LED Navigation Lights

solman55 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-20-2010

Hey guys I need to put a new masthead light on my boat it went out so I decided when I have my rather large bottom side up the mast I would put in a new unit and install a new vhf antenna up there mine is currently zip-tied to the back of the boat which works but I think it would be much better on the mast for obvious reasons. Anyway ramble ramble, I want to find out what would be my best bet on a high quality led masthead light and install new wire in the mast so any tips and some ideas on good companies, links to some high quality wire and coax cable for the VHF antenna. I know I must be driving you guys crazy but your full of great info so thanks for the help. I want to use a company that makes masthead lights and all nav lights in led so that I can use the same company for my entire boat.

mitiempo · #2 (**permalink**) 08-20-2010

Are you looking for a masthead light or an anchor light? An anchor light is mounted at the top of the mast for all around visibility. A masthead light, or steaming light is mounted about halfway up the mast and is visible from forward only.

solman55 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-20-2010

Its the masthead light about halfway up just a white light. I don't have an anchor light which I find odd, I guess I would just hang a lantern up the mast.

mitiempo · #4 (**permalink**) 08-20-2010

If you are going to the top to install a vhf antenna and run its cable you could add an anchor light and run its wiring at the same time.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 08-20-2010

Try Aquasignal's Series 32 fixtures... they're reasonably priced and USCG approved.

solman55 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-20-2010

JGood point so where would I put my anchor light at and what's the best way to mount it?

mitiempo · #7 (**permalink**) 08-20-2010

Right on the masthead. Anchor lights designed for sailboats usually come with a mounting base like the Hella shown below. Measurements are metric.

solman55 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-29-2010

Hey guys I was wondering, I guess I have been calling the masthead light by the wrong name it is about halfway up and points straight out, so what is that? And mounting an anchor light may be a little difficult up all the way at the top cause the cables and pulleys are up there, as you know, so where would I mount it?
Thanks

sailingdog · #9 (**permalink**) 10-29-2010

The "masthead" light that you're describing is actually a STEAMING LIGHT, called such because it is required for boats under power—or under "steam".

As for mounting an anchor light at the mast top, it usually isn't an issue, since most masts have a masthead truck or casting that would allow a place to mount the anchor light.

Here's a photo of the masthead truck of my boat, and the shoddy job of mounting the LED tricolor that Peter Kennedy Yacht Services did.

You may need to fashion a mounting bracket to mount the light to the masthead truck. Just don't do a crappy job like Peter Kennedy Yacht Services did. The mounting bracket they charged me $40 is a piece of rough aluminum scrap that isn't even wide enough for the anchor light to mount to properly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by solman55

Hey guys I was wondering, I guess I have been calling the masthead light by the wrong name it is about halfway up and points straight out, so what is that? And mounting an anchor light may be a little difficult up all the way at the top cause the cables and pulleys are up there, as you know, so where would I mount it?
Thanks

LandLocked66c · #10 (**permalink**) 10-29-2010

Can't see the pics from work, subscribing...