Bow light replacement

[jhall1203]

Hello all, I have to replace the bow light on my 97 closed bow ski nautique. Have never replaced one before, however it does not appear to be a difficult job. Two wires coming out the bottom of the new one and looks like two mounting screws and a gasket. Can the job be done from the deck of the bow or will I need to crawl into the storage compartment? Any advice or info from you guys would be appreciated. Thanks Jon

[jrivera1262]

Easily done from outside. When you remove the screws holding the bow light there should be enough slack on the wires. Disconnect, clean and or replace connections and then remount. Should take 5 minutes.

[s_kelley2000]

You should be able to do it from the top side without having to crawl under. I did it on my old Sport and it was pretty straight forward if you are replacing it with the OEM light. If you are changing to a different light like I was then you may have to drill some new holes which will add stress but still pretty easy. The one thing I messed up was that I accidentally let the wires fall back into the hole under the deck and I had to use an inspection camera and a coat hanger to fish them back out since I did not have under bow access on that boat.

Do you have marine connectors (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...g#.UbtFYJxIk0E) and crimpers for the wiring? A dab or two of dielectric grease is probably a good idea too.

[jhall1203]

Shawn, any idea what gauge wire it is? 14 or 16 maybe??

[s_kelley2000]

I don't remember off the top of my head but I'm pretty sure it was 14. It should be the same as what is hanging off the new light if you want to base your connections off of that but 14 sounds right and a quick google search confirmed that is what the ABYC recommends running for nav lights. Although that doesn't confirm that 14 is what CC used but I'm pretty sure that is what was on my 91 Sport.

[crobi2]

Just be sure you don't let the wires slip back into the hole after you disconnect them from the old light.....