Association Forum

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.

Association Forum

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Upgrade Navigation Lights

Note: You must be registered in order to post a reply.
To register, click here. Registration is FREE!

Screensize:

UserName:

Password:

Format Mode:

Format:

Message:

* HTML is OFF
* Forum Code is ON

Smilies

Check here to include your profile signature.
Check here to subscribe to this topic.

T O P I C R E V I E W
mabbaticchio	Posted - 08/17/2023 : 11:26:14 I have a 79 Cat 25 with in hull nav lights. The lights need to be replaced or upgraded. Catalindirect has an LED replacement, however they have a side note recommending upgrading to pulpit mounted lights. If anyone has done anything like this can you provide some tips on how to run the wiring? I need to get a pair of wires from the pulpit to the inside Settee area near the companionway which is where the house battery and switch panel live.
19 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
Vice Commodore	Posted - 09/13/2023 : 15:12:32 I replaced mine with the Catalina direct LED package. They work fine. soldered the wires to ensure connection and taped.
Voyager	Posted - 08/23/2023 : 04:45:37 For auxiliary lighting in the cabin, I have 3 Luci solar lights for just chilling out or if I need to spotlight a particular area (opposite head sink, behind companionway ladder, inside seat lockers). I still have my cabin wiring that works, so I replaced the old square plastic fixtures with a variety of LED RV fixtures, but don�t really use them very often. As I recall, the cabin light circuit is a pair of 14 AWG stranded wires (positive and ground) that start at the electrical panel and run up to the vee berth underneath the port side hull deck joint with lights tapped off at regular intervals, then the wire returns on starboard all the way to the quarterberth. If there�s a break anywhere along the way, all downstream lights will not work.
Voyager	Posted - 08/22/2023 : 19:45:37 To determine the proper wire gauge, I use the 3% voltage drop wire size table found on page 458 of Don Casey�s classic Complete Sailboat Maintenance Manual. If you use a 10W bulb, you need about 0.9Amps. If it�s located about 20 feet from the panel, the round trip distance is 40ft. This requires 16 AWG wire. For 25W bulb, this is approximately 2 Amps, so at 40ft you�d need 14 AWG wire. If you have two light fixtures pulling 4-5 Amps total, you�ll need 12 AWG Of course, LEDs require less operating current than incandescent lamps. Nonetheless, I�d recommend at least 14 AWG wire in case you�d like to double up the lights, add an interior light, or you decide to use an incandescent bulb in the future.
mabbaticchio	Posted - 08/22/2023 : 07:25:21 Yes. I was thinking 16 gauge would be sufficient for the LED nav fixture. I had to abandon all the existing cabin lighting as well because of corrosion. It was way more economical to use LED strip lighting rather than replace 5 or 6 incandescent fixtures. That will also be wired to the house circuit with 16 gauge marine wire. I am sure lighter wires can be safely used but for illogical reasons that seems wrong to me quote: Originally posted by Volksaholic quote: If you don�t trust the cables, you could run a new #12 or #14 tinned red-black pair from your switch panel and the bow along the port-side hull-deck joint. Not that heavier wire would hurt anything, other than being more expensive and stiffer/thicker to run, but if you're switching to LED lights you can run lighter gauge wire. I'd guess #18 or #16 at the heaviest. Catalina Direct doesn't tell how much current the replacement bow lights draw, but Defender has some incandescent bow lights that they say are 25 watt and Perko LED lights that they list at 10 watt.
Volksaholic	Posted - 08/21/2023 : 22:07:21 quote: If you don�t trust the cables, you could run a new #12 or #14 tinned red-black pair from your switch panel and the bow along the port-side hull-deck joint. Not that heavier wire would hurt anything, other than being more expensive and stiffer/thicker to run, but if you're switching to LED lights you can run lighter gauge wire. I'd guess #18 or #16 at the heaviest. Catalina Direct doesn't tell how much current the replacement bow lights draw, but Defender has some incandescent bow lights that they say are 25 watt and Perko LED lights that they list at 10 watt.
mabbaticchio	Posted - 08/21/2023 : 19:06:29 Thanks for the info ! I still need to inspect what the existing wires look like. I was looking at individual red and green nav lights that mount on either side of the pulpit as well. The bracket is designed to prevent spillover of one color to the opposite side. A littl more pricey though and some extra wiring. quote: Originally posted by Voyager I�d agree that you should add a red/green bow light on you bow. My light is mounted just underneath the bow pulpit railing on a stainless steel plate. The light in this location was hit by not one, but two, passing sailors a few years back. Instead, may I suggest that you mount the fixture at the BASE of the bow pulpit forward of the forestay chainplate. It would be easy to attach and simple to wire into the existing cables. If you don�t trust the cables, you could run a new #12 or #14 tinned red-black pair from your switch panel and the bow along the port-side hull-deck joint. Which fixture should you use? You might use a combination red-green fixture like the one offered by Catalina Direct. Or you can purchase a dual fixture red and green LED pair that you can mount on opposite sides of the bow. Rewire and replace the fixtures, you�ll never look back�
Voyager	Posted - 08/21/2023 : 18:25:44 I�d agree that you should add a red/green bow light on you bow. My light is mounted just underneath the bow pulpit railing on a stainless steel plate. The light in this location was hit by not one, but two, passing sailors a few years back. Instead, may I suggest that you mount the fixture at the BASE of the bow pulpit forward of the forestay chainplate. It would be easy to attach and simple to wire into the existing cables. If you don�t trust the cables, you could run a new #12 or #14 tinned red-black pair from your switch panel and the bow along the port-side hull-deck joint. Which fixture should you use? You might use a combination red-green fixture like the one offered by Catalina Direct. Or you can purchase a dual fixture red and green LED pair that you can mount on opposite sides of the bow. Rewire and replace the fixtures, you�ll never look back�
mabbaticchio	Posted - 08/21/2023 : 18:12:17 Thank you. This is great information. quote: Originally posted by SKS I'd recommend abandoning the whale eye lights and installing the pulpit mounted navigation light. You need to remove the bow pulpit and drill a hole through the hull in one of the legs. You can then drill a hole in the center of the pulpit and fish wire through the tubing. You can install the bow light on a mount from Catalina Direct. https://www.catalinadirect.com/shop-by-boat/catalina-380390/electrical/navigation-lights/navigation-light-bracket-ss-clamp-on/?SearchResults=1 Aquasignal stopped making the model 25 light. You can get an LED equivalent from Pactrade. It's Chinese, but what isn't. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I0DR4VW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
bigelowp	Posted - 08/21/2023 : 18:04:01 "Lady E" suggests the practical approach. In my case the wire up the mast was not an issue as the mast is hollow with antenna wire already going through. In my case night sailing is not a priority. Do what is best for your location, budget and use.
SKS	Posted - 08/21/2023 : 16:04:28 I'd recommend abandoning the whale eye lights and installing the pulpit mounted navigation light. You need to remove the bow pulpit and drill a hole through the hull in one of the legs. You can then drill a hole in the center of the pulpit and fish wire through the tubing. You can install the bow light on a mount from Catalina Direct. https://www.catalinadirect.com/shop-by-boat/catalina-380390/electrical/navigation-lights/navigation-light-bracket-ss-clamp-on/?SearchResults=1 Aquasignal stopped making the model 25 light. You can get an LED equivalent from Pactrade. It's Chinese, but what isn't. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I0DR4VW?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
mabbaticchio	Posted - 08/20/2023 : 17:52:44 How was it running wiring up the mast? The hull mounted lights are pretty cool but they are pretty corroded out. I have to see if I can get them completely out to inspect the wiring. I guess if the wiring is still good the easiest fix might be to just purchase the led replacement lamps and mounts from catalinadirect. quote: Originally posted by bigelowp Dave, Sorta. Yes I run two sets but only white stern light works, not the original hull mounted red & green. I do almost no after dark sailing however when my son was in High School and College he sailed often late afternoon into the night and never had an issue or complaint (read police/CG warning) from doing so. Anchoring light does work. Michael, Lights not working would most likely be caused by connections at either the light(s) or on/off circuit, which should be easy to fix. If requiring a total rewire then that could be far more problematic. I considered rewiring the forward lights but opted for masthead trim-color as it would be seen farther regardless of angle of heel. Again, as I am not a night sailor, at the time, was a simpler and I thought safer option. FYI where I sail the police are far more focused on powerboats than sail.
mabbaticchio	Posted - 08/20/2023 : 17:47:49 I am in the same area. I'm in Killingworth and will be cruising the sound once I get it all together.. I am not planning on running the original lights. I am leaning towards installing pulpit mounted LED fixtures and running new wiring. quote: Originally posted by bigelowp Dave, Sorta. Yes I run two sets but only white stern light works, not the original hull mounted red & green. I do almost no after dark sailing however when my son was in High School and College he sailed often late afternoon into the night and never had an issue or complaint (read police/CG warning) from doing so. Anchoring light does work. Michael, Lights not working would most likely be caused by connections at either the light(s) or on/off circuit, which should be easy to fix. If requiring a total rewire then that could be far more problematic. I considered rewiring the forward lights but opted for masthead trim-color as it would be seen farther regardless of angle of heel. Again, as I am not a night sailor, at the time, was a simpler and I thought safer option. FYI where I sail the police are far more focused on powerboats than sail.
Stinkpotter	Posted - 08/20/2023 : 08:37:07 quote: Originally posted by bigelowp FYI where I sail the police are far more focused on powerboats than sail. ...as they should be, especially after dark when kids run into things like breakwaters at high speeds and kill people. (Case in point in CT about a week ago.) Around me, we have the USCG Academy as well as Station New London... Patrols are often out with new Coasties or cadets, showing them how to do a boarding inspection and enforce the regs. I've "welcomed" them a couple of times, and once a mechanic out testing my engine at launch was boarded--a little worrisome for him, but fortunately I had everything on board. I presume you know that technically a boat is to have one set of the prescribed lights on at a time, where the 360-degree anchor light can serve under power in place of (not addition to) the stern and steaming lights. The issues are only likely to come up in the investigation of an accident, where "confusing" lighting can be used against you. ("But judge, I had all of my lights on all over the place!")
bigelowp	Posted - 08/20/2023 : 06:36:50 Dave, Sorta. Yes I run two sets but only white stern light works, not the original hull mounted red & green. I do almost no after dark sailing however when my son was in High School and College he sailed often late afternoon into the night and never had an issue or complaint (read police/CG warning) from doing so. Anchoring light does work. Michael, Lights not working would most likely be caused by connections at either the light(s) or on/off circuit, which should be easy to fix. If requiring a total rewire then that could be far more problematic. I considered rewiring the forward lights but opted for masthead trim-color as it would be seen farther regardless of angle of heel. Again, as I am not a night sailor, at the time, was a simpler and I thought safer option. FYI where I sail the police are far more focused on powerboats than sail.
mabbaticchio	Posted - 08/19/2023 : 20:48:51 No. I haven't hooked up the electrical yet as it's a newly acquired C25, but I am almost 100 percent sure the whale eye nav lights are not going to work. Catalina direct sells the LED upgraded fixtures with a recommendation that Pulpit lighting is better as the the originals can be hard to see if the boat is heeling or is in weather. So I was thinking of just abandoning (disconnecting) the orginal in favor of an LED Pulpit mounted fixture(s). I was just looking for ideas on how to run some brand new wiring for the new fixtures. quote: Originally posted by Stinkpotter quote: Originally posted by bigelowp I kept my original lights but added LED tri-color on mast, which works very well. Peter: Does this mean you display two sets of red-green? (Just curious...) BTW (to whomever), when re-doing running lights, be aware the USCG regs do not allow for putting LED bulbs into fixtures made for incandescents. The combination could fail to show the proper color or be visible at the required distance. In particular, LEDs behind colored lenses are problematic. They want LEDs to be in fixtures that were made and certified for the specific bulbs--in other words, they want the units replaced, not modified. And yes, you're not likely to be called on this (unless they spot you at night). Full disclosure: I did put an LED nav-certified white bulb under my clear anchor light lens. I don't think they care about that, and it's distinctly brighter than the original. But who knows...
mabbaticchio	Posted - 08/19/2023 : 20:43:23 Thanks for the information quote: Originally posted by Leon Sisson Personally, I really like the original 1979 whale eye lights in the topsides below the rub rail.� On my Catalina 22, I have the single red/green nav light mounted to the pulpit.� I think they can look a bit ambiguous straight on from a distance, and it's a sitting duck for damage approaching docks.� I upgraded my whale eye lights with new lenses and sockets, red/green LED bulbs, and better protective covers in the anchor locker.� I rewired my boat using marine grade electrical cable and tinned copper terminals, crimped then soldered, and heat shrink tubing. I added RTV silicone sealant inside the heat shrink anywhere near the bilges. If I had it to do over again (which I did when I got a Catalina 22), I'd use tinned copper crimp terminals with hot-glue-lined heat shrink insulating sleeves and a mini heat gun. As for routing wiring, I found I could hide a few small wires behind the teak trim at the hull-deck seam.� I ran larger bundles between the hull and liner.� I avoided long unsupported runs by adding P-clamps and/or PVC electrical conduit.
Stinkpotter	Posted - 08/19/2023 : 06:56:54 quote: Originally posted by bigelowp I kept my original lights but added LED tri-color on mast, which works very well. Peter: Does this mean you display two sets of red-green? (Just curious...) BTW (to whomever), when re-doing running lights, be aware the USCG regs do not allow for putting LED bulbs into fixtures made for incandescents. The combination could fail to show the proper color or be visible at the required distance. In particular, LEDs behind colored lenses are problematic. They want LEDs to be in fixtures that were made and certified for the specific bulbs--in other words, they want the units replaced, not modified. And yes, you're not likely to be called on this (unless they spot you at night). Full disclosure: I did put an LED nav-certified white bulb under my clear anchor light lens. I don't think they care about that, and it's distinctly brighter than the original. But who knows...
bigelowp	Posted - 08/19/2023 : 05:56:21 I kept my original lights but added LED tri-color on mast, which works very well.
Leon Sisson	Posted - 08/18/2023 : 14:44:50 Personally, I really like the original 1979 whale eye lights in the topsides below the rub rail. On my Catalina 22, I have the single red/green nav light mounted to the pulpit. I think they can look a bit ambiguous straight on from a distance, and it's a sitting duck for damage approaching docks. I upgraded my whale eye lights with new lenses and sockets, red/green LED bulbs, and better protective covers in the anchor locker. I rewired my boat using marine grade electrical cable and tinned copper terminals, crimped then soldered, and heat shrink tubing. I added RTV silicone sealant inside the heat shrink anywhere near the bilges. If I had it to do over again (which I did when I got a Catalina 22), I'd use tinned copper crimp terminals with hot-glue-lined heat shrink insulating sleeves and a mini heat gun. As for routing wiring, I found I could hide a few small wires behind the teak trim at the hull-deck seam. I ran larger bundles between the hull and liner. I avoided long unsupported runs by adding P-clamps and/or PVC electrical conduit.

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.