Anchor light post -- adding length

H

hardee

New member
Since I have added the aft arch to put my inflatable up on the aft portion of the cabin top, I'm afraid I need to add some length to my anchor light for all around visibility at night. What is there now is the factory original, Perko, with plastic screw ring that turns onto the threads of the metal mount, just aft of the cabin brow. I am thinking of going to the next length Perko, which will add 6 - 8 inches and be enough to clear the inflatable from the stern view.

By adding that much extra length, (and weight, thus leverage) am I looking at needing to do anything else to beef up the mount, should I be running it in heavy seas, or getting bounced around at anchor. Currently I only put the light up when in I am in lighting necessary conditions. I am thinking it is a pretty short "seat to fit" section and it is a plastic threaded sleeve that does the hold down.

Thanks for any suggestions, input or ideas.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

1_10_2012_from_Canon_961.sized.jpg

IMG_2044_sized_1.jpg
 
I wouldn't worry about much if I were you. I mean, those lights have the thinnest guage metal known to mankind. I'd be surprised if you even add a pound by going 6-8 inches longer.
 
I have the same problem as my radar pedestal is blocking my light. Where do you go to get a longer post and can you just get the post, keep the old plug and lamp and just splice a longer wire, or is it not worth the trouble, and just get a longer kit?

Thanks Jim
 
T.R. Bauer":xnmo36d8 said:
I wouldn't worry about much if I were you. I mean, those lights have the thinnest gauge metal known to mankind. I'd be surprised if you even add a pound by going 6-8 inches longer.
Click to expand...

I agree. Shouldn't make a difference. If you happened to grab it for balance the shaft would bend before any other damage would be done.
 
petemos":2uj3prid said:
I have the same problem as my radar pedestal is blocking my light. Where do you go to get a longer post and can you just get the post, keep the old plug and lamp and just splice a longer wire, or is it not worth the trouble, and just get a longer kit?

Thanks Jim
Click to expand...

What I found was the exact same one I have, (Perko), at West Marine, for about $60 something. It is about 6 inches longer than mine which is going to be just about right for the additional height that I need. I was just concerned that the base may be too weak for the extended lever arm that would be added. I have not looked to see how that base plate is attached, (screws, through-bolt or adhesive), so will do that when I get to the boat this weekend.

BTW, Marty, Thanks for the link. I had looked at that one or very similar but decided against the telescoping version at the time. Because my base is angled, I need the post that has a bend in it to get the light output to be horizontal. (Nice price though.)

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

January_2010_344.thumb.jpg
 
Jay, Thanks for the link. Perko is what I have now, and will probably just get a longer Perko. They do show up well, but I am going to change the bulb from incandescent to LED, (DrLED conversion for #90 bulb) to decrease the electrical drain when anchoring.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

IMG_2044_sized_1.thumb.jpg
 
Thank you, I will be working on the boat tomorrow so will check on that. If they aren't, they will be, maybe with some backing.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Back
Top