Aqua Signal mast head tri-colour + anchor light

[Ian_Edwards]

As part of the routine checks before the rig goes in, I checked the mast head combined tri-colour and anchor light.
This is a very expensive LED unit installed in 2014 and advertised as having virtully infinite life.
The tri-colour works, but the anchor light has failed.
The anchor light sits above the tri and looks like a seperate unit, but I don't see any way of removing it.
Anyone else had this problem and found a way of just replacing the top anchor light section.
Not the end of the world, I can always us a tradition anchor light in the foretriangle.

 

[Plum]

As part of the routine checks before the rig goes in, I checked the mast head combined tri-colour and anchor light.
This is a very expensive LED unit installed in 2014 and advertised as having virtully infinite life.
The tri-colour works, but the anchor light has failed.
The anchor light sits above the tri and looks like a seperate unit, but I don't see any way of removing it.
Anyone else had this problem and found a way of just replacing the top anchor light section.
Not the end of the world, I can always us a tradition anchor light in the foretriangle.

Sorry if this is too basic but how did you test it? As the mast is down did you connect using temporary leads to a battery? If so, don't forget that LEDs are polarity sensitive so will not work if connected to the wrong battery terminals.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[[70521]]

Have you contacted the manufacturer for advice? I've always found contacting technical bods really helpful.

 

[Arcady]

Did you test it at night? It might be that the anchor light is photosensitive and switches off in daylight. You might wonder how I know this …. !

 

[Ian_Edwards]

I tested it with short leads from a small lead acid battery. The same way in which I tested the tri-light. I observed the manufactures + and - signs.
I hadn't considered the possibility of auto switching, in the 6 years of use I haven't noticed it switching off in the morning, or failing to switch on in the evening, and it's not noted on the data sheet.
Phoning around this morning, a direct replacement is out of stock, nation wide with lead times of June.
Looks like it will have to be traditional anchor light, but that will mean wiring a socket in the anchor locker.
It just seems a shame when half of it is working and the top section looks just like the anchor light Aqua Signal sell seperatly.

 

[mikegunn]

As part of the routine checks before the rig goes in, I checked the mast head combined tri-colour and anchor light.
This is a very expensive LED unit installed in 2014 and advertised as having virtully infinite life.
The tri-colour works, but the anchor light has failed.
The anchor light sits above the tri and looks like a seperate unit, but I don't see any way of removing it.
Anyone else had this problem and found a way of just replacing the top anchor light section.
Not the end of the world, I can always us a tradition anchor light in the foretriangle.

I presume that the mast head light in question is an Aqua Signal 34 series. You are correct in that as far as I'm aware there is no means of seperating the all round anchor light from the tri-colour. It is a single unit which plugs into a socket in its base plate and is retained in place by a large threaded collar. The electrical supply (two positives and one negative) is fed into the base plate through a cable entry restraining gland and wired into the aforementioned socket. It's not unknown for the electrical connections in the base to loosen off with time. If you pop up your mast with a small electrical screwdriver and remove the lamp assembly by unscrewing its retaining ring it would then be easy to ensure that the connections are secure. If they are, return to deck level with the lamp unit and check that the lights are working. The lamp assembly will only fit in one position so refitting is easy.

Mike

 

[thinwater]

I tested it with short leads from a small lead acid battery. The same way in which I tested the tri-light. I observed the manufactures + and - signs.
I hadn't considered the possibility of auto switching, in the 6 years of use I haven't noticed it switching off in the morning, or failing to switch on in the evening, and it's not noted on the data sheet.
Phoning around this morning, a direct replacement is out of stock, nation wide with lead times of June.
Looks like it will have to be traditional anchor light, but that will mean wiring a socket in the anchor locker.
It just seems a shame when half of it is working and the top section looks just like the anchor light Aqua Signal sell seperatly.

Just curious. What would you use in the foretriangle? There are very few USCG approved (though being in the UK you may not care about that) lights designed for hanging. I don't know of any widely available in the US that are LED.

 

[Boathook]

Just curious. What would you use in the foretriangle? There are very few USCG approved (though being in the UK you may not care about that) lights designed for hanging. I don't know of any widely available in the US that are LED.

I use an old guest? battery operated anchor lamp that I converted to 12 volt and now also with an led bulb. I just run the cable back inside to a lighter socket. I'm not keen on anchor lights at the top of the mast as in an anchorage I'm looking ahead rather than at the sky.

 

[thinwater]

I use an old guest? battery operated anchor lamp that I converted to 12 volt and now also with an led bulb. I just run the cable back inside to a lighter socket. I'm not keen on anchor lights at the top of the mast as in an anchorage I'm looking ahead rather than at the sky.

Does not meet COLREGS visibility requirements. This is why it was always marketed as "emergency" use. If you add an aftermarket LED bulb, again, there is no certification that it meets the requirements. I know of one brand that re-fitted to LED, but the filiment was not located correctly in relation to the lens (2-3 mm off) which resulted in missing the standard by a wide margin (the beam was aimed into the sky by about 10 degrees).

Yes, you can certainly DIY something. But don't most countries require the light to be certified as meeting COLREGS? Honest question. My understanding is that in the UK this is an "honor system" program for recreational boats, but if you get hit using a non-type approved light your defence sounds difficult and thin.

So is there a commercially available, type-approved LED light that is designed for hanging?

 

[Plum]

Does not meet COLREGS visibility requirements. This is why it was always marketed as "emergency" use. If you add an aftermarket LED bulb, again, there is no certification that it meets the requirements. I know of one brand that re-fitted to LED, but the filiment was not located correctly in relation to the lens (2-3 mm off) which resulted in missing the standard by a wide margin (the beam was aimed into the sky by about 10 degrees).

Yes, you can certainly DIY something. But don't most countries require the light to be certified as meeting COLREGS? Honest question. My understanding is that in the UK this is an "honor system" program for recreational boats, but if you get hit using a non-type approved light your defence sounds difficult and thin.

So is there a commercially available, type-approved LED light that is designed for hanging?

Here in the UK I've never seen any navigation light for sale that claims to "meet COLREGS requirements" although they will state a visibility range or a boat length they are suitable for. I am not aware of a specific UK certification requirements for nav lights and we have no one who checks or would certify anyway. It's in all our own interests to ensue we are suitably lit so we don't get hit and in my experience the vast majority of leisure boat owners take a pride in maintaining the standard of their boats, their safety and their seamanship.

 

[Ian_Edwards]

I presume that the mast head light in question is an Aqua Signal 34 series. You are correct in that as far as I'm aware there is no means of seperating the all round anchor light from the tri-colour. It is a single unit which plugs into a socket in its base plate and is retained in place by a large threaded collar. The electrical supply (two positives and one negative) is fed into the base plate through a cable entry restraining gland and wired into the aforementioned socket. It's not unknown for the electrical connections in the base to loosen off with time. If you pop up your mast with a small electrical screwdriver and remove the lamp assembly by unscrewing its retaining ring it would then be easy to ensure that the connections are secure. If they are, return to deck level with the lamp unit and check that the lights are working. The lamp assembly will only fit in one position so refitting is easy.

Mike

Mike,
The mast is down, and I've already done all you suggest, checking the unit off the mast with a 12v battery, the tri light works the anchor light does not. I've disconnected the cable cleaned the wires and reconnected, I've put 12v on the appropriate wires at the base of the mast and check the voltage at the top all correct.
I now have no doubt that it's a fault in the series 34.
My original post was intended to see if anyone had split to 2 halfs. It appears not.
I'll use the tri for this season because I can't locate a suitable replacement.
I'm not to worried about a lamp in the fore triangle not being ceritified. I work on the principle that any reasonable riding light is better than non. It will also be much better than an LED gargen light, which many peope use.
The chances of a collision is remote.
I also see many people anchored without a riding light, not that makes it correct, just that the risk is so small, many people just don't worry about it.

 

[Boathook]

Does not meet COLREGS visibility requirements. This is why it was always marketed as "emergency" use. If you add an aftermarket LED bulb, again, there is no certification that it meets the requirements. I know of one brand that re-fitted to LED, but the filiment was not located correctly in relation to the lens (2-3 mm off) which resulted in missing the standard by a wide margin (the beam was aimed into the sky by about 10 degrees).

Yes, you can certainly DIY something. But don't most countries require the light to be certified as meeting COLREGS? Honest question. My understanding is that in the UK this is an "honor system" program for recreational boats, but if you get hit using a non-type approved light your defence sounds difficult and thin.

So is there a commercially available, type-approved LED light that is designed for hanging?

As per Plum I think things are different in the UK and possibly rest of Europe. The light I use is bright and the lens concentrates the light in a 'beam. I wouldn't like to give a range but it seems just as bright or even brighter than the minimum recommended navigation lights. The navigation lights I have fitted are the next size up so hopefully I will be seen at a distance.
There used to be a anchor light on a lead available, but I not to sure now as a lot of boats use the masthead light 40 foot up.

Edit portable anchor light https://boatlamps.co.uk/collections/anchor-lights/products/dusk-to-dawn-anchor-utility-led-light . The price for this seem good and I have used boatlamps quite a few times.

 

[thinwater]

Here in the UK I've never seen any navigation light for sale that claims to "meet COLREGS requirements" although they will state a visibility range or a boat length they are suitable for. I am not aware of a specific UK certification requirements for nav lights and we have no one who checks or would certify anyway. It's in all our own interests to ensue we are suitably lit so we don't get hit and in my experience the vast majority of leisure boat owners take a pride in maintaining the standard of their boats, their safety and their seamanship.

Not entirely true (and I am US).

• MCA nav light approvals for UK commercial shipping (states rec is exempt, but that it must meet COLREGS, though how that is certified is not stated).
• Most lights have stamps on them from other countries. For example, the Aqua Signal light will have USCG number on it. Lalizas have ISO approvals. I'm going to challenge you to find a commercial product that does not have a type approval marked on it. It would be liability suicide. This is true of virtually all safety equipment.
• Interestingly, it seems to call for "not under command" lights to be available for cat 2 yachts. MCA cat 2 yachts. But no type approvals.
• Also ISO 16180 for European countries. I'd be surprised if

"Pride in maintaining the standard" of the boat means ... very little if you do not understand the standard, and in this case, visibility is very precicly defined (lumens and the range of angles). For example, running lights for sailboats and power boats meet a different standard and need to be so marked (the difference is heel).

 

[thinwater]

As per Plum I think things are different in the UK and possibly rest of Europe. The light I use is bright and the lens concentrates the light in a 'beam. I wouldn't like to give a range but it seems just as bright or even brighter than the minimum recommended navigation lights. The navigation lights I have fitted are the next size up so hopefully I will be seen at a distance.
There used to be a anchor light on a lead available, but I not to sure now as a lot of boats use the masthead light 40 foot up.

In fact, the rule states that you are "responcible for meeting COLREGS," which is uncertain unless (a) the light is type approved, which it probably is, or (b) you have read the ISO standard and the annex of COLREGS and tested the light to insure it meets the required angles and lumens (ISO 16180). With commercial products, this has been done for you.

I am curious about lights on lead, because many US sailors have questioned whether a light 40' up is enough. Powerboaters zipping around the harbor at night don't look up, and typical anchor lights nearly disapear when you are close to the boat (the "beam" you refer to is up high). Some would like to have something lower.

 

[Red Panda]

Sorry to hear yours has failed. I was considering upgrading my tricolour to a S34, but yours isn't the only story of problems that I've read. I might just stick with the existing standard unit, which I upgraded to use LED bulbs a few years ago.

 

[Boathook]

In fact, the rule states that you are "responcible for meeting COLREGS," which is uncertain unless (a) the light is type approved, which it probably is, or (b) you have read the ISO standard and the annex of COLREGS and tested the light to insure it meets the required angles and lumens (ISO 16180). With commercial products, this has been done for you.

I am curious about lights on lead, because many US sailors have questioned whether a light 40' up is enough. Powerboaters zipping around the harbor at night don't look up, and typical anchor lights nearly disapear when you are close to the boat (the "beam" you refer to is up high). Some would like to have something lower.

The light I use is low down, possibly 12 to 15 feet above vessel water level so the beam that the lens creates is readily visible (seems just as bright as others at anchor) to the average boat in the normally shallow waters that I anchor in.
I did edit my earlier post and include a link to boatlamps for a portable anchor light. Force 4 chandlery also have something similar with a quoted range of 2 miles.

 

[thinwater]

The other thing about type approvals is radio interference. Some replacement LED products, sitting right next to the aerial the way they do, have been known to interfere with radio reception (VHF and SSB). The problem is the LED controller, which often pulses the power supply without noise filters. The USCG has posted notices about this.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/...INV/Alerts/1318.pdf?ver=2018-08-16-091109-630
USCG warns about LED lights interfering with VHF & AIS, wants test results

I'm happy with my current LED anchor light, but the first generation light failed prematurely, most likely in the control circuit.

 

[thinwater]

The light I use is low down, possibly 12 to 15 feet above vessel water level so the beam that the lens creates is readily visible (seems just as bright as others at anchor) to the average boat in the normally shallow waters that I anchor in.
I did edit my earlier post and include a link to boatlamps for a portable anchor light. Force 4 chandlery also have something similar with a quoted range of 2 miles.

I have tested the similar Davis Mega Light with the low power bulb, and it does NOT meet the standard, not by several times. With the larger bulb it probably does. The Force 4 light is the Davis Mega Light (look closely at the image--also deceptive that the woman is lit with supplemental lighting). No USCG or ISO type approval makes it an odd-ball product. Also, no way to stabilize against swinging in the wind. Not a real anchor light IMO. Too bad, the concept is good.

 

[SaltIre]

Does it matter what type of anchor one is deploying when selecting an anchor light?

 

[Supertramp]

In

Mike,
The mast is down, and I've already done all you suggest, checking the unit off the mast with a 12v battery, the tri light works the anchor light does not. I've disconnected the cable cleaned the wires and reconnected, I've put 12v on the appropriate wires at the base of the mast and check the voltage at the top all correct.
I now have no doubt that it's a fault in the series 34.
My original post was intended to see if anyone had split to 2 halfs. It appears not.
I'll use the tri for this season because I can't locate a suitable replacement.
I'm not to worried about a lamp in the fore triangle not being ceritified. I work on the principle that any reasonable riding light is better than non. It will also be much better than an LED gargen light, which many peope use.
The chances of a collision is remote.
I also see many people anchored without a riding light, not that makes it correct, just that the risk is so small, many people just don't worry about it.

In answer to your question, I haven't got the anchor light part to work, tricolor OK. 2 years old. 12v at the deck OK. Can't be bothered to check further yet and use my LED steaming light instead. I see the appeal in a deck socket system.