[C320-list] Deck Light

[Doug Treff]

Bill,

I went through this last year.

Catalina used two different mast light assemblies over the years. Both 
fixtures used a halogen bulb but they are NOT interchangeable. The big 
difference is that the old Aqua-Signal brand fixture had a permanent 
reflector built into the fixture for the halogen light. The newer 
fixture is made by Hella and has the reflector as part of the 
replaceable bulb assembly. So it's definitely important to get the 
correct bulb.

I was able to find the bulb i needed at my local West Marine store.

I strongly suggest that you look at your fixture with a pair of 
binoculars or snap a picture with a high quality camera and telephoto 
lens to verify which of the following fixtures you have. They used both 
fixtures over the years. Then get the right bulb for the fixture you 
have. OR buy both bulbs at a local retailer and return the one you don't 
use (without opening the package, of course). The key here is to go up 
the mast ONCE, if at all possible. Being prepared with all the possible 
tools and spare parts you need will make this goal easier to accomplish.

Supposedly used from 1982 to 1998:
http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/461/steaming--halogen-deck-light-82-98.cfm
which used the following bulb:
http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=192

Used starting sometime in 1999 according to CatalinaDirect:
http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/1037/steaming--halogen-deck-light-99-.cfm
which used the following bulb:
http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/1641/halogen-light-bulb-for-deck-light.cfm

Remember when handling the halogen deck light bulbs, you should not 
touch the bulb surface with your hands. The oils in your hand will coat 
the bulb and cause premature burn-out. If you do accidentally handle the 
bulb with your bare hands, thoroughly wipe them down with alcohol to 
remove your skin oils from the bulb.

My job required 2 trips up the mast since I didn't know what type of 
bulbs I needed. Fortunately, the yard owner offered to put me up there 
with his bucket lift. In the end, considering the amount of work we had 
to do, I'm glad I went that route. Add 30+ knot winds to the mix, and a 
bosun's chair would have NOT been a fun ride.

I had 12V at all of the light fittings. In the masthead fixture, the 
steaming light and deck light bulbs were MISSING. Obviously someone else 
started the job and never made a 2nd trip up the mast to finish. The 
anchor light was burned out and the fixture was sun damaged and 
crumbling plastic. I needed to completely replace that fixture with a 
new one. Being up there on the lift with all the right tools was a 
god-send. I would never have attempted to replace that fixture from the 
bosun's chair.

All that being said, you might consider replacing all of your bulbs 
while you're up there and maybe it will be longer before you need to 
make another trip. Your call.

Hope this helps,

---
Doug Treff
doug at treff.us

On 2014-04-06 16:23, Bill Hutt wrote:
> Hi group,
> 
> I have a 1999 C320. Does anyone know what the correct bulb for the
> deck light is? It’s the only light on my boat not working (knock on
> wood) and I know I’m going to go up there to replace this spring. Be
> nice if I had the right bulb in my pocket when I do.
> 
> Thanks,
> Bill Hutt
> “Caribbean Soul”
> Cleveland, Ohio