ACR Searchlight Problems

J

Jims380DA

Member
Mar 5, 2007
286
CT
Boat Info
2000 Sea Ray 380DA, Kohler Gen
Engines
8.1L 496 MerCruiser
Any of you guys have problems with your searchlight? Started a few years ago with now being able to move up and down... now it does not even work. Light on pad does not illuminate but I am getting power to the control unit in the anchor locker. Any advise? Thanks
 
Jim, the ACR spotlight on my 390 did not go up or down. Found the gear box to be completely rusted. Seems these lights are not sealed well for such an expensive light. I assume you checked the bulbs as far as not coming on? I was able to blast the gearbox and lubricate and good as new.Rob
Jims380DA said:
Any of you guys have problems with your searchlight? Started a few years ago with now being able to move up and down... now it does not even work. Light on pad does not illuminate but I am getting power to the control unit in the anchor locker. Any advise? Thanks
Click to expand...
 
Robf said:
Jim, the ACR spotlight on my 390 did not go up or down. Found the gear box to be completely rusted. Seems these lights are not sealed well for such an expensive light. I assume you checked the bulbs as far as not coming on? I was able to blast the gearbox and lubricate and good as new.Rob
Click to expand...

I haven't checked the bulbs but the unit does not spin as well. The power led on remote panel does not light and no functions
 
I'd like to get it painted also... anyone ever attempt that?
 
My problem with these things are the bulb replacement frequency. I have ACR spotlights on both boats and I rarely use them because I don't do much cruising at night, and even when I do I hardly ever use the spotlight. But it seems like there's always at least one of the two bulbs burned out - if not both. And I'm sure most of you know that these bulbs run around $50 each. I currently need to replace both of them on my Regulator. Ticks me off!


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Got my most recent set for 60 bucks a pair on amazon.


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I replaced the circuit board on mine last year. It is located in the anchor locker and is attached to the bottom of the upper deck. The check valve in the locker jammed closed after running in a heavy following sea and the locker filled with water from washing the boat. This ruined the board. It was fairly cheap to fix. I believe the board was around $125. Seems to be a common problem as our local marinas all had the part.
 
I replaced both bulbs last season which I thought was a good bargain $70 (pr) they are junk! Unfortunately you need to spend the $79-$80 per bulb for the OEM bulbs and they are unreliable as stated. I do see they now make an ACR LED spotlight but it's $$$$$
 
After 2 rebuilds by ACR because they admitted they did not seal the light properly, I found a permanent fix........I carry a 1.0 mil candle power hand held spotlight in the locker under the seat. I find I actually like it better than the fixed spotlight on the boat, plus, it always works.
 
Honestly Frank this surprises me because ACR has a great reputation manufacturing safety gear like EPIRBs, strobes, etc. these spotlights are very problematic and unreliable especially when the bulbs blow so frequently. A dock neighbor in Jupiter has had his off twice too for rebuild. They aren't bashful about charging a lot of money to repair them either. And as for bulbs, I can't find anything close to $60/pair as quoted above.
 
My experience with the ARC 50B model has been excellent. No burned out bulb ever and the gears have been trouble free. The design looks a little more robust than the dual bulb version. Reminds me of the old Timex ad...."takes a beatin' and keep on tickin'."
 
nowhere in the Amazon add does it state the Watts. That's the mistake I fell for I thought I was buying OEM bulbs. The same seller has the identical bulb for sale stating 55Watts for $49.
 
They are 55w in the picture and the ones I received are 55w. I also tested next to the one bulbs. Same thing.


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I'll know in about a week when mine come in. I'm thinking along the "get what you pay for" logic here but NHD seems to have validated it already.


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Bulbs need to be cleaned when they are installed. A little alcohol on a paper towel gets rid of the oil on the bulb from your fingers. Smudges increase the heat build up under the finger prints and this leads to premature bulb failures.
 
So does handling them with plastic over them or rubber gloves.


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