Broken Masthead Light

[nigelhudson]

I need some advice on repairing my masthead light. It's a Perko combined Tricolour and Anchor light. It has been knocked whilst the mast was in the boatyard rack. The result is the cylindrical lens assembly has broken cleanly from the bayonet mount.
I have to remount the lens assembly onto the mount using an adhesive. The question is - which adhesive? The cylindrical anchor light lens is, I believe, polycarbonate and the bayonet mount is either glass-filled nylon or, possibly, ABS. Are there any plastics technologists who can suggest an appropriate adhesive - I guess that solvents are out of the question as the lens is polycarbonate. My first thought is to use a silicon sealant.

 

[aztec]

probably get slated for the suggestion..

but i'd go for epoxy. like araldite.

now i'm keeping my head down!

 

[VicMallows]

Well, probably get slated too....but depending on the break would probably look first at a cyanoacrylate (super glue) and if not suitable (must have a very clean break) would use a clear epoxy as already suggested (temperature control during curing very important).

Vic

 

[Gin]

Silly question? If you glue it will you be able to change the bulb later.

If it fails do you want to go up the mast to replace the unit - better just to put a new one in now?

 

[VicS]

Agreeing with the others. I am a great fan of Araldite (The slow stuff not the rapid stuff). The joint should be lightly abraded and scrupulously clean. Normally I would use a solvent to clean the surfaces to be joined but in view of the plastics involved in this instance maybe detergent and water would be a safer option. The joint should be firmly clamped while the adhesive cures and if possible wamed a little (airing cupboard but for goodness sake don't get araldite on the other contents)

If the joint faces are very small though forget it and follow Gin's advice and buy a new one (and in future take it off for the winter).

The one thing I seldom have success with is super glue (sorry Vic) but the local Minor injuries clinic did a good job with it when I cut my head some while back. I understand that's the sort of thing it was originally developed for!

 

[BlueChip]

If it all goes wrong and you decide you need a new light - ASAP Supplies are the UK Perko Distributor
They have a lousy web site, but are very good people to deal with and great prices