[Rhodes22-list] Masthead Light

[James Nichols]

Wiring almost never has a problem, it is very rare that the casing will
chafe through.  If it does, you will notice blown fuses and other electrical
problems throughout the boat because you are getting a short to ground where
it doesn't belong.

The first thing to check is like Theodore says, the bulb, it is the most
fragile piece in the circuit.  And I agree with him, LED is the way to go.
20+ years' worth of life expectancy is worth the few extra dollars you pay
for it.

The next thing to check are the connections.  Both at the top of the mast
where the wire connects to the light and at the bottom of the mast where the
wire connects to the plug that connects the boats wiring with the masts.
Also, be sure to check the wire connections on the boat itself, it doesn't
move as often so it is less likely to have a problem, but never hurts to not
skip a step.

For the wire to light and wire to plug connections you are looking for
cracks in the solder joints, corrosion build up (kind of like you find on
battery terminals)  if there are wire nuts and you can't see the wire to
wire connection inside, then take them off and look for corrosion build up
on the wires.  If there is, clip back to new wire and use a new wire nut to
reconnect the wires.  Then seal the wire nut with electrical tape or they
have a dip-able kind of electrical tape now that works even better.

Finally, examine the plugs, you are looking for broken or missing pins in
the plug, also look for the corrosion we mentioned above.

If all else fails, use a multi-meter to test conductivity from the bottom of
the mast to the light.  If your multi-meter doesn't show any deflection
(change in resistance) then your wire is broken inside the mast.  Use a
piece of string to tie to one end of the wire, pull it through from the
other end.  Once your old wire is out, put the bottom connection on the wire
(much easier when you don't have to work within a few inches of the mast)
and then securely tap the wire to the string and pull it up the channel in
the mast.

I'm fairly certain you will find it is the bulb or a corroded connection,
but hopefully I was detailed enough that if it wasn't either, you can get to
the root of the problem.

Have fun,

James

-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of Theodore Boender
Sent: Sunday, January 12, 2014 10:35 AM
To: The Rhodes 22 Email List
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Masthead Light

I bet you a nickel the light is burned out. Replace with a nice LED fixture.
You'll be glad you did. Less power draw and lasts a lifetime. 

Is your mast down for the winter? If so, it's and easy job.  You may have
two wires in the mast if you have VHF. IF a new bulb doesn't work than it
may be time to check wiring the runs from bottom of mast to the light first.
Lastly, troubleshoot the wiring from bottom of mast to circuit breaker
panel. 

Cheers
Ted

> On Jan 12, 2014, at 12:10 AM, butterchurn <amazingmisterx at gmail.com>
wrote:
> 
> The light that is up on the mast on my Rhodes has not worked since I 
> bought the boat.  All other of my lights function just fine. I have 
> IMF. How does the wiring go up the mast to the light?  If the light is 
> just burned out or broken, I can replace that. If the wires need 
> replacing, I was curious how the wires are run up the mast and where 
> do they connect to the power system of the boat?
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> 
> 
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