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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

mast lighting

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quilombo
Captain

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USA
301 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/09/2008 : 10:49:01

ok, some more
I am replacing the lights on my mast,
this is what I have, making sure its correct
all the way at the top,,, one white anchor
mid way white, steaming
by the spreader two deck illumination lamps
is this correct ? I mean as far is coast guard rules, I think it is

Edited by - on

quilombo
Captain

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USA
301 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2008 : 13:30:35

wow, dosnt anybody out there know about this??? strange

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2008 : 14:27:12

Yes, the anchor light and steaming light are all you need on the mast. The lighting regs are pretty clear; West Marine has info if you don't have a copy. You can replace the white all around at the masthead with a tricolor to include navigation lights, but I have always felt that the red and green look white from ahead making the boat appear anchored.

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kenny m
Deckhand

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USA
6 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2008 : 14:28:03

http://uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/equ_nav.htm

hope this helps. I always thought the light mid way up was for when at anchor.

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Deric
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2008 : 15:32:12

I had some confusion regarding lights when I got my '78 Catalina 25. The lighting panel had the following labels: anchor, bow, spreader, cabin, and running. When selecting the spreader light, a light placed inside the locker on the port side lit. The bow switch lit the steaming light. I left the light in the locker because it serves that location well.

There are anchor lights made that are better than the original anchor light on the 78. Most say the new lights can be seen from afar, whereas the original anchor light is not as effective. It is a result of the lights designe. The original anchor light is is a dome where the light is pointing up, the new anchor lights I have seen are vertical - - like a lighthouse.

I read somewhere on the forum site that someone used flashlights on a rope and pulled them up the branches when he wanted lights on the deck for folks when embarking. He also liked the idea of taken them down quickly and swapping the batteries as needed.

Link regarding light rules at WestMarine site:
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/westadvisor/10001/-1/10001/NavigationLightRules.htm

Deric

Edited by - on

kenny m
Deckhand

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USA
6 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2008 : 16:21:24

Thats funny because the lights of my 80 cat were messed up as well. I thought that the previus owner had done it as he re wired some things. He may still have.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3448 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2008 : 17:16:52

An Anchor light and a Steaming light are required and as already mentioned, WM Catalog and website have that info as well as probably the USCG/Basic Safety Classes. On the Catalina Masts (at least some of the years), they also have an optional light which is used to illuminate the deck. On my '89, it is built into the housing of the Steaming light - it's a combo Steaming/Deck light made by Aquasignal. I find that deck light helpful when I come back to the dock when it's dark and I am up front on the deck tending to the sail cover, etc things and actually provides enough light to do some stowage below in the VBerth area without having to turn on any addl lights - The Deck light shines a bit thru the hatch cover.

Awhile ago, I read an article in one of the magazines (Good Old Boat, etc) where they discussed a possible use of an electronic gizmo - You know those remote control buttons that can activate an electronic circuit. Apparently, you can buy these things for about $30. Anyway, this guy explained how he hooked it up to ...not sure if it was his deck light or anchor light but he used it in the boat wiring so that he could press the remote button and his deck, etc would light up before he approached the boat. Just something I came across - thought I would mention it...but not planning on installing it anytime soon.

Edited by - OLarryR on 03/09/2008 17:18:05

Deric
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2008 : 18:46:38

Larry,

You mentioned the combo light: steaming and deck.

Here is an example for readers to note.
http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=461

Aquasignal
http://www.pyacht.net/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/cgi-bin/pagegen.pl?U+scstore+nmpk9434ff72d872+pr+aqu254047

I am interested in having that kind of setup. I'd have to rewire because I have a 3 wire harness, and the combo light, I believe, would require an additional wire. A 4 wires harness - - wires for the anchor, steaming, deck, and ground makes sense.

I have the original lights on the boat. I kinda like the wooden sockets, but I know those lights arent effective.

- Deric

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3448 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2008 : 22:17:36

Deric,

Yep - That Aquasignal combo steaming/deck light is what was original equipment on my boat and when my boat was rewired a couple of seasons ago, replaced the existing Aquasignal with a new one. Also put an OGM Orcagreen LED USCG Approved anchor light on top in place of the festoon bulb anchor light.

The mast on my boat does utilize 3 positives and a negative as mast wiring. I had someone do the mast rewiring while my boat was in it's slip - They dropped the mast and also replaced the antenna and the Windex. I then rewired the cabin wiring up to and including the replacement of the deck fitting to then hook up to the new mast rewiring. My cabin rewiring also included adding a new 8 circuit breaker switch panel which is located just in front of the sink in the cabinet front face. When I did the wiring in the cabin, I actually used "Anchor" brand "Mast Wire" which was one cable with 5 gage number 14 wires in it. I used the extra wire for one of two fans I installed (and same negative as used in mast). Details of most of this is on my website.

Edited by - OLarryR on 03/09/2008 22:20:30

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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.