bennington lightbulb problem

[papajoe74]

Just bought my first pontoon boat. A 2004 Bennington 22L. My Port (red) light does not work. When i look under the floor there is ONE bolt that goes through the floor but the second bolt does not and just spins when you put a screwdriver on it. Because of this I can't take the light fixture off to change the bulb. Any idea on how to change the bulb. Thanks

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: bennington lightbulb problem

You seldom have to remove the bolts and fixtures to replace a nav light. In fact, I've never seen one that requires one to do so. Look for the globe to pop off or small phillips screws holding it on. If you should have to remove the fixture I must assume the nut on the spinning bolt is misssing. Place something like a small screwdriver in the hole from the bottom and tap with a hammer. If the nut is on the bolt and is spinning inside the deck, then use some long-nose pliers to hold the nut.

Good luck and report back your solution.

 

[papajoe74]

Re: bennington lightbulb problem

the problem is that the spinning bolt does not go all the way through the wood. I tried to pop it off but it wont come loose. It almost seems like the nut (if there is one) is trapped between layers of wood.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: bennington lightbulb problem

the problem is that the spinning bolt does not go all the way through the wood. I tried to pop it off but it wont come loose. It almost seems like the nut (if there is one) is trapped between layers of wood.

If so, then you may have to chisel out some of the wood and then use long nose pliers to hold the nut. Then use a large washer when replacing the bolt and nut. But I still don't think you should have to remove the entire fixture to change a bulb. Most are designed such that the bulb can be easily changed from the top while in the water.

 

[lncoop]

Re: bennington lightbulb problem

Should be a little screw on top of the housing. Removing that screw should allow you to remove the housing and change the bulb. Unless you just have a compelling urge to remove the light entirely your best bet is to leave the mounting bolts alone.