My 1989 transom light is in need of renewal so I’m thinking that LED is the way to go to reduce load on my batteries while saving the planet. I have found new housings with LED. but they are smaller in dimension which could turn a simple bulb replacement into an annoying project. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who can share a lead on a suitable LED bulb to replace the 1152 bayonet bulb in the original old light housing.
Ed Strazzini
PELICAN N33#36
Deltaville, VA.
Ed,
It’s not the only place, but MarineLedShop.com sells drop-in LED replacements for the AquaSignal 25 incandescent “festoon” bulbs that I believe are the original equipment in most of our boats.
You can find them at http://marineledshop.com/marine-led-festoon-navigation
The one thing to check first, though, is the shape of the metal prongs that the bulbs sit in on your boat. There’s two shapes of bulbs you can buy, “barrel” and “spike”. Both have metal tubular ends, but “barrel” ends have a dimple in them while “spike” ends have cones. If you get the shape that matches your prongs, it’ll fit nicely. If there’s a mismatch, they’ll slide around and the prongs won’t hold them well.
If the prongs in your fixture are flat or have bumps on the surfaces facing the bulb ends, you want a barrel bulb. If the prongs have indentations on the sides away from the bulb, you want the spike style because the cone points will catch in the indentations.
I have a couple of spare bulbs lying around which don’t fit my prongs but may fit yours because, of course, I figured out that this difference matters the hard way.
– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch 26U #233
Hi, I just replace mast navigation light with festoon type LED. The one I bought, Dr. LED, came with adapters, so it works with either lamp fitting type.
Don
I have tried to find a replacement but, finally figured I’ll need to rewire it with a new LED module. Still have not got back to that project.
Mike
BIANKA
1986 30U
Long Island
When I replaced my mast last year, I elected to keep the existing lights as incandescent. I replaced the lenses on the mast lights. I have not investigated a new lens on the stern light.
I installed an LED tri-color sailing/anchor light at the head of the mast.
When motoring and producing electricity from the engine alternator, the incandescent lights are at work. When sailing or at anchor, the LED lights are at work.
Had to cut some wires to remove the old stern light and open the fixture (PB Blaster, heat from soldering iron and repeated tapping with light hammer) as SS screws refused to release from the aluminum fixture. Once opened found the 1152 off set bayonet mount bulb for which our local West Marine had the LED equivalent. Dremel tool with buffing bits enabled me to polish the tired looking housing and Turtle Wax headlight lens cleaner and polish cleaned up the yellowed plastic lens. I used AlumGard on the housing which made it look good for now and will reinstall the unit in the next day or two.
Ed Strazzini
PELICAN N33#36
Deltaville, VA
