Overview

The Attwood Marine 7812-S-7 is a 12V fold-down anchor and masthead navigation light with a 12-inch anodized aluminum pole and a horizontal locking base. It is sized for power-driven boats up to 65.6 feet (20 m) and uses separate anchor and masthead circuits so it can be wired through a 3-position OFF/ON/ON switch for the correct running or all-round mode.

This style of light makes sense where a fixed pole gets in the way of a boat cover, trailering, or low overhead clearance at the dock. The base adjusts and locks through a 180° arc, so the light can be raised for use and folded down when the boat is stored. LED service life is rated at more than 50,000 hours, and the light carries a 10-year warranty.

Key features

• 12V LED anchor and masthead light with a 12-inch anodized aluminum pole
• Horizontal fold-down base adjusts and locks through a 180° arc for stowage and deployment
• Suitable for power-driven boats up to 65.6 ft (20 m)
• Separate anchor and masthead circuits for wiring to a 3-position OFF/ON/ON switch
• Folding base cast from enhanced 316 stainless steel alloy with stainless hardware at exposed mounting points
• LED life rated for more than 50,000 hours with a 10-year warranty

Installation and setup

This light mounts on a horizontal surface and should be aligned toward the bow on the vessel centerline so the light sectors stay correct underway and at anchor. The mounting layout uses two #10 countersunk stainless screws and a 3/8 inch wire access hole, which keeps the wiring route neat through the base instead of leaving it exposed on deck.

For a standard 12V installation, the positive feed should be protected with a 1-amp fuse and wired with 16-gauge conductors using waterproof marine crimp connectors. The separate leads for anchor and masthead functions make it straightforward to tie this light into a normal navigation-light switch panel on a small powerboat.

Compatibility and fit

It fits well on center consoles, bay boats, skiffs, and small cruisers where a short fold-down light is easier to live with than a fixed pole. The 12-inch height keeps the assembly compact, while the locking base lets you lower it when the boat is under a cover, on a trailer, or tied up beneath low overhead clearance.

The anodized aluminum pole and stainless folding base are a sensible match for boats that stay outside or see regular saltwater spray. If you are replacing an older incandescent fold-down light, this unit is a better fit for owners who want lower current draw, longer service life, and a cleaner deck installation without moving to a taller pole setup.