Overview

The Hella Marine 002984535 is a mast-mounted tri-colour navigation light for sailboats, combining port (red), starboard (green), and stern (white) sectors in one housing. It runs on a 12 V DC system, is rated to 2 nautical miles, and uses an incandescent BAY15d 12 V / 25 W bulb.

The black housing and lens are made from UV-resistant plastic that holds up to knocks and typical mast vibration. The enclosure is non-magnetic and carries an IP55 protection rating for rain, spray, and routine washdowns.

This style of light is commonly fitted on yachts up to 20 m when sailing under sail, mounted high to help keep the sectors clear of sails and rigging. It meets key navigation-light compliance requirements including IMO COLREG 72, USCG, ABYC A-16, BSH, and Maritime NZ approvals.

Key features

• Tri-colour output (red, green, white) with a 2 NM visibility rating
• 12 V incandescent system with BAY15d 12 V / 25 W bulb included
• IP55-rated housing for spray, rain, and normal deck washdowns
• UV-resistant, impact-resistant plastic housing and lens; non-magnetic and saltwater resistant
• Bayonet-lock access for straightforward bulb changes
• Compact footprint around 107 mm tall by 88 mm wide for tight masthead placements
• Cable entry through the base plate via a rubber grommet

What's included

• Incandescent bulb: BAY15d, 12 V / 25 W

Compatibility and fit

This light is intended for 12 V DC electrical systems and mast-mounted tri-colour use on sailing yachts. Check the available mounting area and clearances against the housing size (about 107 x 88 mm), and confirm the light will have a clear view with minimal shadowing from antennas, wind instruments, and standing rigging.

If you are replacing an older tri-colour fixture, verify your existing wiring condition inside the mast and plan for proper marine-grade terminations since this style is not pre-wired.

Installation and setup

Mount the light so the red and green sectors face port and starboard, with the white sector facing aft, and position it where the lens has an uninterrupted view of the horizon. On most sailboats this is at the masthead; if any rigging or hardware creates shadows, adjust placement so the sectors stay clean.

Route wiring through the base entry and keep sealing tight around the rubber grommet. A drip loop before the cable entry helps prevent water tracking down the cable into the mast.

Electrical and system integration

Because this is an incandescent fixture, treat it like a continuous load when sizing wiring and protection for long mast runs. A dedicated switch and correctly sized fuse at the distribution panel keeps the circuit easy to manage.

When wiring multiple navigation-light configurations on the same boat, make sure your switching arrangement prevents running conflicting light sets at the same time.

Maintenance and care

Rinse salt off the lens and housing during normal washdowns and inspect the cable entry and mounting fasteners after heavy weather. Keeping connections clean and sealed helps avoid intermittent lighting faults at the mast.

The bayonet-lock design makes bulb swaps quick. Carrying a spare BAY15d 12 V / 25 W bulb on board is a practical backup for night runs.