Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Replacement Bow Light 1984 Montauk

Posted by zappaddles on 11/20/10 - 6:49 AM
#7

I have some information that's a bit off subject but germane to bow lights.

While I had all of the parts for the bow light, on my 1970 Whaler the bulb holder was corroded and not functioning nor repairable (by me). So, in an effort to avoid spending the $$ I started a quest for a way to re-place the bulb base. At Radio Shack I found a "miniature bayonet Lamp Base with Solder Tabs" (part number 272-0355) that holds a Sylvania 4 watt bulb; 1893LL.

To make this work I had to drill the bow light bases existing hole to 1/2" and insert 1/2" OD x 3/8" ID clear vinyl tubing that the lamp base then will slide in to. This is a friction fit. So, be careful when you do a bit of careful enlarging of the 1/2" hole to accept the lamp base once it is inside the clear vinyl tube. I then soldered the newly replaced bow light wire to the tabs of the lamp base and coated this connection with liquid electrical tape. Finally, in an attempt to stall the inevitable corrosion, I coated pretty much all of what I just assembled with di-electric grease.

This assembly won't hold up to regular salt water use but it might stand a chance against fresh water for a while.