[cranky]

I think it's a great idea. To run these yachts sometimes you need to innovative.

[Garry Hartshorn]

Originally Posted by Northern Lights

Capt Hartshorne,
This is not a farm machinery web - site. Keep the spray painted light bulbs on the farm. This is not your tractor back on the farm we are talking about. These are the finest yachts that deserve the best.

You ragging on me. Difference is I've done 5000 or so miles in the last 6 months and you are still walking the dock.

[MaxResolution]

Gary, I admire your tenacity and would much prefer your attitude on this Atlantic crossing. Yes, Reds are more often transluscent in quality and will require a thick coating before they become too opaque. However, the binder in the enamel will burn, rendering an orange color and retaining heat. Your lacquers will flake, "Crystal craze" being the best I have found. But you won't find blues serving in this capacity as it absorbs all the red and burns more quickly. Also these pigaments are rarely as transluscent as a pthalo, or as vivid as maganese.

So, we bite the bullet and buy a generic color 50,000hr. bulb from Sam's Marine Sypply for $47. and change. Eight out of ten last the whole season.

Where's the 'China-direct supplier?' Ozzies, anyone...?

[Garry Hartshorn]

No argument from me about the qualities of different paints for the job. however it is often difficult if not impossible to find the correct bulb especially when you are away from a major centre.

If you are going to start painting bulbs I have found that ENGINE ENAMEL works best, also I do not leave these lights on all the time and I only have red bulbs fitted to the bridge area and adjacent companionway. I have found that they seem to last 6 to 9 months before fading.

I have never tried an other color so no comment on that..