Navigation Light Switch Help

tgentry · Post by **tgentry** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 5:22 am

My navigation light switch, which I assume is original, is a headlight style pull knob located aft in the cockpit near the engine start switch. It has two positions and I'm also making the assumption that one position is for side and stern lights only and the other is for side, stern and masthead.

If my assumptions so far are correct, can someone tell me which position is supposed to light the masthead? I'll be going out to the boat to figure out wiring this weekend and so far I have been unable to get power to the masthead light.

Mario G · Post by **Mario G** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 2:47 pm

I have the 2 position swich that I'm sure is original and never #@&%ed with and when pulled out to first position only allows the interior lights 2nd position turns on all navigations lights.

Your C-26 could be differently set up then my 1975 C-22

robinsonzak · Post by **robinsonzak** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 5:28 pm

A half decent digital multimeter from radioshack will make your electrical endeavors much more enjoyable. Make sure they have sharp ends to poke through the wire sheath, that way you can test wires midway through, not just at the ends. check for power with the multimeter at the connection at the mast base, that way you know if theres a blown bulb or bad connection above that.

Mario G · Post by **Mario G** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 7:36 pm

My next thing is to convert all lighting to LED .. and now the day dreaming begains and this is where I jump to the other thread

Gus · Post by **Gus** » Sat Aug 08, 2009 8:41 am

I also have that pull switch in the cockpit, and that's the first thing I replaced with a 4 switch panel from West Marine. I mounted the panel next to the table inside the cabin, I need to take a picture of that

lecker68 · Post by **lecker68** » Wed Aug 12, 2009 6:23 pm

With a 2 position pull switch 1st should be mast head for anchor and all the way out will turn on the rest of your nav. lights

NYCSAILOR · Post by **NYCSAILOR** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 6:46 am

I have complete rewiring on my list that I wl ldo in systems rather than all at once.

I just ran a new vhf ant, wire up my mast and can tell you this....all the wiring in the mast was shot from old age... the steamer light ( I don't think we are equipped witha mast-head anchor light) 2/3rds up the mast didn't work and under inspection was barely, if at all connected to the fixture... when I examed teh wire.. it only made sense to replace the wiring and the fixture, which I will do with either LED or a steamer and deck light combo..... I also need ot fit a mast head anchor light.... I am thinking I might fit the little windex light and hoping that would serve as the anchor light.. otherwise I maight not bother and use those very popular LED anchor light that you hoist with the halyard.. much, much simpler!

my oem pull switch was relocated from the cockpit to be pressed into service as the bilge pump switch by PO.

All wiring on these boats has to be completely redone and brought up to modern standards preferably with LEd's and done correctly.