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I desperately need help to replace the stern light pole and male pigtail fitting. boat is 1979 model. Everything is original...the boat is truly a member of our family. The male connector from the wiring is GONE. The socket for the bulb is cracked (won’t hold a bulb) and the lens is MISSING. I had NO IDEA it would be this difficult to replace. I’ve searched threads & forums...have printed a wiring diagram from an archive 1987...I’m pretty sure Sue Lodel doesn’t work there any more. Plus, I’ve searched Perko catalogs, only to be more confused than when I started. I’m grateful for any advice a member could provide.

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Beth -

You can purchase a complete Perko pole with lamp and the pigtail and she can include the male and female tails to add.

Warning, this OEM pole is very tall, very heavy and very high quality. Also very pricey. It will last a very long time.

I did this after snapping off 2 aluminum crap poles.

Contact Sue. She does work at Twin Cities although she is often a bit swamped.

Contact information here: https://www.beacontcm.com/contactom/contact

Another good source is the Parts Department at Nauset Marine in Orleans, Massachusetts.

https://www.nausetmarine.com/locations/locations/

Sorry for so many very's.

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I also have a 1979 Montauk, and a stern light replacement and wiring is a simple project.

Your most economical solution will to buy a new stern light assembly from Specialty Marine.
Be sure to also buy the hull mounting fittings since the ss pole is metric (Chinese made) and will not fit the original Whaler mounts.

As for wiring, get rid of the old style round set screw plug that have been used for 60 years. They do not hold up. Instead, splice in a modern 2 wire flat plug connector, similar to the trailer connectors. You can get one at West Marine, or an automotive place like Pep Boys.

You should also put in a new terminal block (4 terminals, only three needed) on the hull sidewall, installed inside a tan connector box. I got one from Twin Cities. Wire the negative return directly into the battery.

See the Montauk album in my personal website link fro photos of this work.

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Hey Finnegan, I was curious, so I went to the PBucket link for your Montauk. After PB almost locking up my laptop, it states your file is empty?

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Beth and guitarfish - sorry about the mess that Photobucket has become. I sent both of you an E-mail with photos of my 1979 Montauk showing stern light installation and correct wiring.


(changed to full 4 digit year)

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I disagree, with respect, with Finnegan's advice.

The pole is far less quality than the Perko OEM pole.

The vendor is charging $12 for a two pole trailer pigtail that retails for $3.42
https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Hopki...47965.html

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I can attest that stern light pole bought from Specialty Marine in spring of 2020 is a perfect fit in my original 1972 stern mounts. As for it's quality versus Perko, I have no idea but it does feel sturdy to me.

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Beth -
I just gave one I had in all original shape to the buyer of my 1986 Montauk.

It was a 9 out of 10 but the buyer really didn't seem to care for it. I will see if he will give it back to help you.