Running without working nav lights is a USCG violation and a collision risk. Most nav-light failures are corrosion at the fixture, not bulb burnout.
What to Check
1
Bulb (or LED) failure
Check the bulb first. LED retrofits last years longer than incandescent.
2
Fixture corrosion
Salt creep into the fixture greens up the contacts. Disassemble, clean, and apply dielectric grease.
3
Wire chafe at the pulpit/stern
Wires running through tight-radius bends chafe through their insulation and short to ground.
4
Switch or breaker
Helm switch corrosion or tripped breaker. Test continuity in both positions.
When to Call Us
We can re-wire a stern light or upgrade your nav lighting to LEDs (Hella, Aqua Signal, OGM) in a single visit.