Trailer lights

[Harrison]

I picked up my new '05 M Saturday, and while reading the manual from Macgregor, it states to "remove the trailer lights before launching". Are they serious? Are the lights that come from the factory not submersible? This is going to be a PITA!

Thanks,
Harrison

[Paul S]

Heck, the trailer is barely submerible iteself!

I read that too. They might mean the single one that mounts on the end of the mast (I do not use it).

My 04 lights submerge fine. The trailer on the other hand....lol

Paul

[Daves_knot_here]

I just unplug the 4 pin connector before backing down the ramp. I make sure this stays out of the water also. Hot bulbs and cold water don't mix so good... as well as water shorting out an active electrical signal can blow a fuse.
Dave

[dclark]

With my X I received a box with some additional lights. They are suppose to attach somewhere to the back of the boat...

...Yoy know how when you go buy some lumber that hangs way out the back of the truck you're suppose to tie one of those red flags on it? It's because you can't have anything sticking out more then a foot (in CA anyway) past the tail lights. Now look at the lights on you'r trailer in relation to the boat. Legal? To CYA, you're suppose to attach the above mentioned lights to the boat and you should remove them before you launch.

[Harrison]

So if I understand correctly, the stop/running/side marker/signal lights on either side of the trailer are submersible!?

---Harrison

[Paul S]

So if I understand correctly, the stop/running/side marker/signal lights on either side of the trailer are submersible!?

---Harrison

Should be.

Never looked inside my lights on my mac trailer. But I have to assume (not always a good thing with macgregor) that they are capsule lights (waterproof).

With the time it takes to rig the boat, the bulbs should be cool enough. Make sure your bearings are cool too. unplug the harness.

That said. After 14 or so years owning another (power) boat. I often just dunked the boat in, hot bearings, wires connected, and only replaced 2 capsules in the 14 years. I would not worry about it.

I have also dunked the mac trailer with the wires hooked up and no problem.

You will be fine.

Paul

[Rick]

My lights have worked fine after numerous submersions.

FYI, the trailer winch is another story. The bushing broke on mine after the second use. I have since replaced with $20 winch from Harbor Freight. I had to shorten the handle some, but it works great.

[mark,97x]

on my 97 the lights have a sealed light module inside the housing that is attached to the trlr,and are made to be submerged,thats the upside,the down side is the module cost $19.95 at west and when they blow they are pricy to replace,the face comes , off just 4 screws,,check it out and then dunk at your will

[argonaut]

My 97 came with Wesbar lights.
They're like 10 bucks for the sealed modules or the whole kit's not much more.
Wesbar lights at BoatersWorld

[Frank C]

Harrison,

" Remove the trailer lights ...are they serious?!"
Nah, it's just a test.

They're surveying to see how many new owners
actually read the owners' manual!

Congrats on the new boat!

[SPC Paul]

I think what they mean by remove the trailer lights is to simply unplug them. Since the trailer lights are not watertight (at least they're not on my 1991 S trailer), it is possible that being submerged while the lights are on can cause the bulbs to crack when they contact the cold water. That being said, I've never actually seen it happen. However, I do disconnect my lights before launching, just in case. Or at least whenever I remember....

Jared

[Sloop John B]

I brought up the 'manual' comment years ago as it appeared in the X instructions. No need to remove or unplug.

My lights on the starboard side aren't working. 'Headlight' works, but it won't blink for signaling. I think the 'brake' light might be out also.Makes my route to the marinia a little tedious.

How many bulbs are in those sealed containers? Are any of them dual purpose, like the dual filiment ones in my other trailer?

[Harrison]

Thanks for the replies and info.

---Harrison

[Richard O'Brien]

How many bulbs are in those sealed containers? Are any of them dual purpose, like the dual filiment ones in my other trailer?

I had to replace one of mine last summer. There is no way to simply replace the bulb. I tried to drill a hole and remove a bulb but they are machine pressed into the whole lense assembly. Pricey, but completely waterproof.