[mike523]

I picked up a 96 Talari today and noticed that the rear power stern light won't retract. Is it supposed to be automatic or is there a switch?? The light on the pole DOES work by the way, so it's getting power.

[ShabahZ280]

The power light is wired into the NAV/ANC light switch. When you flip your lights on, the bulb should turn off, and start to retract, if you've got a true automatic power stern light. However, not all of the stern lights were automatic powered, some were manual versions, meaning you have to retract and lift them yourself. In fact, you can't even buy the automatic powered replacement versions anymore, you can only buy the manual "lift & lower it yourself" versions.

[mike523]

I tried putting it back down "manually" but it wouldn't budge and I didn't want to put too much pressure on it and break something. It's got a slight bend in it about halfway up so I'm guessing that the previous owner hadn't put it down in a long time.

[ShabahZ280]

May be worth investigating a replacement, if you don't want to keep the light up, or possibly have the potential for an electrical overheating issue (or possibly worse) if the motor for the powerlight won't turn off...

Innovative Lighting Extend-A-Light is what they're called, and the new versions use LED for less power consumption. They run around $125. You can get them on Amazon, and a few other online retailers.

[mike523]

I don't hear any noise whatsoever from it, even with the light on. My guess is if its a powered version the motor burned out long ago or perhaps there is a fuse issue. Speaking of which, where is my fuse box lol

[mike523]

Turns out it pulls right out, I had been trying to push it down haha