bow light corrosion

[saurav16]

Hi,

My bow lights were not working. I bought new bulbs but they are still not working. I think there is a lot of corrosion in the contacts. What is the best way to clean the corrosion there? Has anyone else had problems with the bow lights (red/green)?

[Sailormann]

Check the wiring to see if it is still carrying current. If it is - buy a new light. If not, rewire it and then buy a new light. It will take more time and expense to try to fix it than it is worth... and even then - it is not going to last long. It's an important part of your boat, not having one in working order will get you fined. New ones are not expensive.

[essman]

You might try using some emory cloth to clean the contacts in the lamp before replacing it. Just lightly rub the contacts until they are bright and shiny where the bulb makes contact.
You can get emory cloth at any hardware store.

[sailingdog]

If you go the emery cloth route, you might want to coat the contacts with vaseline/Boeshield T9 or some other protectant to help prevent them from corroding again.

[RichH]

Stranded Copper wire (cheap automotive grade wire) once it corrodes cant be cleaned ... as the corrosion will immediately return.
Best is to change out to 'tinned' (marine grade) wire and lights that have tinned connectors.

[Boasun]

A fine opportunity to up grade your running lights.
And your wife will have to agree with you.
And as you buy those new running lights, add in some other items you deem necessary for your boat.

[cardiacpaul]

the originals on your boat were most likely zinc alloy...it they're corroded, its due to age and forget trying to clean them. The replacements are stainless
Catalina Direct: Flush Mounted Navigation Lights