Acquired my commander with a non-functioning mast light. I am assuming the mast light was a combination steaming light and all around anchor light. However, I only see two wires coming out of the deck running up into the mast. I’m wondering if there should be a third wire?. It’s my understanding that the mast light is not only for anchoring but should also be lit when navigation lights are on. Any help about what I’ve got there would be great. Thanks in advance.
When I said the mast light was nonfunctional, I am stating that there was just a dome on the top with no wiring running up the mast or any fixture for the light itself.
It is a "steamer light". I rewired mine meaning, put in new sockets, LED bulbs and connections to the helm. New rocker switch for nav and anchor when the most of the TCS system was removed. It has a front facing white light for nav and an anchoi only. They are difficult to find. Recently I was sent a link to a full mast with light but I will have to dig to find it because I don't recall when or where I received it. I believe it was in the Chicago area. That, said i do have a bunch of pics of the project that I will send in the next week or two. In the meantime, if you haven't tried lower your mast and you may fined all the wires in there.
Have had the mast down. Only two wires come up out of the deck fixture. When the anchor switch is turned on there is power at the wires. If the navigation switched is turned on at the same time, it turns off power to the wires.
The requirement is: for navigation, a forward facing white light of 225 degrees. This, with the stern white light of 135 degrees, gives 360 coverage. Smaller boats (under 39 feet) can have a single 360 light. Your anchor light should be 360.
My 41’ Commander’s mast light was two wires and was powered as the anchor light. There was a white light on the transom that functioned as the stern navigation white light.
Interesting. So no forward 225 degree white light per the above. Our 35 had an anchor light with the forward light fixture built into the bow rail.
Joe, question for you. Your mast light wiring appears to be what I have. Two wires coming through the deck. Wondering if you knew the following behavior: When I turn on navigation lights, the anchor light would turn off. If I turn the navigation lights off, the anchor light comes back on. You cannot turn them on at the same time. Do you know if you’re ever ran into the same thing?
Hap,
There was a "Nav lights" switch and an "Anchor Light" switch. there was an anchor light bulb on top and a white Nav light mounted in the Chrome piece below. I sold my 41 in May, I an not sure if there were 2 or 3 wires.
My 41 had an Anchor light on top of mast and a Fwd white Nav light mounted in the chrome piece.
Hap,
Looking at your pics, I noticed your mast is different than mine. I do not see the Fwd NAV light. my 41 did not have a bridge. I suspect your Mast is different, probably longer to accomodate a legal anchor light.
Joe
What you see at the top of my mat is just glue that was holding on a clear dome which is no longer in place. There’s no light or anything at the top of my mask. I think I know what you’re referring to as I have seen the chrome combination steamer light and anchor light on some Chris Craft Commanders around that era. I have to believe there’s a third wire under my deck that would’ve been able to power the steamer light. The only thing that makes sense to me is that I would’ve had a steamer light and an anchor light which would require three wires going to the mast.
There are 4 wires going into a steamer light. This was taken when I first took it apart. Two to each light with 4 coming out of the deck. I will send another pic. Best to look at as many pics as you can of other 41's Joe did a lot of work on his.
Ther
These pics are really helpful. Four wires instead of three.
That’s assuming the 41 you have DID have a steamer light. I don’t know what a 41 had. Find pics or get an electrical diagram. The CCCC Forum Site has two on file. You may also get them from the Mariners Museum archives. Joe Marino knows electrical more than most including me. Find other pics or owners of 41’s for input. Best I can tell you.