Anchor Lightbulb

[danester]

OK all- ..another boating thing that should be something simple but it's not. Changing the anchor light bulb.

I'm just looking to see how to remove the cover and look at the bulb, and order a spare just in case this one burns out..

my luck, if I don't ask, is patience will run out and I will crack the darn casing and end up replacing the whole thing..

I googled everything I could find- looking for schematics and even calling Westmarine (who sells the whole assembly)..their answer? bring the bulb in so we can see what type it is.....uhhhhh..duh....



details are- it is an all-around Aqua Signal/12v..

Thanks forum members in advance for any assistance

 

[NorthernFocus]

The plastic lens should come off easily with a simple counter clockwise twist of a quarter turn or so. It is most likely a 42mm festoon bulb. You can get them on Amazon. If the existing one is not LED it's a good idea to replace it with one. Saves a few amp-hours 😉

 

[danester]

Dan- does the lens come off the base, or does the cap come off the top?

 

[Smcavana]

The cover simply twists off, counterclockwise as I recall. Also, I'd suggest replacing the bulb with an led if it doesn't already have one.

 

[tlkenyon]

The lens comes off the base. Rough up all the contacts with a nail file. If you get an LED replacement, do not get a cheap one....get a marine-specific replacement. The cheap ones cause interference with your VHF radio. Don’t ask how I know....

 

[NorthernFocus]

Dan- does the lens come off the base, or does the cap come off the top?

Comes off the base.

 

[mrrlc]

My anchor lap went out a few weeks ago. Twisted off the lens, removed the light bulb, tested it by applying 12V and it light up. With a small wire brush I brushed the contacts on the light bulb and in the lamp. Put the light bulb back in the lamp and it light up when power was applied. In the future I'll brush all contacts first.

 

[NorthernFocus]

My anchor lap went out a few weeks ago. Twisted off the lens, removed the light bulb, tested it by applying 12V and it light up. With a small wire brush I brushed the contacts on the light bulb and in the lamp. Put the light bulb back in the lamp and it light up when power was applied. In the future I'll brush all contacts first.

Put a tiny bit of tune up grease on the contacts and you won't have that problem any more.