New pole lamp assembly with bend for radar clearance needed

[Skuza]

I wam wondering if there are any new and better designed pole lamps that could be installed on our '98 400. The original design is very poor causing the pole to wobble and lean to one side all the time. The pole fits into the base which has three prongs in it which actually are supposed to hold it in the verticle position. Well the prongs in the new base are acutually installed a little off causing the whole thing to lean to starboard. The plastic nut that threads it onto the base is another joke as it has no real strength. Could I somehow modify the existing pole or is ther a reasonably priced upgrade? Again this is the design that has a bend in it to clear the radar and is about 24" high.

 

[SEEG]

I've taken awhile to respond because I modified my pole several years ago and couldn't recall exactly what I had done. I had a 2000 410 EC with what I assume is the same pole. The pole fits in the base with a tongue and groove arrangement with the groove in the base and the tongue being a rivet that engages the groove on the pole. As I recall the rivet holds the black plastic base containing the prongs. I drilled out the rivet and replaced it with a small sheet metal screw. I took a dremel tool to the the head of the screw and squared it off so it would fit tight in the groove. Don't use too long a screw as it will short out the wiring inside the pole. Don't ask how I know? My fix kept the pole straight and took the pressure off of the cheap plastic nut.

 

[Skuza]

Thanks for the reply! I know exactly the rivet but didn't think it acted as a "keyway" I'll have to look at it again. I was under the assumption that the prongs acted as the keyway thus making it so flimsy. The base we have is new due to the shrinkwrappers snapping off a prong while taking the light down. The mast is original and I'm thinking the holes or the "female" end are a little worn out thus allowing it to wobble. I was thinking of somehow making a pin to go through the base and into the mast but drilling the stainless steel base and the risk of shorting the contacts discouraged that idea. I'll have to give it another look and see about your rivet modification. Thanks! :thumbsup:

 

[boatmailster]

latest design is light pole mounted on bracket similar to your vhf antenna. You lay light flat before shrink wrap