Replacing anchor bulb on Aqua Signal 40 series

[PPLepew]

The boat came with an anchor/tricolor light combo officially named
AQUA SIGNAL SERIES 40 QUICFITS TRI-COLOR NAVIGATION LIGHTS - 40-408067.


My anchor light died, I assume burned out. Went up the mast expecting to easily "snap off" the fixture and bring it down to clean/test/replace what was needed.


Problem is I couldn't disconnect it from its base. Am supposed to be able to twist it, but it barely budges. Don't want to break it.


Have been searching for an installation guide from sites that sell them, but didn't get any reply.



Anyone out there that can clue me in on how to remove it?
Thanks

[Badsanta]

Some twist off some older ones dont. Sorry I don't have a good photo showing it. I'm sure some one will supply more info.

[lonesoldier0408]

From it's appearance, it's a press fit, possibly bolt clamping reinforced. My fear would be that PO or installer may have used a bonding/sealing agent.! Let's not forget that corrosion can act like a bonding agent.! At any rate, it still has to come off for repairs.

[PPLepew]

The bottom tier is the one with a permanent attachment, probably some screws in top of mast. The 'quick' release is the next tier up, and some "off" on lower and "on" on upper need to be matched I guess, about 1/8 of a turn. I can only turn it less than 1/16. These are "plastic" material, hopefully not corroded, salt/sand/grime maybe.
Anyway, I could not get high enough with my bosom chair on the halyard and had to work with my arms up. I just ordered two folding steps I'll rivet to the mast for a sturdy higher stand and have a closer look, and a stronger grip too. Will bring up some silicone lubricant next time I'm up.
Will update then.
Thanks for the suggestions, keep'm coming

[Blue Stocking]

On mine the serated locking ring is rotated to loosen the lens assembly, and the whole double assembly lifts off to expose both bulbs, 1 over the other.

[jstevens]

The unit looks like the QuicFit model which does twist off the base. There is an internal O-ring that has been under compression since the old bulb was installed so it will likely take a good deal of force to break it free. Here's a pic of the unit on my masthead (http://www.svsarah.com/Sarah/Images/Tricolor%201.JPG), which does twist off.

When you get the unit off, I recommend you replace both bulbs with LEDs so you don't have to do this again - at least not for many years.

John

[PPLepew]

Thanks for the info. I assume you did the LED swap. I planned to do same. What type of bulbs are in there? I might as well buy them so I wont have to go up twice.

[jstevens]

I have DrLED bulbs in my tricolor. The nav light works great, but the anchor light has dimmed significantly in last 8 years to the point where I don't use it anymore. Those are from an old generation of LEDs and DrLED has probably improved the product, but I cannot recommend DrLED.
AquaSignal offers LEDs for their lamps, but the last time I checked they were very expsnsive. Of course, they're not so expensive if you figure you will get 10-15 years of service.
Maybe someone else can recommend a source of LED bulbs for this lamp.

John

[PPLepew]

I ordered a pair of HQRP Light Bulb for Aqua Signal 40 BAY15d type replacement. 24LED Cool White 10-30V DC. Marine Navigation. $10 each.
Will report on it when I get them up.

[barnakiel]

White led only good for anchor light. And I would get warm white then.

For tri you want a tri colour LED.

Otherwise you throw off the color temp and your green will look blue.

b.

[estarzinger]

Be careful with the 'drop in' LED bulbs if you use a masthead AIS antenna . . . . all the ones (3 different models - white and tri colored) I have tried produced significant RF noise and cut my AIS range by half.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by estarzinger

Be careful with the 'drop in' LED bulbs if you use a masthead AIS antenna . . . . all the ones (3 different models - white and tri colored) I have tried produced significant RF noise and cut my AIS range by half.

+++1!

I owe you.

What you are saying here may explain some odd AIS behaviour we have seen on our boat!

barnakiel

[Badsanta]

Yes. Get the red green white LED tri color bulbs. Just white wont work .