What wattage light bulb meets the 2 mile visibility limit for a white light?

[BurleyCove]

Seems like a silly question. My boat has the pole that attaches to the top of the windshield with the white nav light that has a forward FOV and an additional light with a aft FOV for anchoring. one bulb burned out so I thought it would be smart to replace both. The only bulbs at the store that fit were 3Ws. These are noticably dimmer than the old ones. Old ones do not say what wattage they were. just 12V. model 71. Cant find a model 71 light bulb anywhere. I figure its because of the age of the boat.

What wattage should I buy to meet coast guard requirment for 2 mile visibility? The most I can find online is 15W but I'm worried the current draw will drain the battery if I'm anchored for a night..

Thanks for the help.

Bill

 

[KP49]

Sounds like a Perko 'FIG 71' bulb, its 10w, they still use them so its common.

If it looks like a glass automotive fuse with pointed ends its a festoon bulb. West Marine has them in 10w, I just replaced mine.

 

[MonacoMike]

What wattage should I buy to meet coast guard requirment for 2 mile visibility? The most I can find online is 15W but I'm worried the current draw will drain the battery if I'm anchored for a night..

Thanks for the help.

Bill

The simple answer is: the same bulb that was in it when the Coast Guard approved the fixture. KP is correct WM will have the bulb.

Here is my update and the link for some very good LED's:

Mike,

Here are the two I got:

http://store.marinebeam.com/perko-31mm-anchor-light.html

Order the warm white. The aft one is a 135° and the forward one is 225°. $37 with shipping as I recall...

They were a tight fit, but they work great and appear to be brighter than the Fig 71 incandescent Perkos that were in mine.

I have been converted, I ordered these LED's tonight.

MM

Ok the LED's are in and I have photos to help others evaluate the choice. See the link here: http://clubsearay.com/showthread.ph...Masthead-All-Around-Light?p=611169#post611169

Original:

LED's:

MM

 

[BurleyCove]

Just ordered the LEDs. thanks for the tip.

 

[MonacoMike]

Just ordered the LEDs. thanks for the tip.

Good luck, MM