MacGregorSailors.com

If Mast head light quits working on an M in a freshwater slip and it is not the fuse is it more than likely the light bulb, or the connection at the base of the mast?

After searching this website the consensus for an X it was most likely the connection at base of the mast.

Anyone else have this problem and what were the solutions?

Do you mean the running light that is 2/3 of the way up your mast?

My plug is not working correctly right now. One of the prongs is broken off. Not really happy with the way that plug sits up exposed. Pretty sure I kicked it or stepped on it once (or maybe one of my passengers).

Jim

Yes,

The light that is 2/3 up the mast

When my light goes out, it has always, so far, been the 2-prong thru deck connector. Solutions include spraying prongs / socket with WD40, scrape clean metal surfaces til shiny, prying apart the prong halves for better contact in the socket.

Does anybody know if this plug is the one on an

Thanks,
Jim

That is actually the answer I was hoping for in that I do not want to lower the mast to change the bulb. I was was wondering if M owners have had that problem also.

Have you found a solution other than occasional cleaning?

Thanks
Andy

Never mind. I looked on the Macgregor website and it lists a Perko 1190 plug. And that was it.

Only 19.99 for both pieces...I only need a plug (I think my receptacle is fine) but I guess I have to get both.

Jim

Ive had the following separate issues with my mast running light. These have occurred more than once. We keep our Mac in a slip also.

The bulb wasnt seated well, and with a twist it lit up, and a few occasions,
I cleaned the deck brass plug tips, and the light lit up. (I use a short light duty alum. ladder tied to the mast to reach the bulb, knowing full well that the Mac will "lay over" if one climbs too high on a Mac mast). Using a short ladder is much easier than dropping the mast to access the bulb for the mast running light.

My deck plug has an opening where the wires are threaded through, and moisture previously could easily seep through the plug. Ive used some Dupont Silicone on top the plug, and moisture is no longer a problem in corroding the connections.

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I can't seem to get Defender.com links to post correctly.

Jim

I did not think I could reach the light with a ladder, but will try that first.

We left a restaraunt on the lake late Saturday night and of course that is when I tried the lights and that one had quit working.

I really have not had a chance to fix other than Saturday night I was able to check the inside cabin fuse and it looked ok, so it must be the connection or the bulb.

Louis my boat came from Kemah I stayed at Yacht Harbor when I picked it up. I'm pretty sure I saw and X when we were admiring all of the boats.

Andy

Thanks for the advice on the lighting deck plug cleaning. I am about to put another deck plug (4 prong) on for a top of the mast anchor LED light and LED spreader lights. I am sure dirty contacts are the problem on any boat that has a removable mast with quick disconnects.

Jim - If you are going to replace the plug order a 4 prong model - it is the same size and current capacity etc, that way you have spare connectors for a second circuit or if you break one.
Andy - please have you wife video you climbing a ladder up the mast to change a light bulb. If not for the ammusment value at least for the insurance claim. You really can not imagine until you have been there what a 150-200 lb weight on a 20 or so foot arm can swing like.

he is tied off and we were just bringing him down, the boat has 6000lbs of lead in a full keel and I had to get off the boat to take the picture it was rocking so much.

Has anyone tried to use a jib halyard or topping lift to pull the boat over next to a dock/slip to reach the steaming light? Dumping the ballast should let it lay over, or at least enough to reach the lamp from a ladder on the dock.

That seems to be an easy way to reach it, or am I missing something?????

Ron

Doesn't sound that easy to me. Or safe. Or smart. What kind of stress would that put on the mast/rigging?

It is pretty easy to lower the mast on an even when on the water. I think I would just do that.

Is an that much more difficult to lower the mast?

Jim

Well maybe I'll just lower the mast. Hopefully it will be in the connection and cleaning and silicone will do the trick.