Broken Stern light causing other issues?

[BeachRum1962]

The other day I noticed my stern all-around light wasn't working and sure enough found the ground wire had just corroded to the point of falling of the base. So bad I am just ordering a new base. However, I also noticed my radio and depthfinder were not working as well. Please tell me that the broken circuit (disconnected wire) is causing the other issues. I have ordered a new base and hopefully when I rewire it, not only will it be fixed but my radio and depth finder will also work.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Broken Stern light causing other issues?

The broken circuit (disconnected wire) is causing the other issues. I told ya. Now you feel better, But.............

I doubt it. I would really be surprised. If one wire is corroded, there is a good chance more are bad also. Or the other items are running off of one fuse/circuit breaker. You will most likely be digging into your wiring. I know you didn't want to hear that. Good luck.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Broken Stern light causing other issues?

If that broken ground wire shorted to the hot lead going to the light when the light was on, that could have blown a fuse. If any other accessories were connected to the circuit feeding the light (highly unlikely) then yes -- that could create a problem. But the question is -- "why on earth would you wire a radio, fish finder and whatever else to the NAV light switch?" So the answer to your question is both yes and no -- it depends on if the prior owner has done some creative wiring.

 

[BeachRum1962]

Re: Broken Stern light causing other issues?

If that broken ground wire shorted to the hot lead going to the light when the light was on, that could have blown a fuse. If any other accessories were connected to the circuit feeding the light (highly unlikely) then yes -- that could create a problem. But the question is -- "why on earth would you wire a radio, fish finder and whatever else to the NAV light switch?" So the answer to your question is both yes and no -- it depends on if the prior owner has done some creative wiring.

Rats. Thanks for chiming in. Let me see if I can explain my setup. I have a panel that has a master switch, a nav light switch, wash down switch and bilge switch). The radio and depth finder used to powered when the battery switch was turned to a battery (i.e., they are not controlled by a switch, even the master). So I think I need to look for blown fuses, right? Also, I do not know whether the wire that broke off is hot or ground, but not sure that makes a difference. I need to get the new light base installed and working first then I will focus on the radio/depth finder.