1986 30' Weekender Windshield-mounted Bow/anchor light question

[David619]

Hello:

I removed the radar arch from the boat, that is where the old Bow/anchor light was mounted. Now I need to figure out where to put a new one, and get one that is high enough to clear the soft top so that the anchor light is visible. Any ideas are welcome.

Thanks!

Dave

 

[Lazy Daze]

Hello:

I removed the radar arch from the boat, that is where the old Bow/anchor light was mounted. Now I need to figure out where to put a new one, and get one that is high enough to clear the soft top so that the anchor light is visible. Any ideas are welcome.

Thanks!

Dave

The bow light should be mounted at the bow. The stern (or all around light) is the one you're after. Perko and Attwood are probably the two biggest players in this area. These are readily available at any marine store. Measure the distance from your mounting location to the highest part of the canvas and then add about 1 foot. FYI, there are "foldable" poles available which will make it easier to store the pole when it's not being used.

 

[David619]

Hi Dennis:

Tks for the quick response. There is no bow light on the boat, it was a combo unit on a curved aluminum pole mounted on the arch. I am thinking I will need the same combo, but on a straight pole mounted on the middle windshield frame. I will investigate Perko and Atwood.

Thanks!

Dave

 

[David619]

I should have added that there is a circular stern light mounted in the transom...

 

[moparlvr4406]

should have the red/green mounted on the bow...probably one on each side rather than a single unit out front
the anchor lite can be mounted on the top of the windshield with a folding unit
make sure if you have a bimini it is tall enough to show over the top 360 degrees

in my sig pic you can see the nav lite right above the aft portlight and the mast lite folded down onto my windshield

 

[KC_Sundancer]

moparlvr4406 beat me to it, I was just going to mention the windshield mounted light.
Advantage is it's out of the way, and does not have to be taken on and off. Stern posts always seem to get in the way when there.
Here is one from perko:

 

[David619]

Thanks all! Great group appreciate the support. Sorry for all of the newbie questions. I will have more!

 

[Lazy Daze]

No "bow" mounted light... Are you sure the red/green aren't mounted on either side of the boat - about 8' back from the bow? I wasn't aware that there was ever a red/green/white combo light mounted on an arch. But, who knows.

If you have the stern light, then you'll want to deactivate that from coming on when your running lights are on. That is, if you go with an "all-around" style white light. I agree that sometimes a stern-mounted plug-in style can be a "grab handle". Whether you go with the windshield mount or stern-mount (probably a little easier/neater to install, though), just make sure you get one that is tall enough.

The existing stern light you have can be re-wired to a separate switch (or cockpit lights if you have them) to be used as a boarding light.

 

[moparlvr4406]

No "bow" mounted light... Are you sure the red/green aren't mounted on either side of the boat - about 8' back from the bow? I wasn't aware that there was ever a red/green/white combo light mounted on an arch. But, who knows.

If you have the stern light, then you'll want to deactivate that from coming on when your running lights are on. That is, if you go with an "all-around" style white light. I agree that sometimes a stern-mounted plug-in style can be a "grab handle". Whether you go with the windshield mount or stern-mount (probably a little easier/neater to install, though), just make sure you get one that is tall enough.

The existing stern light you have can be re-wired to a separate switch (or cockpit lights if you have them) to be used as a boarding light.

the all around light won't cut it on the windshield frame... it will blind you running after dark and the CG will bust you for it.
it needs to be wired so the front bulb works and rear is off in the nav position
at anchor both front and rear bulbs will operate
and leave the one in the stern as it acts as the rear white bulb for the nav lites

 

[Lazy Daze]

the all around light won't cut it on the windshield frame... it will blind you running after dark and the CG will bust you for it.
it needs to be wired so the front bulb works and rear is off in the nav position
at anchor both front and rear bulbs will operate
and leave the one in the stern as it acts as the rear white bulb for the nav lites

A shield can be installed, which makes it legal. And, some of the newer styles of 'all around' lights do not glare downwards. But, sure, that is another way to do it. More than one way to skin 'da cat.

 

[David619]

Thanks all for input. Let me clarify, there are separate port and stbd lights, about 8' back on both sides. And a transom mounted white stern light. All original. I just need to replace the forward facing white light and provide for a 360 degree light if I should ever anchor at night. The existing switch has a nav/anchor light toggle switch. So I just need to get a light that has separate front and back white light. Again appreciate all of the help!

 

[moparlvr4406]

The Perko that Dennis pictured is set up like that with front and rear facing bulbs ..wired independently..and a guard inbetween the bulbs to keep the fornt bulb from shining in your face.
but keep in mind what I said about the bimini/camper top height...I had to make a taller pole for mine
due to the tall camper

 

[David619]

Yes I agree, height will have to exceed height of soft top. Thanks!!

 

[KC_Sundancer]

Under 40 feet the all around on the windshield frame is legal.
I have ours switched so the "all around" can be turned on when under power if needed. With the dinghy sometimes on the swim platform you can't see the transom light.

This may help clarify requirements:

 

[sbw1]

My 1986 weekender had a standoff that was maybe 18 inches long and was mounted at the center of the windshield. You could also unscrew a fitting at the base that would allow you to lower it against the windshield frame. It would show an anchor light or a running light depending on the switch you flipped on the dash. It worked with original canvas, but if your raise the top and add issenglass probably not CG compliant.