How to Hook Up an Air Horn in a Boat

U.S. Coast Guard rules require boats to have a horn.

U.S. Coast Guard rules require boats in United States waters to be equipped with a horn for safety. Many times, boaters go with an air horn as they are less expensive than wiring a boat with a sophisticated electric horn. An air horn attaches to a can of compressed air, much like a camp lantern attaches to a propane bottle. When the air canister is empty, you unscrew and replace the canister with a new one. Hooking up an air horn to a boat requires setting up a cylindrical bracket to house the horn.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Power drill
• Waterproof epoxy
• Cylindrical mounting cup

Instructions

1. Hold the mounting plate up against the surface on the boat to which you wish to mount the air horn. Drill out the holes for the mounting screws.

2. Screw in the mounting screws so the bracket is secured to the boat surface.

3. Apply waterproof epoxy to the drilled holes to seal them tight.

4. Push the air horn into the mounting bracket so the horn end is facing out and the button is close to the bracket.

References

• Boats: Rules and Regulations
• Bait N Hook: SeaSense Boat horn