How to test Mast lights when the mast is down

dgsail · Post by **dgsail** » Apr 3rd, '16, 12:17

I take my mast down each year when I store the boat in her cradle outside in the yard. I do have access to electric and water there. In the spring, when I raise the mast, sometimes the lights work and sometimes not. After replacing the bulbs and checking the fuses, is there a way I can check the wiring when the mast is down to see if the lights are in working order? I have a CD 26, 1986, so the wiring is original and may at some point need to be replaced. How difficult and lengthy of a job is this for a non-electrical expert?

Jim Walsh · Post by **Jim Walsh** » Apr 3rd, '16, 12:57

Use a 12 volt battery (if you have a lawn tractor or a motorcycle battery they are much lighter than a car battery) and attach a wire to each terminal. Stick the wire into your connection at the base of the mast. This is what most yards do before they raise your mast as a matter of routine.
You can also use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the bulbs but this won't inform you that there is a break in one of the wires that run in the mast.
I only know the bare essentials when it comes to electricity so perhaps a real electrician can provide a more safe and/or simple method.

Steve Bryant · Post by **Steve Bryant** » Apr 3rd, '16, 15:44

dgsail,

You can also use a 12v lantern battery to check the mast lights or any other 12v circuit. I purchased one at Ace Hardware, but they carry them at Walmart and Radio Shack also. They come in handy for testing anything that requires 12 volts.

Good Luck,

swhfire21 · Post by **swhfire21** » Apr 3rd, '16, 16:55

On a related note, is there anyway to test a radio antenna while the mast is down?

dgsail · Post by **dgsail** » Apr 4th, '16, 17:21

The 12 volt lantern battery and the "how the boat yards do it" is very helpful. Thank you!

Maine_Buzzard · Post by **Maine_Buzzard** » May 8th, '16, 11:27

re: testing a radio antenna. Not so easy. You can use a meter to check for shorts and opens, but the best way is to invest in a SWR meter-

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GNVJ8IU?psc=1

$50. It tells you how well the signal is passing to the antenna and will provide the best results short of getting on 16 and getting everyone bent while asking for a radio check.

Well greased connections, good solder on the connectors goes a long ways for antennas.

If you use a motorcycle battery, or bigger, put a fuse on the test wires! 5A will keep things in check.

The Cape Dory Board

How to test Mast lights when the mast is down

How to test Mast lights when the mast is down

Re: How to test Mast lights when the mast is down

Re: How to test Mast lights when the mast is down

Re: How to test Mast lights when the mast is down

Re: How to test Mast lights when the mast is down

Re: How to test Mast lights when the mast is down