Stern Light

I have been trying to chase down some burnt bulbs and have had some problems getting power to my stern light. Does anyone know if the light on the transom is a running light or a courtesy light? USCG rules of the road states that a vessel less than 12 meters is required to have side lights (can be combined) and a all around white light, which on my CC is called the anchor light and on a separate switch from the running lights. I have turned on all the switches on and still can not get a reading on my volt meter at the transom. Before I start chasing wires and pulling panels off it would be nice to know what system this light is on.

David,

My 80SN has a switch on the dash for navagation lights. It is a three postion switch. One direction gives you the running lights ( Bow /Front Red and Green lights are on) and the other position is just for an anchor light ( Only the Stern / Back Light). The contacts where the stern pole goes into the socket can become corroded very easy.

I hope this helps,

Donald

8122pbrainard wrote: Now with the "all around" aft light you need to use the vinyl electric tape trick on the front half!!! Better keep going with the volt meter.

better use marine grade!!! LOL..I used duct tape for that same issue..that light comming from the back is really anoying in the dark...

Since you have the hardtop, I bet they took the power otherwise goign to the transom up to the lights on the roof. You don't need both.

Your anchor light is probably wired up to the hard top, you're fine the way it is all working right now. I seriously don't think your transom socket even has power to it. That would be dangerous looking at a boat with 2 anchor lights (might accidentally turn both on), plus you'd need another switch.