Lights

[ricksrster]

Is this set up acceptable? an off/on/on pull switch. First on = the white light on stern for night fishing. Second on = both the white light plus the red/green light on bow for driving around. The boat is 16'.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Lights

The light arangement on a boat requires a special switch. The type switch you are talking about will backfeed the lights and in either position they will all be on.<br /><br />You need the Navigation Light switch.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Lights

That switch will work fine but you need to add a diode between the two ON terminals to block the ANCHOR only setting from backfeeding the STERN light. These diodes are available at Radio Shack for chump change. Wire the ANCHOR light to one ON terminal. Wire the STERN light to the other. Connect the diode between the two ON terminals. Diodes are marked like this: ->|- Connect the diode so it points to the ANCHOR ON terminal.

 

[byacey]

Re: Lights

You could use an ordinary GM type headlight switch from the 80's or 90's. Probably get one from the auto wreckers for next to nothing.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Lights

Welllllll....hate to be the condesending vote here but....early boats were equipped with just such a pull switch for the anchor/bow lite. First detent was anchor light and the second was both. No diode needed. Here's one I found in iboats store.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg..._category=t&page_number=4&search_type=keyword <br /><br />Perko and a couple other vendors offer these.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Lights

The only difference here OBJ is the switch you show is probably double or triple the price of the one the poster has in hand. It works without a diode only because it is double pole DPDT (double pole, double throw) type. Any modern boat has exactly the setup I describe. Why? Because its a cheap alternative to a more expensive switch.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Lights

I'm with OBJ on this one, how do we know exactly what kind of switch Rick has without seeing it. He could have picked it up at some boat flea market and could be the right kind without having to rewire or add a diode to it..

 

[ricksrster]

Re: Lights

The switch I hzve is the one listed at OBJ's link.

 

[MRS]

Re: Lights

rick I have the same switch OBJ is telling you about it is easy to wire works great and not that exspenive. I have mine set up with front navagation running lights coming on first and anchor lights second. Some times at night the glare from the anchor light will not let you see very well so I can turn off anchor light and still have front (green & red lights) still on.

 

[MRS]

Re: Lights

just saw your post sounds like you are set.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Lights

Originally posted by Upinsmoke:<br /> The only difference here OBJ is the switch you show is probably double or triple the price of the one the poster has in hand.

I guess it’s all relative. Quality switches ain’t cheap. The DPDT toggle switches on my boat have an MSRP of about $40/each, and they don’t have an LED or anything fancy like that. I can find them online for around $25, Ebay for $5.<br /><br />Yes, Rick, as long as you stay within the current rating for that switch you can use it to switch anything, including your lights.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Lights

Sorry Rickster,,,,I read your post as on/off/on. D'oh<br />OBJ is right that DPDT switch is what you need.

 

[ricksrster]

Re: Lights

Thank you everybody for the information

 

[vipzach]

Re: Lights

I am going to jump in for upinsmokes defense. He really had no way of knowing what the rickster had. He gave him a solution that would work if he had the cheap switch. There are lots of people that join, looking for a cheap solution to a problem, and upinsmoke gave him one. <br /><br />Rick, I am glad you actually have the right switch. Lots of people don't want to fix their stuff right and that is why I would guess that upinsmoke gave you the work around that he did. <br /><br />BoatinBob, you were right, nobody knew exactly what switch he had. Wether he had the expensive switch or the cheap one, upinsmoke provided him with a way to make it work.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Lights

I've got thick skin guys -- no problems. I did "assume" he dug through the junk drawer and came up with a cheapy switch. My last two boats were configured that way from the factory. It works. Actually, using an expensive switch is a complex solution to a simple problem. Must have been a government job.

 

[ricksrster]

Re: Lights

I should have been more specific originally, sorry about that. Thanks again for everybody's help. it is greatly appreciated.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Lights

One thing for sure Upinsmoke....always nice to know or have an alternative solution..... <br /><br />That's a large part of these forums and the info conveyed there in.<br /><br />I see no reason for anyone to be sorry for anything in the thread....lot of good info passed on and we all learn something.....I like it.....

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Lights

At the risk of extending this thread by one more post, I too did not mean to cross anyone, just wanted to ensure we understood what kind of switch Rick had before we started offering solutions, anyway I'm glad no one seems to have their shorts in a KNOT

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Lights

Bob -- there are threads that go on for 150 or more posts so no risk. I usually quit after 30 or so as its obvious a topic has become an "issue" rather than an exchange of information. Have a great day everyone. I'm outa here since this problem is solved!