[cjay]

how do you replace the bulbs in the docking light housing? The boat is a 1986 36' open.

[Chris Burkard]

I have never replaced them, so you are going to have to take a good look at them. Most docking lights allow for bulb replacement from the inside. There are a few where you have to remove the outer lens in order to change the bulb. Take a look at the inside first to determine if they can be dissasembled from the inside. They may clip, twist or unscrew. Different manufacturers used different methods to access the bulb. When you install the bulbs, make sure to keep the bulb lenses clean and would use a dielectric grease in the socket to keep the corrosion down. If the housing is gasketed, you may want to replace them. Old gaskets and O-rings dry out after several years. Good Luck!