Anchor lights trouble

[Randall Martin]

Hi y'all, I'm new to this forum! Yay.. I recently got a 2006 searay 200 select bowrider. This boat is like new and everything works like new but I cannot get the two anchor headlights to come on. The anchor switch appears to work, switch inside light comes on. Im doubtful that both anchor lights would be burned out. Am I doing something wrong? Checking the bulbs looks like the screws holding the outside fixture needs to be removed and I don't want to do that unless necessary. Any help would be great.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Randall, welcome to CSR. To answer your question, the two lights you're referring to are not anchor lights. Those are docking lights and meant only to be used when docking at night. They are not anchor lights, nor are they running lights.

From time to time you may see a boat cruising with those two lights on but that is a sure sign of someone who knows very little about his boat or what the things on it are for.

The anchor light on a boat your size is usually on top of an aluminum mast that is removeable when cruising during the day and is used at night.

Now, on a related topic, I'd recommend you take a boater safety class through a local US Power Squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary. You'll learn a lot and it will make you a more confident and competent skipper.

 

[randmhall]

Congrats on the new to you boat, and welcome to the community.

I would repeating what gofirstclass says above, but to answer your question... the docking lights mounted in the bow are connected to the aux switch on the dash (at least they are in my boat). They will illuminate a dock as you approach. They are not used when underway, they will not 'light the water', but only blind other boaters.

If you poke around the sea ray web page, under owner resources, you can find the owners manual for your boat. try https://www.searay.com/page.aspx/pageid/162289/Owners-Resources.aspx#Resources
Engine manuals, electronics, radio, can all be found online, just google your specific model numbers.

 

[Stee6043]

Another consideration - is it possible that docking lights would only function when the boat is actually running? I've never owned a boat with docking lights but thought I'd mention this.

OP - you could also check the sockets of those lights. Turn the switch on and check for voltage. While it does seem unlikely that you'd burn both bulbs out at the same time it's surely not impossible...

 

[Randall Martin]

Thanks for the replies, my aux switch was not working and i found the fuse for it was missing. I researched and realized it needed a 15A fuse, put it in now all works great. I do now know they are docking lights, thanks. I'll sign up for a class, would help me..

 

[Gofirstclass]

Randall, how about completing the information about where you live and other info in your profile. That helps us answer questions when we know where the person asking it lives.

Thanks, and again, welcome to CSR.