The Darn Horn

[Hamdog]

Ok. The horn has never worked on our 2005 342. We bought it a couple years ago. I read on this forum about adjusting some screw which I tried. The screw was obscured by a manufacturers sticker so I never saw it. Instead, in my infinate wisdom, I decided to remove the 5 screws on the other side. Well, guess what? As soon as I removed the last screw, the whole assembly fell apart. Worst part was that it never went back together right after that. It will hold on the bottom but I can not get the top to hold together. Right now, it is just half way screwed together. Not sure what to do. I am leaning toward replacing the whole horn. How hard is it? What about caulking to prevent water seapage?

Any comments would be appreciated.

Hamdog

[Rinker342]

The horn is not hard to replace.  They are readily available and may fit the brackets already in place on your boat, in which case, no caulking at all.  Look closely at new horns before you buy and you should be able to find one with the same brackets or at least one where the brackets will fit the same holes.  If you need a little caulk, use 3M 5200.  I have replaced the horn on my 2005 342 and helped a friend do the same on his 2009 360.... both pretty easy.

[ParkRode360]

Note that I replaced my horn last year with a new Ongaro one, and while the horn was a direct replacement, the wiring is "marginal at best" -- so I'll be installing a horn relay this coming year -- could only get enough juice for one trumpet to sound.  When I install the relay i'll also do a 12 gauge home run back to the batteries.

[Le Meez]

I'm actually thinking of moving the horn to the top of the arch. We find it is in the way when on the bow trying to adjust the fenders for the locks. I'm not sure how to find access easily underneath to pull the wires out though.

[bat32]

Just watch your ears if you mount it on the arch.  I know it is not often we sound the horns but in my profession as a firefighter it is against to the national standard to mount the air horns on the roof anymore.  This is due to the documented hearing loss caused from them being in this location.  They now have to be mounted on the front bumper or in our case the bow.  Just food for thought.