Rechargable garden lites (auxillary anchorlite?)

[Casey]

This question is a little bit electrical, a little bit anchoring, and a little bit 'Fittings. I searched, but couldn't see that it had been addressed elsewhere - so here goes:

On my recent trip around the "South Florida Loop" I noticed a surprising number of boats that were using a garden/walkway lite as an anchorlite. I recently looked at Walmart, and you can buy them for $3-5/ea, complete with photovoltaic cell, lens and rechargeable battery. (Obviously they aren't manufactured as "marine" equipment or they'd start at $25/ea !)

I have my doubts that these meet the USCG 1nm or 2nm visibility requirement, but folks are using them none the less. Very likely a litigation source following a mishap, but certainly better than Nothing.

Anyone who has experienced an inoperative anchorlite (burned-out, corroded, etc) could appreciate having one of these aboard...it would certainly beat taping a flashlight with a papercup to the anchorlite mast.

Just tossed out there for Brat's Comments....

Best,
Casey

[JamesTXSD]

Hi Casey,

I've seen a number of boats using these. At one boat stuff store we ran into in Canada, they were selling a neat rail mount solar light. I've considered putting a couple in the cockpit for more visibility. May not meet the requirement for 2 mile viz, but would make you more obvious at night... in conjunction with a legal anchor light, of course.

http://www.marinesolarlights.com/solar_rail_light.html

Best wishes,
Jim

[Papillon]

Jim,
I liked your link and like Casey said...starting at $23.95 but you do get a nice rail mount in the package too, plus multi colored lens.

As to the Home Depot Style lights, they may not be up to CG code as an anchor lite but they sure do make for some nice lighted decks and cockpits and if I can keep from stubbing my toe and falling overboard, I say "Go For It".

[jimcinfra]

I have tried this is the past, but had a problem with the lights not lasting all night. They do give a soft glow while they are lit. I did not use them in a high traffic area.

[JamesTXSD]

Anyone have a source for the rail clamps? We have a half dozen of the solar lights that we use when we're RVing (to mark off the patio area).

[Levitation]

The problem with the cheapies is the anemic nicad battery in them runs out of juice long before dawn...
If you like to tinker, open them up and replace the battery with one of a higher amp hours rating - Ebay is a good source for better nicads, also Harbor Freight, etc... Depending on the style you will have to break a glue line or physically saw the case open to get in, then use plastic solvent to reseal...

[thataway]

We have been using the solar lights for 3 years. We use them in addition to the anchor light if we are in an isolated anchorage. If we are in an established anchorage, then we just use the solar light. The ones we have do last all night, and have anodized aluminum tubes and frames, so corrosion has not been a problem. You do need to keep the solar cell in bright light all during the day, and we change the position as necessary.

We just lash the light's base tubing to the bow rail. We have often used two deck lights on larger boats, as well as the "legal" anchor light 55 to 65 feet off the water (which often is not looked for in anchorages by small boats) We consider the solar light in the same category as the "deck lights".

[416rigby]

We use them all summer long. If you have a radar arch, do what I do...just drop a couple in the rocket launcher. They make a nice warm light. You can also drop them in the rod holders of your downriggers if you have them. Better visibility when anchored in a seluded cove. More lights are better, in addition to the "approved" anchor light, and they don't seem to attract any more bugs, either.

Rick

[Ted Osborne]

I noticed recently in one of the boating mag. that WM has one that is from a co. called Sollight for $29.95 called RailLight Mini and comes with a rail mount. Quess it can also be had direct from them.