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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 General Sailing Forum
 Testing mast lights - prior to raising mast		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts
Initially Posted - 07/02/2016 :  06:39:25  Show Profile
Searched for this topic with no results.

I recall reading member references to testing the mast lights prior to raising the mast. Someone used a 9 volt battery with alligator clips?

If someone has a proven method for doing this I would appreciate you sharing it!

1989 C25 TR/WK, #5822
1973 McVay Minuet 19
1975 Jester 12
1981 C25 SR/SK, #2428
1981 C22 SR/SK,
Tanzer 16
Sunfish

"There is nothing, absolutely nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." Kenneth Grahame

Lee Panza
Captain

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USA
468 Posts
Response Posted - 07/02/2016 :  07:16:22  Show Profile  Visit Lee Panza's Homepage
OJ: You didn't indicate whether you had the mast at the boat, but I suspect you're asking this because it isn't (a simple duplex wire from the battery terminals would work in that case, as long as you're careful with it). But if you don't have a continuity tester and you want to see the bulbs actually light up you'd be better with a couple of cheapo 6-volt lantern batteries, from your local big-box hardware/housewares outlet, in series. Tape 'em together and you'll have a portable power source for checking out any 12-volt device in the future (although it won't do much for larger motors or heaters).

I don't remember the configuration of the original deck plug (I replaced it when I replaced the wiring) but you'll have to play around until you figure out which one is the common ground. With the stock incandescents the polarity doesn't matter, but with LEDs it does: they simply won't light if hooked up backwards.
The trouble with a destination - any destination, really - is that it interrupts The Journey.

Lee Panza
SR/SK #2134
San Francisco Bay
(Brisbane, CA)
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hewebb
Admiral

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USA
761 Posts
Response Posted - 07/05/2016 :  02:30:46  Show Profile
I tested mine with long jumper wires from the deck plug to the mast plug at the mast base.My mast was laying on the boat from the bow pulpit to the stern. My deck plug is getting worn and will be replaced soon.
1988 WK/SR w/inboard diesel Joe Pool Lake
Hobie 18 Lake Worth



Life is not a dress rehearsal. You will not get another chance.
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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts
Response Posted - 07/05/2016 :  06:29:54  Show Profile
Thanks guys.

I read a thread on another site where someone put leads a 9 volt battery.

1989 C25 TR/WK, #5822
1973 McVay Minuet 19
1975 Jester 12
1981 C25 SR/SK, #2428
1981 C22 SR/SK,
Tanzer 16
Sunfish

"There is nothing, absolutely nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." Kenneth Grahame
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5373 Posts
Response Posted - 07/09/2016 :  07:09:28  Show Profile
I don't see why not to try a 9V battery. LEDs take so little current and they're made to operate under varying voltages from 10-15V, it might work.
I typically keep my car battery booster handy for testing.
It's one of those portable "jumpers" with a pair of red and black alligator clips, plus there's a cigarette lighter plug.
Inside its a 12V 7 AH gel cell lead acid battery. It'll deliver more than enough amperage for quick testing of almost any device: lights, radios, marine electronics, bilge pumps, blowers.
Just be careful not to short circuit the alligator clips. Not sure what the fuse situation is there. The power outlet has a 15A fuse on mine.
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
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Chief RA
Chief Technical Advisor

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USA
191 Posts
Response Posted - 07/10/2016 :  06:55:40  Show Profile
I second Voyagers(Bruce) suggestions and the 9v should work fine as a quick test method. Chief, EE
COMPASS ROSE C250WK
Tall Mast, Wing keel
PORT CHIEF, Bodega Bay Ca.
IE,EE,FCC lic #1890
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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.