As I contemplated in an earlier email, I installed a unit that mounts
vertically inset into the transom. Its an Attwood brand. Installation
required drilling a hole about 2" wide into the transom. It came with a nice
set of gaskets, a steel bezel, a fresnel-style lens, and a 7.5W bulb. I got
it from West Marine for about $13. It sticks out maybe 1/2" from the
transom. I mounted it just below the rubrail, laterally a little outboard
from its old position, so that shading from the rudder and motor would be
kept to a minimum. It should also nicely light up the ladder for those
midnight swims. With the good thick gasketing and vertical location, further
protected from rain by the rubrail, I don't expect to take on any water
through this lamp. I think the new location will also be nice in the respect
that the light won't flood the rear of the transom, which I found would
sometimes ruin my night vision.
It really looks great by the way, if I must say so myself :) I've always
been a little bugged by all that hardware atop the transom. The new setup
has a nice clean look to it.
In retrospect, the burning from old light was probably due in part to using
a bulb of too-high wattage. The plastic lens was a little melted. I think
the last time it burnt out i found an automotive bulb that fit. I'll stock
up on 7.5W spares, 'cuz the new one really doesn't hardly even get warm.
The old light on the top of the horizontal part of the transom used three
screw holes and a main hole of maybe 5/8" diameter for the bulb socket. I
counter-sunk the screw holes (which had pulled up a bit from the screws),
sanded the edge of the main hole, cleaned it all off with acetone, and
plugged it all with Marine-tex epoxy. This was late last night. The epoxy
still hadn't really set this morning, but I suspect that is because it was
so cold last night, and a few hours with a heat lamp tonite should finish
the hardening. Then I will sand the epoxy flush, wet sand the whole area
thing down to 600 grit or so, and wax it up. If this works like it has on
other places on the boat, I should end up with a perfectly smooth repair,
though it will likely be slightly discolored because there are no two shades
of white that are compatible :)
I just thought you all might be interested in this modification.