Navigation Light - Socket Replacement

RAchtenberg

Hi - I need to replace the socket for my green navigation light on the bow of my Fiesta Vee 280.   It seems straightforward enough.  Two wires need to be cut and spliced back together and then place the entire socket back into the bow, with silicone around it. 

Anyone have any experience doing this?  Anything I am missing?

Thanks

Rich

tnaking2006

Use silicone butt connectors and tape to prevent moisture

Bruce

Solder, shrink tubing, and seal with  3m 4200, that's what I would use

Cableguy Greg

You could use the new 3M 4000. That is what I used on mine.

The Main Exchange

CG did you replace your nav lights? If so what unit did you use mine are faded.

Cableguy Greg

I replaced them with the Attwood 3500 Series lights. I found them on Amazon. They aren't an exact replacement, but they were close enough for me. They look great and are very bright.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001O0DL4W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001O0DL56/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I filled the old holes with 3M 4000 before setting the new ones in place. The new ones covered the old holes so I didn't have to bother with gel work.

Black_Diamond

++ On Bruce's comment and RY's..do not use silicone to seal to the hull, either 4200, marine caulk, or butyl tape.

 

 

Cableguy Greg

X2 on not using silicone!!! The PO of my boat used it in various places to seal water leaks. It looks like a$$ now and I am removing it and replacing it with 4000 every chance I get.

The Main Exchange

Thanks CG I will take a look.

Black_Diamond

Just a note on silicone and gelcoat: You need to sand off the areas where silicone was used or nothing ever really sticks again, the silicone gets into the gelcoat..cleaners/chemicals don't do the trick.