Running light lens replacement

[RedRascal]

I am trying to help find a replacement lens option for my buddy's CHB 34 port and starboard running lights. The housing is solid but the lens is not. Does a replacement exist? Perko makes a replacement lens but I am not sure that it would fit.

[koliver]

Originally Posted by RedRascal

I am trying to help find a replacement lens option for my buddy's CHB 34 port and starboard running lights. The housing is solid but the lens is not. Does a replacement exist? Perko makes a replacement lens but I am not sure that it would fit.

I have done the headlight restoration on a car plastic headlight cover. That lens is made from a similar plastic, so the principals should apply equally well (or poorly, as it is still no substitute for the clarity of a new lens).
Using wet &dry paper, work your way up to 2000 or finer, then use a cut polish. You should get several years out of that restoration. It will at least give you time while you try to find a replacement.

[RedRascal]

One issue we're facing is only about 75% of the port lens remains. But your idea is worth a try on the white lights to clear those up, good one.

[koliver]

Originally Posted by RedRascal

One issue we're facing is only about 75% of the port lens remains. But your idea is worth a try on the white lights to clear those up, good one.

AquaSignal sell replacement lights about the size you need.
https://www.aquasignal.com.au/produc...board-classic/

[RedRascal]

We've looked at a few options and AquaSignal bubbled up to the top of the list. The AquaSignal 20 in black is the front runner right now for a replacement unless we can source new lenses. Thanks for chiming in and agree they "fit" size and style wise.

[Comodave]

I would just replace the whole light with an LED one. They use less power and are brighter. And once you replace it you will most likely never have another problem with it, no more burned out bulbs and corroded connections.

[koliver]

Originally Posted by Comodave

I would just replace the whole light with an LED one. They use less power and are brighter. And once you replace it you will most likely never have another problem with it, no more burned out bulbs and corroded connections.

I many years of safety checks, one of the more frequent issues is the fading/crazing/dulling of nav light lenses, often to the point that they are hardly visible. A few bulb failures too, but folks tend to notice that and fix it right away. The lens issues persist until the Safety Checker motivates the fix.

[Comodave]

Yes, indeed. And the old plastic doesn’t transmit the light nearly as well. When I am out at night I darn sure want the other boats to see me really well.

[Socal_Cecil]

Check out these guys catalog.

JM Reineck & Son

Expensive but all I've found so far. The spare parts are listed directly under the listing for the remanufactured lights. If you try them report back on the fit.

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Might this lens be a candidate for 3D printing?

[Socal_Cecil]

Originally Posted by RT Firefly

Greetings,
Might this lens be a candidate for 3D printing?

I don't think so. Most of the filaments I've used aren't optically clear enough. The texture isn't great for transmitting light uniformly either.

[Nepidae]

With the important NEED of being seen at night, it might be prudent to buy new lights, especially IF you plan to run a lot at night.

Might also investigate all the other running & anchor light and see if they are visible and replace as necessary.

In the least you may want to switch the bulbs to LED.

[Comodave]

Running lights are certified with one bulb, changing to an LED may not meet the certification. I would just replace the whole running light, not that expensive.