What am I missing

[Hookup1]

Spreader lights are controlled by the switch in the dome over the helm. These switches are notorious for failing. It should be a 10-amp version that I'll list below.

What I would do is open up the spreader lights and ohm out the wires to the dome light. Make sure that you have a solid ground to the spreader lights. I'm not sure if that ground wire runs to the dome light or back to the fuse block (could be your problem).

The other thing I would do is switch to LED spreader lights. Less amperage draw and better light.

On my 1997 268 Islander there are two switches on the dome light. The dome light switch Off - dome light WHITE on - off - dome light RED on. The other switch is for the spreader lights Off - On.

The spreader light switch frequently burns up under the load of regular spreader lights. Higher amperage switches are available from Digit-Key. I would suggest going to LED spreader lights too.

My spreader light switch went out too. I found them at DigiKey.com - great price - order a couple of them for spares. Same vendor part that OEM used.

512PB-ND $1.94 Spreader light switch (SPST 10 amp)
522PB-ND $2.52 Dome light switch (SPDT 2 amp) << Digit-Key shows this as a $12.00 part now.

 

[Pighunter]

what lights did you go with?

I was at tractor supply store the other day saw some there, probably not the best but they have to be better than the old ones.

 

[Fishtales]

There are a lot of options out there. Lumitecs are very nice. I've been considering going to them, but the ones I got off THT for short money just keep working. The good thing is the lights connect simply electrically and mechanically so if you find a decent light for short money you can give it a shot. Just make sure the mounts and hardware are SS.

 

[angrypirate]

I recently switched out my fuse box on my 228 I also had to replace a switch on the dome light now everything is working great except I can’t fig out the spreader lights. I'm posting a picture of the wires coming out of the dome light I was certain they go to the spreader lights but theirs no continuity between them and the lights.
I must be missing something here. I just looked at the picture and it's not very good. Let me say I'm a new owner of this boat and I never even tried the lights before.
Do the wires from the lights go to the switch panel or up to the overhead counsel?

PART: 512PB-ND MFG : Judco digikey.com they sell the switches for the dome light one is a low amp other is high amp for spreader the part number here is for small amp I went to a larger more durable switch for the spreader lights moved above head panel by the dome light

 

[Pighunter]

Success! It was good day. First off I want to thank you all. Diagnosing electrical issues for me is right up their with getting a double root canal. I have a tough time reading and understanding some of the replies I'm more of a show me once kind of person. So "JJMAG" lives in the next county south of me and he sent me a PM with his number a week or so ago. I finally called him today and while talking and sending pictures back and forth It all works now. I installed new LEDS to replace the original 21 year old lights, they work with the new switch that I installed in the dome light. The red and white dome lights both turn on and off with the other switch in the dome. I also installed a new LED on the roof for the front, pictures tomorrow and a description of a new issue that developed today.

 

[Pighunter]

PART: 512PB-ND MFG : Judco digikey.com they sell the switches for the dome light one is a low amp other is high amp for spreader the part number here is for small amp I went to a larger more durable switch for the spreader lights moved above head panel by the dome light

Thank you, I bought these switches already and got them working today..

 

[Pighunter]

Here’s a few pictures tonight, please don’t look at the mess behind the lights I’ll button it all up tomorrow and adjust the light a bit.

 

[Hookup1]

Lots of options but my preference is to keep it OEM. It is always a problem to make a switch. KISS!

 

[angrypirate]

Lots of options but my preference is to keep it OEM. It is always a problem to make a switch. KISS!

whats with the Kiss?

 

[Hookup1]

whats with the Kiss?

Keep It Simple [you fill in the rest].

 

[angrypirate]

Keep It Simple [you fill in the rest].

I always look to improve over oem I will never have to remove that plastic cover and replace that switch again keepin it simple but not stupid

 

[Hookup1]

When I have a light fixture, pump, bilge switch or just about anything go bad I try to replace it with the same one. I don't want to be making new holes or changing hoses. As long as there is nothing really bad with the OEM. That said I still find plenty of place to make improvements on my boat.