Navigation/Searchlight Mast

Peter_BDA · Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 7:20 pm Post subject: Navigation/Searchlight Mast

Hi All,

I am looking for a Navigation Lighting Mast to accommodate my navigation lights, anchor lights and a spotlight (GoLite), anyone have such a beast or seen one anywhere?

I want to get the GoLite up a little higher than cabin height......

I don't have a radar arch nor do I need or want one.....just a nifty lighting mast/stanchion.

Ideas welcomed!

Thanks
Peter

starcrafttom · Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 7:46 pm Post subject:

I would put the go light on the bow rail. I did it on my 22 and it worked out great. Using a light mounted on the roof causes a few problems, the least of which is glare off the bow rail and decks.

There are several ways to attach a go light to the rail from welding a plate to bolt it to or making a plate that bolts to the rail or slips over it.

as for the other lights a navigation/anchor light on a simply pole is available from west marine.

thataway · Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 7:51 pm Post subject:

My experience with search lights in boats the size of the C Dory, it is best to put the light on the very front of the boat--for example a platform on the bow pulpit. This avoids any light on the deck. Unless you can make a "coffee" can type of shield, the light even several feet off the cabin house will still reflect off the deck and pulpit, and cause substantial loss of night vision.

Generally a spot light is only used for very brief periods to high light a navigation market--not as head lights on a car. Constant use of a search light not only blinds the person at the helm to other vessels which might be approaching, by obscuring their navigation lights. It also will blind other boaters which you might meet.

A "Mast" has to have some stays or rigging to hold it in place. There will be significant vibration and movement on a light "pole" used as a mast. There are masts such as you desire, but they are on much larger vessels. The usual all around steaming light, and anchor light (same light), can be a 3/4" to 1" staff--but that will not adequately support a "GoLite". There are also radar pedestals- these can be bolted to the cabin house. The base is broad enough to support a "GoLite"--but usually are in sizes up to a foot high--and then tube is welded to the aft portion for the steaming and anchor light etc.