Overview

The Attwood Marine 6100-LT-7 is an automated fold-down light mount for boats that lets you stow or deploy a compatible navigation light from the helm on a 12V system. It is the PowerBase light version of the 6100 Series, with a 180 degree range of motion and built-in detection features that reverse movement if deployment is blocked and break away under impact to help limit damage to the mount, attached light, and mounting surface.

This is the powered base only, not a complete navigation light assembly. It is made to work with Attwood LightArmor LED All-Round lights in the 5590 Series and Attwood LED Masthead lights in the 7800 Series, so the matching pole light is selected separately to suit the vessel and the required visibility rating.

For boat owners replacing a manual fold-down base, this unit follows common mounting footprints and wiring paths, which helps when upgrading an existing hardtop, radar arch, or other elevated mounting point. It also gives visual system-state feedback through the switch backlight so you can confirm when the base is ready to deploy.

Key features

• Powered fold-down base for compatible navigation lights, controlled from the helm
• 12V wiring layout for position control and navigation light control
• Works only with Attwood LightArmor LED All-Round 5590 Series and LED Masthead 7800 Series lights
• 180 degree movement allows the light to fold toward the bow or the stern, depending on mounting orientation
• SmartDeploy Backdrive reverses the unit to its starting position when deployment is obstructed
• SafeGuard Breakaway uses a replaceable shear pin to help reduce damage after impact
• Manual position override is available if the system needs to be moved without powered operation
• Mounting pattern and wire routing follow common fold-down light layouts for easier retrofit work

Compatibility and fit

This base is for boats using a fold-down navigation light arrangement on a hardtop, arch, or similar elevated surface where keeping the light protected in storage matters. It must be paired with the correct Attwood LightArmor pole light, and the pole length and rated visibility still need to match the vessel and the navigation light requirement already in place on the boat.

For light installations, the base should be mounted along the vessel fore-and-aft centerline so the assembly stows and deploys toward the bow or transom. That orientation matters for proper operation and to avoid damage to the unit. Buyers replacing an existing base should check clearance in both the stowed and deployed positions before drilling.

Installation and setup

Installation is straightforward for a marine electrician or a careful owner working on a 12V boat, but this is not a plug-and-play light kit. The matching LightArmor light, the control switches, wire, sealant, and some mounting hardware for through-hole installations are supplied separately. Attwood calls for at least 18-gauge marine wire, a 2-position switch with LED backlight for stow and deploy control, and a 3-position switch for navigation light control.

The base uses a gasketed mounting surface and a dedicated wire-access hole, so it suits hardtop and arch installations where clean wire routing matters. Because the light pole wiring passes through the breakaway area and into the base harness, it is worth confirming access from below the mounting surface before starting the job.

Use on board

This mount makes sense on boats where the navigation light needs to clear canvas, towers, bridges, storage covers, or overhead obstacles without leaving the helm. It is a practical fit for center consoles, dual consoles, and pilothouse boats that already use a fold-down stern, masthead, or all-round light and want powered movement instead of a manual hinge.

It also suits owners who trailer regularly or keep the boat under dry-stack or rack storage, where lowering the light quickly can prevent snagging and reduce handling at the dock or launch ramp.

Maintenance and care

The breakaway hardware should be checked at least once a year, ideally at the start and end of the season, to keep free play under control and extend service life. If the breakaway feature has been triggered by an impact, the shear pin is replaceable, which helps return the system to service without replacing the whole base.

Because this is a moving mounted component on an exposed part of the boat, clean installation, proper sealant use, and periodic inspection of the fasteners and harness routing matter just as much as the base itself.

What’s included

• PowerBase light mount unit
• Mounting template
• Rubber gasket
• Mounting screws
• Plastic washers
• Installation tool