MacGregorSailors.com

FreeStyle wrote:why do they call the mast light an “anchor” light on the switch panel?
John

They don't on the . It is called a mast light on the panel.

Rick

pokerrick1 - Good catch, I was on the boat this weekend and you are correct, it is called a mast light; don’t know where I got the notion that it was called an anchor light. My apologies to all.

John

keep i mind there is one more way to get an anchor light wired - In the forum threads and one or more Mods entires.

Using a couple of zener diodes, which pass electric current in only one direction, the single pair of stock wires from the panel and one thru deck Perko dipole connector can be used to power an added masthead anchor light OR the existing steaming light, alternately one or the other.
It seems complicated at first, but is really simpler and has fewer things to keep track of in the end. One deck plug for the mast lights. One extra switch - inside the cabin, not on the mast. And you can't have both lights on at the same time, which avoids extra current drain, and avoids a mistaken signal.

Captian, I think you mean regular diodes, not zener diodes. Zeners pass current in the reverse direction and are used primarly for voltage regulation.

OT, Are you coming up to OKTOPIKL at Kentucky Lake in October??? Sure would like to see another X there (so I can steal every idea you have).

Because of concen about draining one of the batteries if an anchor light is left on overnight, along with drain from whatever other electrical components are used that evening, I have considered using one or more low-current LEDs that could be fastemed to a jib halyard or the like in the evening, turned on, and hoisted up the mast. However, since most of them are directional, I think it might be necessary to use two or three of them pointed in different directions. Does anyone know of LED units with internal battery power that would be suitable for this purpose? Would they be bright enough to qualify under the 2-mile visibility rule?

Jim

Jim,

I was thinking the same thing and have found several that are pricey. The wife made me go to China-Mart the other day and they had a battery operated flouresent lantern for ten bucks. I though it could be hoisted when needed and a good lantern light other times. It would be easy on batteries and could be wired to main power. I just hate China-Mart, although this lite was from Tiawan.

Let us know if you find anything interesting.

Walmart might have pioneered the entre of Chinese goods into this country, but it's ever more difficult to find goods NOT sourced from China, regardless of the retailer.

So you can go to Sears, Macy or Penney to buy the same stuff, pay more for it, and be happy! Still remember my Dad fuming in the 60s about stuff from Japan ... but then he fought in WWII. Might be time to get over it, since it's truly one great big world.

in canada, a mast light is only required at anchor if you are outside a designated anchorage. otherwise, no need.

it is a big world, and the economy is really worldwide now, if all the companies in north america that are racing to sell thier products in the east had to stop, the north american economy would fall to pieces. can't have it both ways, we can't say "buy here" unless we are prepared not to "sell there"

[quote="Frank C"]Walmart might have pioneered the entre of Chinese goods into this country, but it's ever more difficult to find goods NOT sourced from China, regardless of the retailer.

...I habitually look at the orgin of everything I buy these days...and am absolutely amazed at how much "made in china" stuff is on USA shelves. Its absolutely, entirely, overwhelmly, ridiculously, etc. shameful. Whenever I have an opportunity...I try to find USA stuff, or at least Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, or an ally of the USA...
China is grinnin' all the way to the bank these days.....

Converting China into a world economic power is much better than trying to fight them~!
By inflating their economy to modern standards, their citizens join the modern "trading world," which will eventually empower them to control their own government.

The only practical approach to reducing angst over Iran and North Korea? ... the same strategies. Make 'em into trading partners, raise standards of living and galvanize the populace to control, or depose, their crazy heads of state. The economic part of this strategy worked 50 years ago with Japan & Germany. Why's that lesson lost? ... is it because we replaced their leadership in war? Why not let the populace do it?

Work WITH, and convert the third world to consumption societies. Then, someday the taxes we pay Uncle Sam will be able to fund the truly worldwide problems ... solutions to disease, energy supplies and the greatest long term problem that engenders disease, pestilence & war ... water shortages.
Travesty that so much of our taxes goes to weapons ... thought I was a flamin' reactionary, eh?~!

frank, i couldnt agree more. investors scream for higher returns, so companies source the most cost effective products they can, otherwise the investment community destroys them. like i said, we cannot have it both ways, and last time i checked, very few are prepared to pay 49 bucks for a 3 dollar curtian rod!

now if i could just find a 350 dollar 28 foot sailboat!

Thread seems like it's wandering into the Pub, eh?

Not necessarily Kevin. Mods of this forum could excise some of the off-topic comments into a new post. That new post might belong in the Pub.

Hello folks

Duane Dunn, Allegro;
Your picture of westmarine nav lights is ether out dated or incorrect with 2006 rules of the road, Rule 25 inland and international.

Here is the address for the USCG NAV rules
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/navrules.htm
I think if your boat is oveer 40 feet you are required to have a copy onboard.

Here's an idea!

I'm sure there is a guy who has set up his anchor light and mast light on one switch.

So...Dude....get all the parts and a really easy to follow diagram and put it in the mail. I'll buy the kit. You could include the anchor light, some LED's, the wire and a few connectors.

Call it anchor light upgrade kit $50.00 dollars.