light switch question

[JSGOLD]

Since I am going to rewire the boat (with all the rain what ELSE can I do?) I am looking at replacing the old pull switches in the dash, among other things. I notice that one(2 circuit) switch when I pull it out the bow light comes on and when you pull further the stern (pole light) comes on as well. I see no need for this myself, but is this normal?? Iboats has the exact switches I need either way, but anything wrong with a simple on off that puts both on and off? Is there an advantage in having these split as is?

 

[pootnic]

Re: light switch question

Your talking about your navigation lights.
The switch is doing what it's supposed to do,works perfect,all on 1 switch,I guess thats 1 advantage.
Yes,it is normal.
You can use 2 separate switches(takes up more space)but 1 switch(DPDT)is more common.
Make sure you have the right lights on when running at night or when anchored.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: light switch question

As you can tell I am still new to boating.....we have one year under our belts but still lots to learn. Have never used the boat at night, but since I am replacing all wiring I was just confused if this was the normal way these lights operated. Are there times when you would want the lights on separate? Or, are they normally on at the same time? When would you want them on? I assume both are to show others where you are at. The front is the normal navigation lights I assume you use as it gets dusk, the other light is a 36" pole light that plugs into a socket.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: light switch question

When you are underway, [moving] after dark, you want the front red/green light on, as well as the rear white stern or anchor light. This tells other boaters you are moving. If you are at anchor after dark, you want only the rear white-anchor light on, this tells other boats you are at anchor. Get yourself some books and do some home work on modern boating rule regs, etc. In addition the coast guard aux, and /or Power Squadron has some really good classes that would be MOST beneficial to you, And other boaters for that matter.

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: light switch question

Sounds like a good idea.....still learning. One thing though...the way it is now the rear light is never on by itself. The switch is only turning the navigation lights on then the white rear light second, but both are on then. Going by what you said then the current wiring is wrong anyway. I am removing another switch that was a simple on-off pull type that ran the bilge pump manaully (only) and will replace it with a separate combination manual and automatic bilge switch setup that will mount under the dash. So, I can replace both old switches with new single pole switches that would run each light separate. Again, I see no time soon I would run them at night but I want to be safe and know what I am doing. Will read up as suggested. We have been using the boat in a small lake to get accustomed to boating and taking small steps as we go.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: light switch question

Howdy... If you cant just have your anchor [stern] light on by itself... something is wrong. Switch or wireing. I think its just wired backwards...maybe the wire came unplugged from the toggle and was replaced on the wrong connector. Maybe just switch the connector so that instead of having ONLY the front [bow] light on, only the rear light is illuminated. Might be a 30 second fix, Bilge pump idea sounds good... As well as taking baby steps , so to speak.. It would be good to get your lights fixed asap tho.. In case something happens, even on your small lake, that delays your return to the dock. All a sudden it gets dark, your coming across the lake without lights and Mr Law is at the dock, writing tickets for equipment violations. :facepalm: Be prepared,,, expect the unexpected ! Happy boatn. !!!

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: light switch question

Yes, I will switch the wires, as it is easy to reverse from what I see. Although the small lake is screwed up for now (rain) we do plan on going out next weekend somewhere....so yes will do that. Not surprised it is reversed.....there were way too many fingers medling with the wiring it seems before. And ironically, the smaller lake seems to draw the game wardens more often these days. Never used to see them out there but we had a poacher problem with bass being taken out...Will totally rewire it once I get my new switches and fuse panel from Iboats.
I have been taking care to make sure the boat is equiped with proper safety stuff and upgraded the trailor just recently. Now doing some repairs and upgrades to the boat as I can, although it is overall in decent shape, save for some of the wiring and dirty carbs on the 55hp. I also see I need more knowledge so am looking at a boaters safety course. I have some knowledge but obviously not enough yet. Thanks!

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: light switch question

Yes, I will switch the wires, as it is easy to reverse from what I see. Although the small lake is screwed up for now (rain) we do plan on going out next weekend somewhere....so yes will do that. Not surprised it is reversed.....there were way too many fingers medling with the wiring it seems before. And ironically, the smaller lake seems to draw the game wardens more often these days. Never used to see them out there but we had a poacher problem with bass being taken out...Will totally rewire it once I get my new switches and fuse panel from Iboats.
I have been taking care to make sure the boat is equiped with proper safety stuff and upgraded the trailor just recently. Now doing some repairs and upgrades to the boat as I can, although it is overall in decent shape, save for some of the wiring and dirty carbs on the 55hp. I also see I need more knowledge so am looking at a boaters safety course. I have some knowledge but obviously not enough yet. Thanks!

Sounds like you are well on your way to becoming a knowledgeable, responsible and safe boater My ins company gives me a 10 or 15% discount on boat insurance after taking a safety. BONUS! FYI...

 

[NYBo]

Re: light switch question

Yes, the wires running to the bow and stern lights are reversed at the switch.

BTW, navigation and anchor lights are not used only at night. They are required in other conditions of reduced visibility: fog, rain, snow, smoke, sandstorm (hey, it can happen), etc.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: light switch question

Here is the way the wiring should be for anchor/navigation:

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: light switch question

Thanks for all of the help guys. Since the switches are old and in poor condition anyway I went ahead and ordred two single pole ones from Iboats yesterday along with a new fuse panel and rebuild kits for my 55HP motor. I will wire each one to a switch and make sure they are used when needed. The new bilge pump switch freed up one opening so other than finding a couple of legand plates later I will be good to go after the rewire. We do have some heavy fog on these smaller lakes early in the mornings so using them other than night makes sense.