Jeanneau light switches

[bill42i]

My 42i has two types of lights fitted and both have switches that are prone to failure. The round type, mounted in the headlining, are made by Cantalupi and can be sourced from the UK agent IMP. The other type (typically fitted above the mirrors in the heads) are small halogen powered strip lights. If anyone knows who makes them, or where they can be bought, please share the secret.

Jeanneau boats are generally fitted with first class equipment but It does seem that the "bean counters" may have saved a few pence on the light switches!

[Mistroma]

Interesting, I met the owner of a 42DS (probably a 2007/8 model) and he mentioned that he was forever replacing the switches on units in headlining. I've never had any problems on our 2009 42DS and have spent a lot on time on the boat (6 months this year alone). Perhaps Jeanneau had a bad batch or bought under spec. switches. I know Maplin sell ultra miniature toggle switches rated at 1 & 3A. These are for AC and would probably not last as well as proper DC switches (due to arcing over the gap as switch opens).

Of course mine might be surviving as I've changed the frequently used ones to LED (so current very small).

I've seen the fittings you mention somewhere but can't remember where that was. Unfortunately, the boat is in Galicia at present and most of the printed documentation is still there. It might be on the folder on the boat. I'll dig around tonight on the off chance I have the information at home.

[Tafika II]

The witches in the headliner halogen lights are available at Radio Shack here in the USA. I had a few break, but eventually replaced all of the overhead lights with Imtra Red/White LEDs and replaced the halogen lamps within the side units to LEDs.
The ones above each head are still halogen...for now.

[Seagem]

I have replaced the ones in the headlining with Nova chrome halogen downlights, check out this web site - www.excelvwcampervans.co.uk for a cheaper than Jeanneau supplier. The ones fitted in my 42i had small metal switches but the replacements switches are slightly longer.

[Seagem]

Also, do a search on '44i Head Lining' from April this year, this topic has been covered before.

[bill42i]

Thanks for the info. I also have replaced all the halogens, in the overhead lights with LEDS and the reduction in current draw has cured the problem. The small strip lights retain the halogens (they need the better, brighter light) and it is these that are now starting to fail. Unfortunately these switches are not easily found and these are the lights I am trying to find.

[bill42i]

For anyone who needs to replace the "strip lights" used in current Jeanneaus: They can be sourced, via your dealer, from the factory at £26.80 each (white or silver) plus VAT and min. delivery charge of £15 plus VAT.

[mpj]

Are you sure the problem was in the swithces? I had several overhead lights in my 42i that had poor crimping of the connector (you could feel the wire was loose and could pull it out of the connector quite easily).

[bill42i]

Good point mpj. The crimping is only as good as the guy with the crimper. But not in this case. The switches are quite small and burn out, particularly when used with a 10 watt halogen (as in the strip lights in the heads).