Good Old Boat Magazine is a favorite publications for ideas. I found this project in issue 34 January / February 2004. The article on page 70 is entitled "Let There be LED Light". The instructions suggested a 12v source to be plugged into with a wire run from the bottom of the unit. The idea of an oil burner transformed into a new millennium light suited me, but I did not want the wire or have to find a place to plug it in.

The first consideration was to determine how long the LED's would stay bright with batteries as a power source. I constructed a rough assembly, hooked it up, turned it on and left it alone except to check it each evening to see if it was still working. After a week (24/7) of continual use, I found there was little if any dimming of the lights. The project was a go!

The author of the article suggests an anchor light from a swap meet. I bypassed that step, went direct to West Marine Jewelers and bought a new Den Haan Ankerlight. They are available in large and small. I chose the small PN:468660 at a cost $339.99. A little pricey; but beauty rarely comes cheap.

I measured the opening at the top and found a 4 1/4 inch round disc would be just right. I also measured the distance from the top to the center of the lens and added a 3/16" spacer to correct the vertical placement of the bulb. Off to Tap Plastics to have both pieces made in opaque white (for reflection) plastic. I ordered the bulb PN: BAY6H ($42.00) from the LED Light Co at www.theledlight.com and the rest is easy. The light base for the bayonet bulb came from a local Ace Hardware at $4.95. The batteries are standard AA. The battery holders are from Radio Shack PN: 2700383 at $1.59 each. I wired the eight 1 1/2 v batteries in series to develop the 12v I wanted and lastly I added a good quality (industrial strength) Velcro to hold the battery packs in position. I had considered adding a small external switch, but after thinking about it I decided it could become a source of galvanic corrosion or even be turned on accidentally while in the cabin and not in use. Besides, it's quite easy to either remove a battery or disconnect one of the battery housing connectors to turn the light off.
I have been very pleased with both the rustic appearance of the light and the brightness of the bulb. My good old boat is small enough it may even be (USCG) legal to use while sailing on inland waters.

No damage was done to make the conversion: The only changes needed to revert this back to an oil burner; remove the plastic disc which holds the batteries and LED assembly, re-install the wick globe, add lamp oil and and light the wick. The best of both worlds... this is probably the only anchor light in existence that can be used safely in the cabin or the house.

Photos and Story by your Webmaster - Bill Lamica
New Millennium Anchor Light