Hidden horn diagnoses

[garbageguy]

The little electric "hidden horn" on 1998 Wellcraft 240SE was weak when I got the boat about 7 yrs ago. Since last yr, no sound at all. Assuming the little horn reached end-of-life, bought a replacement Attwood horn for about $10. Before removing old horn, pulled wires, getting 12-volts through the wiring when switch on dash is rocked on. Put the wires to the new horn, got a little sound - figured the temporary test connection not so good. Before I remove old/install new horn, I want to make sure the new horn works - should it sound if it gets 12 volts, maybe a quick touch of the 2 wires to a known 12-volt source?

 

[alldodge]

It should sound, but also always check the ground. A bad ground will reduce output

 

[garbageguy]

Thanks AD, that's what I wanted to confirm. Yes, a good ground is key.

Before I take out the existing horn, and installing new horn, I will make sure ground is real good

 

[Scott Danforth]

to test new horn

open the hood of your truck.

black wire goes to - terminal on your battery
red wire goes to + terminal on your battery

you may poop yourself when the horn sounds.

then chase the wiring on your boat.

 

[alldodge]

you may poop yourself when the horn sounds.

Doubt it, its a boat horn, most not very load at all of that kind

 

[Grub54891]

Doubt it, its a boat horn, most not very load at all of that kind

 

[alldodge]

Sorry garbageguy for getting off topic, but the small attwood horns are not a air horn. The one on my Formula is a air powered horn and real loud, but the Rinker is a Me Me little thing and doesn't do much either

 

[garbageguy]

Thanks for the input (and funny pic). Off-topic is fine, it's all good info from you good people.
'
I used to think I'd put an air horn on the boat - but there's so many other things to do...
I have a hand-held air horn if I really need it - but have never had to use any horn on this boat in this water in 7 yrs - so just a working meep/meep horn activated from the dash switch is all I'm looking for at this point.

Can I expect to be pulling the exterior plastic cover plate, off the bow to access the horn, by using a utility knife to slip in there and pull it off, replace the little horn, then stick the cover back on the bow exterior with some type of adhesive? Seems a lot easier to get at it that way than by going through the anchor locker access in the bow of the cabin?

 

[Scott Danforth]

careful with the hand-held air horns like the ones on-sale at Walmart and worst marine. in the heat the can will rupture. I kept mine in the drink holder for years, then one day it shot up in the air about 5 feet

regarding access to the horn, I believe the cover is simply a grill over the hole. most likely you will need to dig your way to the horn from the interior, however every boat manufacturer is different

 

[garbageguy]

Thanks, SD. I'll be turning the boat around in the slip this weekend so I can get to it from the dock to see exactly what's going on from the exterior of this one. Hopefully I can avoid the gymnastics and digging from the interior

 

[tacx]

Most horns have an adjustment screw that will allow you to adjust it. The screw presses against a diaphragm. That may be all you need to do?