Message 3 of 3
Posted by member Terry Asquith on Monday 28 September 2020

Thanks for your thoughts Tony. I've been on a short break but pondering on the problem all the while. Unfortunately i can't get good access to the base plate as it's fitted between a handrail and a slope in the cabin roof. This rules out angle grinders.
So two options I think:
1. Turn the bolt heads from above while the first mate hold a finger over the most likely location to detect movement in the headlining. Then use a needle to identify the exact location, perform micro surgery on the headlining and remove the nuts with a socket. Fit new searchlight disguising the fitting by using domed nuts to make them a feature thus hiding them in plain sight.
2. Other option is to leave the base and tube in place, buy a modern LED light with a central fixing and install it reusing the original tube. With a bit a adaptation it could give left/right movement but nothing up/down. Unfortunately the power cable comes up through the base so it would require an external waterproof join of the new and old cables.
I haven't got a photo of the fitting but I hope I'm attaching a photo from the box.
Terry

Add your comment

Message 1 of 3
Posted by member Terry Asquith on Wednesday 16 September 2020

I'm trying to remove a rusted searchlight from the cabin roof of Misty Blue (Seawings 234). It's a Plastimo through roof model (413903) held in place by three bolts or machine screws with allen key type heads. They turn with lots of effort but don't unscrew which suggests there are nuts or something turning with them. I can't see any bumps in the pristine carpet headlining which could be nuts and I can't see any way of getting into that headlining apart from cutting it open and tearing it off, It feels as though there is some sort of foam between the headling and the grp so patching could end as a botch-up.
Any ideas would be most welcome.
Terry

Add your comment | ^Top