Frequently Asked Questions - Marine
No. As our horns are manufactured overseas, we have no tooling to customize horns.
Our electric horns have no polarity. There is no specific positive or negative wire.
However, for air horns with a compressor, the polarity is important, and is clearly marked next to the terminals on the bottom of the compressor with a “+" or "-”.
All horns should be mounted with the open end angled slightly downwards and facing forward towards the bow of the boat. This allows any water spray to drip out and avoid damage to the sounding mechanisms inside the horns. Try to select an installation position on the boat with minimum curvature and where a low amount of spray will hit the horn.
Some parts are available. Contact tech support
The compressor should be mounted as close to the horn as possible. We have tested the air horns with a length of hose up to 8 feet without any delay.
It varies from 9 to 13 PSI depending on your battery's voltage output.
We do not sell replacement interiors for the AFI horns, but we do offer a 5 year warranty on the “XLP” models and a 1 year warranty on all of the others. Anything beyond the warranty period will have to be replaced with a new unit.
Please contact our Technical Support Department for warranty information.
That model has been discontinued since 1994. The closest replacement we offer is our part number 10029XLP. The only difference is the mounting pattern. We no longer offer a horn with the same style of mounting as the SPTD.
The fact that they are making any sound at all is a good sign. We suggest bench-testing the horn and wiring it directly to a 12 volt battery. If it works fine when doing this, then the problem is most likely within the application’s wiring. If the horn still only puts out a clicking sound, that is usually a symptom of one side trying to draw more amps than the other which causes them to cancel each other out.
- Remove the rear cover and find the screw in the center of the sounding mechanism with a small red dot on or next to it.
- Turn that screw a little bit counter clockwise and eventually the horn should start to sound properly.
- If not, keep trying each side, back and forth, counter-clockwise or clockwise.
If still no positive reaction after all that, it’s time to replace the horn.
It might need some oiling.
NOTE: Do not allow oil to get into horn.
- Reverse the wires so the compressor “pulls in” rather than “blows out”.
- Insert a few drops of light machine oil into the opening for the hose attachment.
- Let the oil swirl around for about 4 - 6 seconds.
- Then reverse the wires back to the correct position and allow any excess oil to exit.
If this does not improve the functioning of the horn, the compressor may need replacing or possibly the horn diaphragms are damaged.
Check the internal parts at the rear of the horn to make sure they are not cracked or covered with grease or condensation.
No, this is not our product. That would be Signaltone items made by a company called Fiamm of America.
Yes. The part number for the 12 volt compressor is 10102. The 24 volt compressor is part number 10224. As for the trumpet assemblies, please see below for a list of the most popular kits and the part numbers for the horn(s) only:
Horn Kit # --- Horn Only #
10107 --- 11117
10106 --- 11116
10105 --- 11115
10104 --- 11114
10121 --- 20150
10122 --- 20149
Contact our Technical Support Department for specific “horn only” part numbers not listed.
Yes please call prior to sending in items to confirm the need to return items to us and to help expedite returns or credits quickly.
The MRV motors require a 3 position, 4 pole switch for two-speed operation. We recommend a particular one made by Cole Hersee. Their model number is 75212-04.
This depends on what size windshield you have, how much area you are trying to cover, and what type of motor is being used.
Refer to our wiper motor, arm, and blade compatibility chart in the AFI wiper section of our website or in the AFI online catalog.
No. We do not offer replacement internal parts for any of our wiper motors.
The complete unit can be replaced under our 1 year warranty for MRV, WMW, and STD models.
There is a 3 year warranty for the AFI 500, 1000; AFI 1.5, 2.5, and 3.0 style motors
On the single speed motors, the self park contact should be connected directly to the positive of the battery so it has current at all times. All motors come with wiring instructions.
This is not our motor. It is a Bosch product. Our motors look very similar, but are very different when it comes to materials and features.
Please refer to our wiper motor instructions included with the motor.
We no longer offer “deluxe” straight blades, since a curved blade will work just as well on a flat windshield as it does on a curved one. There no longer is a need for two different style blades since one can handle both jobs.
The wiring/installation instructions can be found within the header-card which should be located inside the clamshell packaging of the motor kit. If they cannot be found, please contact us and we will send a copy to you via email, fax, or mail.
Yes. Our MRV AFI 1.5, 2.5 and 3.0 series motors are available in 24 volt. They all come with a 2 ½” shaft and preset to 110 degrees however they can be adjusted to 45 65 or 80 degrees as needed.
No. We do not offer replacement shafts or knurled ends for them.
Yes please call prior to sending in items to confirm the need to return items to us and to help expedite returns or credits quickly.
Yes. The rocker switches are ignition protected, and once installed, waterproof on the front face only (not submersible).
No, ignition protected breakers can be special ordered for you with a minimum quantity.
Stray current from a live wire can destroy a bronze thru-hull, outdrive, or propeller in a few days.
A non-operative bilge pump, due to corrosion or terminal can cause a boat to sink at an unattended slip or mooring.
Vibration; corrosion. The presence of salt-laden moisture in the atmosphere; contamination by various chemicals, particularly oil, diesel and dirty bilge water, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight are conditions subjected to a boat.
The shrink ratio is 3 to 1 and yes the heat shrink is adhesive lined.
The Double Crimp Terminal has an extra barrel which, when crimped, will remove all strain from the wire stranding and place the strain on the wire jacket. This prevents terminations from loosening under stress, pull, or vibration all of which are common in the marine environment.
ANCOR recommends crimping vs. soldering. Per ABYC standards (E-11.16.3.7), "Solder shall not be the sole means of mechanical connection in any circuit". Further, crimping provides a solid mechanical connection resistant to "cold joints", breaking under fatigue and removes strain when using ANCOR double crimp nylon connectors.
Premium grade wire has tin plating over every strand, and it offers the ultimate in resistance against the subtle, long-term, internal corrosion that contributes to premature demise of marine wiring.
The answer to this common question is a qualified "yes," if the wire is SAE (Society of Automotive Engineering) J378, J1127 or J1128; although this is not recommended as Marine Grade Wire meets all ABYC specifications.
Click here for link to wire size chart.
ANCOR recommends yellow wire as DC negative because black is the standard color for AC hot. There have been many cases of people working on their DC systems who have inadvertently cut the live AC wire. Because of the wide spread use of inverters, power generators and shore power connections, even today's smallest boats pose a risk of inadvertently cutting into AC wires when working on DC systems.
The RG59U is used for TV's & SAT NAV's. If the RG59U were stranded, the stranding of the wire would fold at the time of insertion.
After tinning wire the strands become very soft. In the application of TV & SAT NAV's, the wire needs to be very strong.
Yes please call prior to sending in items to confirm the need to return items to us and to help expedite returns or credits quickly.
We offer a wide variety of battery chargers to fit many different battery charging system requirements. Contact your Technical Support team at Guest to discuss which battery charger is the best for you.
Yes. Simply cut off the alligator clips and splice in the appropriate connectors. This will not void the warranty.
Our multi-leg, waterproof chargers are ideal for the different sizes and workloads you require. You can pick a Guest battery charger with individual 5, 10, or 20 amp output charging circuits per battery to meet your personal needs.
Yes. If you are using most of our multi-leg, waterproof chargers you can mix and match as needed except the models 2610, 2610A, 2611A, 2611, 2613 and 2613A.
Yes. Be sure to connect the appropriate AC hot, neutral, and ground wires. For convenience, we recommend using a Marinco Model 150 BBI AC Power Inlet.
FYI Wire Colors (chargers):
Brown = Black = Hot
Blue = White = Neutral
Green/Yellow = Green = Ground
Yes. You can extend the length up to 20 feet using 10 AWG marine grades, tinned copper stranded wire.
We do not recommend it. However if the floor is your only option, be sure to use spacers between the floor and the charger to ensure maximum cooling in this configuration. Note also the charger may become less efficient if mounted on a floor.
Our Guest battery chargers (2611A, 2613A, 2623A, and 2631A) are pre-wired with both positive and negative leads for each battery. So you can connect the 5, 10, or 20 amp outputs to each (12 volt) battery regardless of a parallel, series, or independent set of 12 volt batteries. 6 volt batteries can be put in series and charged by connecting the positive lead of the charger to the positive post on the first 6 volt battery and connecting the negative lead of the charger to the negative post of the second 6 volt battery.
Wire them as follows:
Black = Brown
White = Blue
Green = Green/Yellow
Bulk - the charger uses its full amp output to do the heaviest charging, quickly bringing your battery to about 75% of capacity; on models with red and green indicator lights, only the red is on.
Absorption - current flow slows, adjusts to maximum efficiency, and gently tops off the battery to about 98% of capacity; on models with red and green indicator lights, both are on.
Float - applies a lower voltage to maintain full charge and prevent discharge; on models with red and green indicator lights only the green is on.
The green light is indicating a fully charged battery and the charger is in a maintenance mode that is safe for long term storage without boiling electrolyte.
Confirm AC power is available and check AC input wiring. Also, this indicates that the charger has been electrically disabled to output any DC voltage because of safety reasons.
The charger must be disposed of because they cannot be repaired. Please contact Technical Support if the Guest charger is in warranty.
The blinking green light or solid green light both indicates a fully charged battery.
Black or brown to AC "HOT"
White or blue to AC "NEUTRAL"
Green or green/yellow to AC "GROUND"
Yes please call prior to sending in items to confirm the need to return items to us and to help expedite returns or credits quickly.
30 Amps. Will accept 8 to 10 gauge wire. For larger wire, use the 12VBRAD for up to 6 gauge wire.
12VBRAD. For Marino’s 305CRRB, or 2018BR series receptacles, you will need to crimp large 6 gauge ring terminals onto the wires. The ring terminals are available at your local Marine distributor or retailer.
No.
Yes please call prior to sending in items to confirm the need to return items to us and to help expedite returns or credits quickly.
The 167RYN is a sealed unit. We can test, but no repair is possible.
It is possible the 30 amp receptacles at the dock are on a single phase. Together, they are only putting out 125 volts between them rather than 250 volts which is required for the adapter to work.
Test the two receptacles with a volt meter to confirm there is a total of at least 208 volts between them. If the meter reads less than 208 volts, the 167RY reverse Y cannot be used.
If the receptacles are reading 208 volts or more, then it is possible that the adapter is defective and needs to be sent back to Marinco for warranty evaluation.
Another possible reason is that the polarity is reversed on the dock receptacles. There are reverse polarity testers available. If your boat's AC panel is not equipped with one, check with your Marina operator.
Soap and water. If your basic soap and water doesn't do the job, there are cord cleaners such as the Star Brite brand available through most marine retailers. Acetone works best for those really stubborn scuff marks.
The replacement # is 6364CRN for female, 6365CRN for male.
The boot (which makes it white) is 102182, this boot can be used on both ends.
Part numbers are:
For 30 amp = 100R
For 50 amp = 500R
For OEM's, add .OEM to part number.
The battery is under the solar array.
To get to the battery remove the three screws that hold the top section of the vent to the base. Once removed the solar array (clear section) should be able to be removed.
Warning be careful when removing the array as there are two very small wires connecting the solar array to the top section of the vent. (On stainless steel units the solar array can be removed without removing the stainless steel cover)
The battery is located in the center under the solar array. Once the battery is removed place the solar array back on the vent and try the vent without the battery to be certain it is just the battery that needs to be replaced. If it works without the battery in direct sunlight or a 100 watt bulb the battery is the problem.
Replace the battery with a new battery and secure the unit back down to the deck The battery required is a 1.2 volt, C-cell, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), 2800 milliamp ere-hour (mAh) and above.
2 years.
The battery required is a 1.2 volt, C-cell, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), 2800 milliampere-hour (mAh) and above.
Most likely it is the battery. When the battery goes bad, it acts as a short circuit, causing the vent to stop working, even in strong sunlight. If you remove the battery, and hold the vents solar array in the sun, the fan should start spinning right away which is a sign that a replacement battery from a local electronics dealer should solve the problem. The battery required is a 1.2 volt C-cell nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) 2800 milliampere-hour (mAh) and above.
If it does not, be sure to hit the switch to verify that the vent is on. The switch is located above the fan blades. If still not then there must be something else wrong such as a defective motor or switch, or a bad connection from the solar array.
We offer a 2 year warranty on these products. If applicable, please contact our Technical Support Department for warranty information. Otherwise, we suggest contacting a marine dealer for information on ordering a new vent.
No. We do not sell the solar vent motors separately.
Replacement gaskets for the 3” and 4” snap-in vents are available at no charge. Simply provide us with your name and address as well as what size (3” or 4”) vent you have.
Yes. The part number for the “white plastic” cover is 3000004. These numbers fit both 3 and 4 inch size vents. We have a very limited supply.
No. The deck cap is only available as a complete set with the ring. The 3 inch part number is N10863DW and the 4 inch part number is N10864DW.
The Day & Night Plus is the new design which does not snap in to a deck plate like the original Day & Night 2000 did. They are a direct-mount unit which fastens to the mounting surface without the use of a flanged ring used by the previous version.
If replacing the Day & Night 2000 with the Plus, then the white deck ring for the original vent must be removed in order to install the “Plus” model. They are taking the place of the snap-in vents which have been discontinued.
It depends on what diameter of which part of the unit you are measuring. The inside diameter of the cylindrical chambers where the fan blades rotate are 3 inches and 4 inches.
Since there are so many variables in the measurements that are so close in size, it is generalized to the two categories for ease of reference. In other words, anything from 3” to 3 15/16” is categorized as a 3 inch product. Anything from 4” to 4 15/16” is categorized as a 4 inch product.
No. We do not sell the snap-in cowl vent without the deck ring. There would not be a significant difference in cost even if we did.
All of the 5 inch products were discontinued as well as the 3” and 4” units with the threaded bronze fittings.
Yes please call prior to sending in items to confirm the need to return items to us and to help expedite returns or credits quickly.
