Tom,
The description on the website is wrong. The Series 44 is the LED successor to the Series 40, and almost exactly the same size and shape. It is side-mount. I chose it specifically because it is almost the same, though as I mentioned above, the mounting wasn't quite as easy as I was led to believe. Still, it was a minor project as boat projects go.
Dan, I replaced all 3 of ours. Of the old ones, the starboard was non-functional (likely wiring issue caused by Amel Martinique...), the port worked but the bulb was held in only by tape, and the stern's lens had crazed so it was quite dim. They all needed it. I've been quite happy with the new ones this summer.
Ryan and Kelly SM 233 Iteration Boston, MA, USA
Thanks Ryan,
I'll prepare to replace the working as well. No issues yet, but is getting of the age.
I had the same thoughts about replacing with the white.
Here is the exact description of the Series 44 from the Aqua Signal site: "Series 44 LED Navigation Light – It will keep you safe!
Our new maintenance free LED navigation light is the
perfect choice for recreational boats and vessels <50m.
The modern and unique design combined with LED
optics and high quality electronics guarantees safety
at sea in all weather conditions. Designed for fashion,
developed for heavy duty work. HousingPolycarbonate, black or white,
seawater resistant, UV-resistant,
non-corrosive and non-magnetic,
impact and shock resistant. Same
footprint and fixing points like S40,
S41 and S43." It looks good, but it is nice to have confirmation from someone who has actually installed it on the same boat. Which of course is the value of this Amel owners group. Sharing real life experience.
Best regards, Daniel Carlson, SM #387, sv BeBe
Hi Dan,
I replaced the wiring from the lights, through the bow pulpit, all the way back to the port deck locker. This let me get the length of the wire exactly correct. I was having wiring issues anyways.
The routing of the wire inside the light housing took a little thought, but wasn't difficult. I ended up bringing it in through the cut-out at the bottom of the housing. The supplied connectors are very large, but designed to fit snugly inside the housing. Sliding the two halves of the rubber boot together took a few tries before it was overlapped to my satisfaction. I think it will be quite waterproof and I don't anticipate ever needing to take it apart for the life of the light -- that's the joy of LEDs.
One of the mounting screw holes that matched the existing light fixtures was covered by the electronics module inside the housing, so I had to carefully remove it, secure the nuts on the back with tape, mount the housing, reinstall the electronics, and then pull the tape out. It sounds more complicated than it was.
I went with the white fixtures, primarily because I thought they'd look better on the boat and are more unique. They may also stay cooler in the sun which should prolong the lifespan of the electronics inside.
Ryan and Kelly SM 233 Iteration Boston, MA, USA
Thanks Ryan, that's very helpful.
No issues with the wiring? One of buyer commented on the wiring connections that came with the package.
Also, did you go with the black or white fixtures?
Thanks and regards, Dan and Lori Carlson on SM #387, sv BeBe
I recently made the change to the series 44. The mounting plate is not exactly the same -- you can't use the neat little slide on/off bracket. Two of the screw holes do line up, though. I drilled a third one for extra security, and I put cap nuts on the inside (the side facing the genoa furler) so nothing gets snagged on them. It was a pretty quick and painless upgrade, once I had the right parts:
M4 screws, 16mm long, hex drive (3 per light) washers for M4, 4.3mm ID, 9mm OD (I think 6 per light) M4 cap nuts (3 per light)
All in 316 stainless, of course. I sourced them from McMaster.
Ryan and Kelly SM 233 Iteration Boston, MA, USA
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