Boat lighting problem - any help is appreciated

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Problem is when I switch on the running lights only the bow light comes on. Both lights work but not at the same time.

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Did they ever?

I had a similar problem, where they all worked, then only the front. Checked wires, and was getting power to the back plug. Finally I cleaned the connections on the rear light that touched the plug. Problem solved.

It was an older boat and the connections had oxidized a little preventing power from getting from the plug to the light.

Is it an On-Off-On switch? As in 3 positions?

Are you saying when you flip to nav lights only front lights come on, and when you switch to anchor lights only anchor light comes on?

If so, just a jumper that came loose on switch most likely

When running you need the red, green, and white all around light. When anchored, just the all around light needs to be on.

So generally two switches required, one if running and another if anchored.

With a special switch they can be combined but if labeled anchor light, that is all it should be powering.

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One position is just the navigation lights, one position is off, and one position is navigation and anchor lights.

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One position is Nav. which includes green, red and white. One position is off and one is just white which is anchor light.

White and anchor light are the same light.

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Thanks for the input. It is a 3 way switch. Center is off, forward is all lights. Back is anchor/white light. I will try some the suggestions and see if they work.

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Check out the wiring diagram I posted then. It should be wired similar to that. If they both work just not at the same time, it is 99% likely the wire or crimps that jump across the switch are loose or corroded.