Mast Anchor Light Installation

[Man~ana]

I want to install a LED Mast Anchorage Light at the very top of my mast on my 2008 26M. I need to run a wire through the mast from the bottom to the top of the mast or visa versa. After numerous attempts to run a "fish wire" through the mast from either end through the styro-foam packed mast (mast is down on the horizontal), I am unable to get more than approximately 20 feet through the styro-foam.

Any successful directions on how to run a wire through the mast?

Thanks
Bill Bennett

[Love MACs]

Many have done this ... check the Mod section for answers. Or you can search the various threads. Basically a cutting tool is made with PVC (cutting saw teeth into one end) and cuts down thru the mast filler.


Allan

[jschrade]

I was surprised to find out that my new sailboat did not have an Anchor light and didn't even think to ask to have one installed. Seems like something that would be pretty standard from the factory for a sailboat.

When you say fish wire" are you talking about the really heavy metal type on a reel? That's what I have and I was counting on being able to pull two additional wires for for the anchor light. I am planning to just use the same plug that runs the running lights to keep it simple.

Jim

[Man~ana]

Response to Jim

Yes, I tried a heavy wire on a reel. You can push hard on it since it is laterally supported by the mast and styro foam.

I tried a bulb at the end to make the hole bigger, then a sharp end. I pushed, prodded, twisted and used pliers but to no avail. I will now have to resort to previous discussions.

[Russ]

I've done this twice now. At first to run antenna coax on my '08 M and again last weekend to run LED anchor light wire.
This thread describes it

I ran the fishtape along side the Styrofoam from the top down. Recently I added an LED anchor light (from a Canadian vendor on Ebay) and installed and LED steaming light. By reversing the polarity, I use the existing wires for both.
If the foam is too tight, make a PVC drill and bore a hole through it.

LED polarity idea.


--Russ

[Hardcrab]

Just offering another option for a less permanent anchor light.
A dinghy type, battery powered, LED portable stern light mounted on a 3/4" x 24" (or so) PVC pipe and run up using the main halyard, with a small trailing line to tie off tight to keep things straight and the light above the mast top.
(can offer details if wanted)
Simple, cheap, and effective if you don't anchor out all that much, or don't feel up to the routing of wires through the mast.

[Russ]

Just offering another option for a less permanent anchor light.
A dinghy type, battery powered, LED portable stern light mounted on a 3/4" x 24" (or so) PVC pipe and run up using the main halyard, with a small trailing line to tie off tight to keep things straight and the light above the mast top.
(can offer details if wanted)
Simple, cheap, and effective if you don't anchor out all that much, or don't feel up to the routing of wires through the mast.

Yes. I used one like that. I replaced the bulb with an LED, although we got several nights out of 2 batteries with the standard tungsten bulb.
In a way, I prefer the anchor light closer to the water as fisherman are probably not looking way up high at my mast top.

[Kerry]

Hi All,

When I ran my anchor light and vhf wiring, I inserted a 10 foot piece of rigid pvc electrical conduit into the mast, which was on about a 10 degree angle, and poured a small amount of gasoline into the conduit. The gasoline dissolves syrofoam. In a matter of minutes I was able to move the conduit down the mast and then couple another piece together to make 20 feet, adding a small amount of gasoline as required. A little stinky, but works quickly.

[Wind Chime]

We run 3 solar anchor lights.
- one in the cockpit
- one in the starboard shrouds
- and one on the mast top.
I agree with Russ MT that some boats may not look up, and this is why we run the lower lights as well.

Food for thought:
Depending on your country laws, you may be legally obligated to run a masthead anchor light at minimum. And if you do not run a mast head light and are involved in an accident your insurance may not cover you.

[dennisneal]

Why go through all of that trouble??

I purchased a low-watt, 12-volt, light that plugs into the boat's cigarette lighter outlet. I run the wire through the sliding hatch cover to a four-foot PVC pipe that I securely tie to a stanchion.

The light has a two-mile visibility rating which is all that is required.

Since I may only anchor a few times a year, if that, this works for me.

[Russ]

Depending on your country laws, you may be legally obligated to run a masthead anchor light at minimum.

I'm not familiar with countries other than the US, but here when not in designated mooring areas we are required to have a 360 degree white light visible for 2 miles. The altitude of that light is not regulated (as in top of mast), it simply needs to be visible 2 miles for 360 degrees..

I'm somewhat concerned that a blue hull at night and a light on top may be visible for a small fisherman looking at the water. Being legal is one thing, not getting run into is another. In addition to the 2 mile mast head light (to be legal), I may add a solar light as well.

--Russ

[Doug W]

Actually, I do have an anchor light mounted on the mast which came with the boat. I hope to replace the bulb in it with LED. I have a hard time leaving the current one on all night. How deligent are most of you all when anchored in a cove all by yourself? Do most of you leave the anchor light on? Darned lawyers...

You're right, the additional walmart special LED light isn't bright enough to be seen more than 1/2 mile but makes a nice little 'nighlight' over the cockpit.

Doug

Actually, the above was posted to http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... =9&t=15752 but this thread seems more appropriate for my question so I deleted my post and am submitting this one.

Galactica was the only boat gunkholed a few weeks ago on a local lake. Seemed a waste of battery to leave the light on so I shut it off after midnight.
I've since added a combiner, solar panel and am picking up a house battery while hoping to replace the bulb with LED on the mast--so I will have no worry about leaving the light on. I'm still curious what rule of thumb the rest of you use.

Doug

[Love MACs]

Not sure what the "regs" say but I would think leave it on sunset to sunrise. Don't want to sound paranoid but better safe than sorry. We sail on a Lake also and there is always boat traffic, night fishermen etc.


Allan

[jschrade]

It's not uncommon to see sailboats with what is essentially Christmas lights fore and aft from the mast. That's being completely certain they will see you!!!



Jim

[Russ]

It's not uncommon to see sailboats with what is essentially Christmas lights fore and aft from the mast. That's being completely certain they will see you!!!



Jim

Yea, but are the LEDs?

I've often thought it would be fun to do that or live in one of those places where they have boat parades. Looks like fun.

--Russ