Overview

The Hella Marine 980650001 is a 2 NM masthead tri-colour navigation lamp with a separate all-round white anchor mode for sailing vessels under sail. It runs on Multivolt 9-33 V DC, so it fits both 12 V and 24 V onboard systems without any voltage converter.

Power draw stays low for overnight running: the port, starboard, and stern sectors are under 3.5 W combined, and the anchor light is under 1.5 W. The lamp is IP67 (completely sealed) and built with a nylon housing that resists UV exposure and impact, plus a Grilamid lens that holds up in salt air and vibration.

It mounts on a 316 stainless steel shaft and comes pre-wired with 400 mm of three-core tinned marine cable. Electrical protection is built in for real-world DC systems, with spike protection to +500 V and reverse polarity protection to -700 V. Approvals include BSH, IMO COLREG 72, USCG, ABYC A-16, Maritime NZ, CE, and UKCA.

Key features

• 2 NM-rated tri-colour sectors with a separate 360 degree all-round white anchor function
• Multivolt 9-33 V DC input for 12 V and 24 V systems
• Low consumption: port/starboard/stern under 3.5 W combined; anchor under 1.5 W
• IP67 protection with a fully sealed construction for washdowns, spray, and salt contamination
• 316 stainless mounting shaft for a secure masthead installation
• Pre-wired with 400 mm three-core tinned marine cable for a clean mast run
• Protection against common DC faults: spike protected to +500 V and reverse polarity to -700 V
• Mounting footprint 85 mm with an overall height of 95 mm for clearance checks at the masthead

Compatibility and fit

This is a mast-top navigation light intended for a horizontal mounting surface at or near the top of the mast. Tri-colour navigation lights are used on sailing vessels under sail and are not displayed when the vessel is operating as a power-driven vessel. As with any navigation light change, confirm the correct configuration for your vessel length and local requirements before installation.

Installation and setup

The base uses a simple three-hole pattern (3 x 5 mm holes on a 50.8 mm pitch circle), which makes it easy to mark and drill accurately. Orientation matters on tri-colour lights, so plan your cable exit and base alignment so the stern sector faces aft once the light engine is fitted.

The lamp installs over the mounting shaft and locks into place for a secure fit, while still allowing removal for service access at the masthead. Keep the cable protected as it exits the mast to avoid chafe, and bed the base appropriately for a watertight install on deck hardware and mast caps.

Electrical and system integration

Wiring is straightforward for most sailboats: a common negative (black) and separate positives for the tri-colour function (red) and the anchor function (blue), which pairs well with a dedicated navigation switch or separate switch positions. Use DC power only and protect the circuit with a fuse rated at 3 A maximum.

Maintenance and care

Rinse with fresh water after heavy salt exposure and check the cable entry and mounting hardware during routine mast inspections. If you unstep the mast seasonally, it is a good time to inspect the connector and the cable for any signs of chafe or corrosion at the masthead.