Should I disconnect trailer lights on launch ?
 

Heard from some that you should disconnect
the tailer lights before putting your trailer in the
water. I can't see why you'd do that. Are they
worried about a hot bulbs shattering when hitting
the cold water ? Is this a myth, or is this
something I should continue to do (pain in ass)

It's not a myth. I've blown several over the years and tend to disconnect
my "standard" lights on my duck boat trailer. Of course, I usually put that
in the water when the temp is 40 deg or so. You might try putting it in
without disconnecting but have spare bulbs with you, have someone check the
lights before leaving and be prepared to change the bulbs. I think buck or
so for a couple of bulbs is well worth not having to disconnect the lights
every time. If you do have a problem, you might consider a set of the LED
lights for 40-50 $. I just put a set on my 20 footer . In addition to the
bulb problem I also had the high corrosive action of salt water. If so, be
sure to fill any connectors w/silicone before crimping ot otherwise
waterproof.
LD

"Mr Wizzard" wrote in message
...
Heard from some that you should disconnect
the tailer lights before putting your trailer in the
water. I can't see why you'd do that. Are they
worried about a hot bulbs shattering when hitting
the cold water ? Is this a myth, or is this
something I should continue to do (pain in ass)

only if the lights are cheap and water gets to the bulbs. I use LED
lightning and it's not a worry.

"Mr Wizzard" wrote in message
...
Heard from some that you should disconnect
the tailer lights before putting your trailer in the
water. I can't see why you'd do that. Are they
worried about a hot bulbs shattering when hitting
the cold water ? Is this a myth, or is this
something I should continue to do (pain in ass)

On Sun, 17 Jul 2005 06:24:38 -0400, "Woodchuck"
wrote:

only if the lights are cheap and water gets to the bulbs. I use LED
lightning and it's not a worry.

"Mr Wizzard" wrote in message
...
Heard from some that you should disconnect
the tailer lights before putting your trailer in the
water. I can't see why you'd do that. Are they
worried about a hot bulbs shattering when hitting
the cold water ? Is this a myth, or is this
something I should continue to do (pain in ass)

I used to disconnect the trailer lights all the time, but when I got
sealed units, I stopped. Since then, I just dunk the trailer and not
worry about it. So far, I haven't had a bulb blow or any other kind
of failure like that on the little trailer I have.

I don't believe it's really necessary to disconnect.

TTFN,

Tom

"Bodies are for hookers and fat people."
Bender - "Futurama"

Shortwave Sportfishing wrote:
On Sun, 17 Jul 2005 06:24:38 -0400, "Woodchuck"
wrote:

only if the lights are cheap and water gets to the bulbs. I use LED
lightning and it's not a worry.

"Mr Wizzard" wrote in message
...
Heard from some that you should disconnect
the tailer lights before putting your trailer in the
water. I can't see why you'd do that. Are they
worried about a hot bulbs shattering when hitting
the cold water ? Is this a myth, or is this
something I should continue to do (pain in ass)

Try it and find out....

At a buck a bulb and 2 minutes to change, its not worth it.
JMO.
Hey did you get my post about the gas tank?
Steve
"Mr Wizzard" wrote in message
...
Heard from some that you should disconnect
the tailer lights before putting your trailer in the
water. I can't see why you'd do that. Are they
worried about a hot bulbs shattering when hitting
the cold water ? Is this a myth, or is this
something I should continue to do (pain in ass)

Mr. Wizzard wrote:
Heard from some that you should disconnect the tailer lights before
putting your trailer in the water. I can't see why you'd do that. Are
they worried about a hot bulbs shattering when hitting the cold water ?
=A0 Is this a myth, or is this something I should continue to do (pain
in ass)
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3 D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
Depends on what kind of bulbs you have on the trailer. If you're using
standard automotive bulbs, they're likely to shatter when you launch if
they've been turned on long enough to get hot. You can get special
bulbs that are resistant to shattering in cold water at most marine
supply stores. About double the price of automotive bulbs. I always
disconnect even tho I use the marine type.

Happy boating, Norm

"seeray28" wrote in message
...
At a buck a bulb and 2 minutes to change, its not worth it.
JMO.

Hey did you get my post about the gas tank?

No, I must of missed it. Link ? (or repost?)

Yes ... I for one do not want to get stopped (or even worse rear ended etc
.... not that likely but ... ) on the way back home at night because of a
failed tail light/stop light/turn signal. Yeah, I know ... check all lights
before you get going, and always carry spare bulbs, ...

Heard from some that you should disconnect
the tailer lights before putting your trailer in the
water. I can't see why you'd do that. Are they
worried about a hot bulbs shattering when hitting
the cold water ?

I figured out how to take care of the gas tank/gauge issue if your
interested. I measured the depth of the tank with a tape measure. Without
the top portion,the tank is right at 7 inches tall, I then divided 7 inches
by 4 equalling 1.75 inches. starting at the bottom of the tank measure up
1.75 inches and make a mark with a magic marker. That is a 1/4 tank. measure
again 1.75 inches from that mark now you have a 1/2 tank or 9 gallons left
in the tank. Measure again from the 1/2 mark and now you have 3/4 tank.
Measure again 1.75 and you have a full 18 gallons.
When this boat was first produced it came with a 18 gallon fuel tank. In our
boats they just added that top portion of the tank to get 21 gallons. If we
use that as a reserve of 3 gallons then we should be ok



"Mr Wizzard" wrote in message
...

"seeray28" wrote in message
...
At a buck a bulb and 2 minutes to change, its not worth it.
JMO.

Hey did you get my post about the gas tank?

No, I must of missed it. Link ? (or repost?)