Just completed varnishing the V berth teak and the Admiral wants to replace the plastic reading lights with brass to complete the makeover. My question is does anyone know what the width of the teak strip that runs forward and aft along the inside of the cabin top that the current plastic lights are mounted to. Want to make sure the base is not to large to mount in same place. Boat is 2 hours away.
Thanks
I just replaced my plactic lamps with brass berth lights from West (got them on a real good sale). I don't have the measurments with me but I just made new round bases (1/2" thick) for the lights. I made the bases AFTER I got the lights, cutting them about 1/4 - 3/8 wider (all around) than the light bases with a hole in middle to run the wires. The new "round trims " fit on the existing teak strips - don't think they are any larger but if so, the light itself hides any small overage. Mount the the wood rounds to the strip first and then mount the lights to the round. Makes it easier to remove light forservice in future without messing with the supporting "rount trims". Pre drill everything at home - makes installation easy.
I got my braas lights at defender. Best price by far; half the price of West Marine's standard price. Not sure of the teak strip size right now, but all the reading lights I looked at in the catalogs fit.
I agree with West price comment. I ordered them around end of last year at about 50% off and it took about 10 weeks to receive. I would never pay $50 each!!!!
Rick
The teak measures 3 3/8 inches.
Rick : I'd get the lights that you like and if they're wider than the 3"+ strip mount them on another base. That base could be teak, starboard or thin lexan. Then mount the base on the teak strip.
That base might get the lights out further from the fixed strip so you can swivel them better than the originals!! :thumb:
:D
Thanks again to all who responded. I have ordered the lights and the Admiral is happy and
as they say when the admiral is happy the captain and the crew are happy!!