Hanging Mast Light

[landonshaw]

My wife and I are in Grenada and were sailing on Sunday and I noticed my mast light was hanging DOWN on the mast. It looks like it is hanging by the electric wires. I was wondering how is it attached to the mast.

I have never been up the mast and when I get there, I want as few surprises as possible. I believe the light is an Aqua Signal.

Is it bolted or screwed on? Again all I see from the deck is it hanging by the electrical wires.

I have read the other threads on climbing the mast so hopefully my trip up will be successful…

[Hud3]

There should be a base fixture on the masthead light that attaches by screws to the top plate of your mast. Take some SS self-tapping screws, (#8 x 1/2" and 3/4" would be my guess), some silicone caulk to re-seat the base, a screw driver and a new bulb. Replace the bulb whether it needs it or not.

You might need a brass wire brush or emery paper to clean up the contacts if it's been out in the rain.

[landonshaw]

Thank you, and yes we have had some heavy squalls at night.
Thank you
Dave

[Talbot]

Some aqua signal do indeed have a base plate that is screwed onto the top of the mast, but also have a push fit attachment for the main part of the light , that just slots straight onto the base plate

[landonshaw]

How does the light fixture that pushes onto the base attach to the mast. Is the base plate also screwed onto the mast?

Will 3M Sealant/Fast Cure 4200 work as a good base silicone glue to put between the base and the mast?

[Sailmonkey]

Some are bolted, some are screwed, some are pop rivets. Is this a tricolor/anchor, just anchor, who made it?
I have a feeling you'll be up there twice at a minimum.

[Talbot]

Base plate is secured as said by screws or bolts.

The series 40 quickfit clips on with a plastic lever at front and back (or on the sides - dont remember), but it has a knurled bit to push in.

Page 6 shows these and the non quickfit version.
http://www.aquasignal.info/aquasigna..._40.pdf?id=184

If you have the quickfit, aquasignal makes an LED version that just simply replaces the normal one.

[haulback]

Go up and have a look....that's how you learn stuff.

[Hud3]

Landonshaw,

Look at your bow and stern light fixtures. The brand and model of the one up top will certainly be the same. Then go on the maker's website to see how the attachment to the top of the mast is made.