radar dome also).
It is the base mount with cover so I remove the light when not needed.

[wowzer52]

The light mount on the top of the tubing is an up side down railing stantion mount with the wire ran down through the tubing. I got it from a canvas shop.