electric horn malfunction

[Capt’nKarl]

As the proud "new" owner of a 2009 Ranger 21EC I've been busy checking the various components out preparing for the first outing. There seems to be a problem with the toggle switch for the electric horn. Over the last few days I would press the switch and the horn would work perfectly. Five minutes later I would press the switch again and.....nothing. Hours later and again the horn would work fine. Any suggestions on a fix? Hornless in Florida

 

[PhilR]

Sounds like my horn! I carry a "can" horn for backup.

 

[Brian B]

You might have to clean the contacts inside the horn.
This link explains how to do it if you have this style horn.
It's on my "to do" list as mine is operating intermittently also.

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=2227

 

[baz]

This OP reminds me to go out and equip my boat with a portable compressed air horn -- have now placed this on my to-do note list. Thanks for reminding me.

 

[Knot Finishe]

I'm of the opinion that horns on boats are like clocks in cars from the sixties and seventies - they look nice, but rarely last for more than a couple of years.
An air horn just makes sense (and is great if your team scores and you feel the need to share).

John

 

[JamesTXSD]

I have replaced the horn on our boat. And one of the whale watch boats. Both AFI. In both circumstances, the wiring was brittle and came apart where it attached at the body of the horn. It looks like lamp cord. I'm not sure if that is what Ranger uses, but if you get 4 years out of one of these horns, you get to go to the head of the class.

 

[RProffer]

The horns rarely last long and you never know when they will fail. That is why I carry a whistle on the lanyard for my boat key. It is a good backup and approved by the Coast Guard.

 

[Captmike]

Hi Rick, Just wondering, what kind of whistle do you use that would allow for a five blast warning in the event of an emergency situation? Thanks in advance, Capt. Mike

 

[mspaugy]

The first whistle on this page: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/store ... m=whistles should be suitable. Some folks put one of these on each life jacket so that they can be used by the person that is in the water in an emergency.

 

[RProffer]

I have the flat whistle that is shown on the page. It seems to be easier to blow and you don't have to worry about water restricting the ball in the whistle if you are using it over the side. Both are approved by the Coast Guard and can be obtained at West Marine and other places, like WalMart, that sell marine emergency equipment. A lot of flare kits will have a whistle, but I like to have one at the helm in case I need to use it because the horn failed.

Speaking of life jackets, in the Navy, all our Float Coats (inflatable life jackets) had whistles and light beacons. I understand they now also have epirbs. I would recommend at least one person, either the captain or first mate, also carry a handheld VHF radio. Maybe it is too expensive to put all that equipment on each life jacket, but it could be kept in a floating Ditch Bag. Make sure each item is attached to the bag with a lanyard so they don't get lost.