Port Nav light is very dim compared to starboard?

[hostage]

I replaced my starboard nav light last year, this may or may not have anything to do with the port light issue. I noticed this season that my port light is very dim by a few magnitudes. I don't think it is no way the 1NM requirement for USGC. The question is I have never seen a light just dim, they either work or they go out. Any ideas why this could be causing the issue?

-Hostage

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Port Nav light is very dim compared to starboard?

Dirt film inside the lens?

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Port Nav light is very dim compared to starboard?

Light works but dim. Look for a bad ground or corrosion on the ground wire. There should be any dust inside the lens. If so it would be full of water.

 

[hostage]

Re: Port Nav light is very dim compared to starboard?

I was worrying it might be an electrical issue.

 

[jhebert]

Re: Port Nav light is very dim compared to starboard?

The light output from an incandescent lightbulb is very proportional to the current flow in the lamp circuit. If a lamp has diminished light output, the most reasonable inference is there is less current flowing in the incandescent light bulb. This could easy occur if there were any increase in the resistance in the electrical circuit feeding the lamp.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Port Nav light is very dim compared to starboard?

Have you taken it apart and looked? Dirt, corroded lamp base or socket. Look for the simple things first.