Flood / Docking Lights Mounted on Radar Arch
- Thread starter Little Catelyn
- Start date
ksidener":3mylzc40 said:
I ordered one of those lights on-line... it's been a couple years ago, so I'm sorry I don't remember where. A search on magnetic work light came up with this...
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs ... cial=false
Looks like what we bought. I don't use it a lot, but when we run at night, it's easy to stick it to the anchor roller and run the 12v plug back to the helm.
Hope that helps.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
ksidener,
I got your e-mail. Been to busy to keep up with this site. I had an old non-working K-40 CB antenna that has one of the strongest magnets available. They used to guarantee that a 4 ft whip antenna would not blow off the roof of a car at 120 mph. Super strong magnet! The anchor is low carbon so it doesn't rust. You want a good strong magnet to stick in rough water.
So I up-graded the magnet. They come out with better and better lights all the time that would work. You just need to adapt the magnet base. Some CB antenna magnets have the folding mount and some the antenna just screws in to the magnet. If you find a screw in type magnet base just find a bolt to screw the swivel base of a light in and your done. Find a usable magnet first and then shop for a light. You can get them with and without a swivel base. Most 4x4 off-road lights can come with or without the swivel base. The good quality cig adapter cord can then be added.
Don't give up the search. Check automotive roadside emergency kits at auto stores. I have seen lights with the magnet advertised to stick to the side of the vehicle for hands free lighting while you change a tire. The magnet might work but you could upgrade the light to a brighter one.
A good place to check is truck stops. The bigger ones usually have a CB radio repair and have all kinds of antennas lying around. Any place that sells emergency vehicle lighting should have something as they make the red flashing magnetic lights for undercover cruisers. I am sure someone makes a magnetic flood light for city trucks.
A source for magnets is any electric motor repair/overhaul shop. Electric motor magnets are super strong. I am sure they are lying around for free at the right places. Not sure how they would react to drilling a hole in one... You could JB weld a mount to one. Another magnet source is inside any very large stereo speaker. Find one in the trash and you are on your way.
Another source for a super magnet is any outdoor store. Cabalas, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro and even your local Wal-Mart. In the fishing section they have a super magnet used for fishing. They usually have an eye for a rope that a mount could be attached. Used to fish for dropped car keys, fishing poles and even small outboard motors. If I recall, some claim they can pick up over 100 lbs under water.
Hope this gives you some ideas. Post a picture of what you end up with!
I got your e-mail. Been to busy to keep up with this site. I had an old non-working K-40 CB antenna that has one of the strongest magnets available. They used to guarantee that a 4 ft whip antenna would not blow off the roof of a car at 120 mph. Super strong magnet! The anchor is low carbon so it doesn't rust. You want a good strong magnet to stick in rough water.
So I up-graded the magnet. They come out with better and better lights all the time that would work. You just need to adapt the magnet base. Some CB antenna magnets have the folding mount and some the antenna just screws in to the magnet. If you find a screw in type magnet base just find a bolt to screw the swivel base of a light in and your done. Find a usable magnet first and then shop for a light. You can get them with and without a swivel base. Most 4x4 off-road lights can come with or without the swivel base. The good quality cig adapter cord can then be added.
Don't give up the search. Check automotive roadside emergency kits at auto stores. I have seen lights with the magnet advertised to stick to the side of the vehicle for hands free lighting while you change a tire. The magnet might work but you could upgrade the light to a brighter one.
A good place to check is truck stops. The bigger ones usually have a CB radio repair and have all kinds of antennas lying around. Any place that sells emergency vehicle lighting should have something as they make the red flashing magnetic lights for undercover cruisers. I am sure someone makes a magnetic flood light for city trucks.
A source for magnets is any electric motor repair/overhaul shop. Electric motor magnets are super strong. I am sure they are lying around for free at the right places. Not sure how they would react to drilling a hole in one... You could JB weld a mount to one. Another magnet source is inside any very large stereo speaker. Find one in the trash and you are on your way.
Another source for a super magnet is any outdoor store. Cabalas, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro and even your local Wal-Mart. In the fishing section they have a super magnet used for fishing. They usually have an eye for a rope that a mount could be attached. Used to fish for dropped car keys, fishing poles and even small outboard motors. If I recall, some claim they can pick up over 100 lbs under water.
Hope this gives you some ideas. Post a picture of what you end up with!
Captains Cat
New member
Just don't put it near your compass or other electronics when you store it! :cry
Charlie
Charlie
A bit off the main thread theme, but back in the general direction of mounting lights. The Spot light mounted on the platform on the bow rail gets around the annoyance of reflected light of the forward stainless if it were lit up by forward facing lights mounted farther aft. BUT, does that light become a forward view impairment in general cruising? It seems like it would be pretty much right in the way of seeing where you are wanting to go, unless you are just coming up onto plane and then would see under it.
I am considering placing forward facing lights, (LED spot and drive) up on the radar tower, and am considering the consequences of back scattered light off the bow rail. OR looking at alternative mounting schemes.
Thanks for your response.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
I am considering placing forward facing lights, (LED spot and drive) up on the radar tower, and am considering the consequences of back scattered light off the bow rail. OR looking at alternative mounting schemes.
Thanks for your response.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
It is pretty rare that I would cruise after dark, but where that to happen, log or crab float lookout would be high on the priority list. Spotting channel markers, daymarks etc would also be up there, and entering moorage, float or anchorage areas after dark would probably also be where they would be used. Also being in the fog in daylight, I had thought they might be a good option to light myself up to be seen better by others, but there would be considerable reflectance there that would be problematic, I am thinking.
The side lights would be for docking and be not a s bright. Could also be used if/when a SAR or MOB situation occurred.
Since I am mostly single handing, I see it as a turn on the lights and then drive the boat situation, where the handheld spot is bright and mobile, it makes spotting a float, driving and retrieving or picking up a float really awkward.
Hope that makes sense.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
_________________
Though in our sleep we are not conscious of our activity or surroundings, we should not, in our wakefulness, be unconscious of our sleep.
The side lights would be for docking and be not a s bright. Could also be used if/when a SAR or MOB situation occurred.
Since I am mostly single handing, I see it as a turn on the lights and then drive the boat situation, where the handheld spot is bright and mobile, it makes spotting a float, driving and retrieving or picking up a float really awkward.
Hope that makes sense.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
_________________
Though in our sleep we are not conscious of our activity or surroundings, we should not, in our wakefulness, be unconscious of our sleep.
Harvey, I have the Go Light mounted on the center of the bow rail and I have never noticed that it blocked my view. Even fly a flag above it and if anything that can block more...but again I don't notice it. Guess it is kinda similar to having big side mirrors on a truck, if there is a blind spot noted you don't really think about it...just mentally adjust for it. I also have side and stern flood lights....I don't use any of these often but when I do want them, they are there and very nice to have. Those lights are mounted on the radar arch...you can see pix of them on my album.
It sounds as though side mounted lights up on the arch might work. If they are angled slightly back you should not get too much direct white light and still get a fair amount of ambient lighting for docking, pickups etc. Personally I don't think they would help in daytime fog, reflections off water droplets would just make seeing harder. I am not a big fan of forward lights unless you are willing to give up night vision pretty much completely and keep them on all the time.
I see it as a turn on the lights and then drive the boat situation, where the handheld spot is bright and mobile, it makes spotting a float, driving and retrieving or picking up a float really awkward.
Generally running "driving lights" is frowned upon in boats. It not only hurts your night vision, but also will damage the night vision of others. I know that there are places where commercial boats do this (think of the fishing boats, squid boats etc on the West Coast. The Gulf Coast ICW some of the tugs will run search lights. (I just pull off the ICW until they go past)
Technically the Navigation regulations define the running lights, and nothing else which should be shown. If you want to be "seen"--I don't think that a "fog light" will be of much value--maybe put a super bright light on the 360 degree "steaming/anchor" light we have.
I have a moderat power 3 LED light just under the eyebrow of the aft cabin house which works well for both the cockpit and the area aft of the motor and would work find for backing into a dock about 50 feet back of the boat. The same type of lights could easily be used on each side of the cabin house. The only forward light we have used is a tractor type utility light which we put on the anchor with magnets--and this keeps the light below the deck level. It could also be used to point down at the water at low speeds in the open--not a real bright light or long range, but would show various debris in the water at low speed. Unfortunately we found that in your part of the woods, some times the logs were just under the surface of the water, and were almost impossible to see at daytime--let alone at night.
I have had several boats with the search light mounted on the top of a pilot house or hard top flying bridge. In every case, there was glare on the deck/railings which distracted from the view forward. The in the hull "docking lights" are sort of like what I use on a temporary basis on the anchor. If I really wanted a light forward, I would go with some of the LED in the hull docking lights.
I use the hand held spot light and drive the boat at the same time. It is mostly to pick up the buoy or pick out a marker. As for picking out debris--probably not a good option. Probably a FLIR vision is better there, but that means looking out the center window--for the budget version ($2K) of a hand held--the mounted FLIR camera is still in the $4K range.
Generally running "driving lights" is frowned upon in boats. It not only hurts your night vision, but also will damage the night vision of others. I know that there are places where commercial boats do this (think of the fishing boats, squid boats etc on the West Coast. The Gulf Coast ICW some of the tugs will run search lights. (I just pull off the ICW until they go past)
Technically the Navigation regulations define the running lights, and nothing else which should be shown. If you want to be "seen"--I don't think that a "fog light" will be of much value--maybe put a super bright light on the 360 degree "steaming/anchor" light we have.
I have a moderat power 3 LED light just under the eyebrow of the aft cabin house which works well for both the cockpit and the area aft of the motor and would work find for backing into a dock about 50 feet back of the boat. The same type of lights could easily be used on each side of the cabin house. The only forward light we have used is a tractor type utility light which we put on the anchor with magnets--and this keeps the light below the deck level. It could also be used to point down at the water at low speeds in the open--not a real bright light or long range, but would show various debris in the water at low speed. Unfortunately we found that in your part of the woods, some times the logs were just under the surface of the water, and were almost impossible to see at daytime--let alone at night.
I have had several boats with the search light mounted on the top of a pilot house or hard top flying bridge. In every case, there was glare on the deck/railings which distracted from the view forward. The in the hull "docking lights" are sort of like what I use on a temporary basis on the anchor. If I really wanted a light forward, I would go with some of the LED in the hull docking lights.
I use the hand held spot light and drive the boat at the same time. It is mostly to pick up the buoy or pick out a marker. As for picking out debris--probably not a good option. Probably a FLIR vision is better there, but that means looking out the center window--for the budget version ($2K) of a hand held--the mounted FLIR camera is still in the $4K range.
Being a bit of a night owl, I could see cruising late into the evening at times. In that case, have them on as Headlights would be for spotting floaters, logs, etc, while cruising. (That would be slow cruising) and yes, that would mean a loss of night vision, so they would be on similar to car headlights and somewhat like the fishing boats run with their work lights on.
DaveS: Thanks for the reply on the position of the spot and flag. It would take some getting used to, I would think, to be driving into that blind spot all the time, but I know that is a common place for the spotlight mounts on the C-Dorys. (Truck mirrors are more off to the side it seems.)
Thanks for the reply.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
DaveS: Thanks for the reply on the position of the spot and flag. It would take some getting used to, I would think, to be driving into that blind spot all the time, but I know that is a common place for the spotlight mounts on the C-Dorys. (Truck mirrors are more off to the side it seems.)
Thanks for the reply.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
hardee":16zb3ldv said:
I don't know if you are interested in opinions on whether to have the lights (vs. how to implement them), but I don't see this analogy "working" at sea. I say that because when driving a car at night, you are not using night vision at all. You have completely given up on night vision, and are pretty much 100% reliant on your headlights for everything you see. However, that's on roads, which are clearly defined (often even with reflective stripes). Everyone else operating a vehicle is also in their prescribed place, with their headlights.
But I don't see it being like that at sea (i.e. on the water). The darker the better, as there is no "road," and you are trying to see other people's lights, anything you can see with your night vision, etc. (as helpful as they are, chartplotters etc. can also be problematic for night vision, I find). So "headlights" seem to me like they would go against what you want. They would also confuse others who are trying to figure out what and where you are (granted, fishing boats do this, but they are working vessels so it comes with the territory).
I probably sound contrary, sorry.
Sunbeam
The first time I used a Go Light was when we had our 16' C-Dory Cruiser. We had established a campsite on Clark Island (in the San Juan Islands) and were awaiting the arrival of friends that were towing a Jon boat with all of their camping gear in waterproof bags on it. As darkness approached they called me to say that the Jon boat was taking on water in the tidal rips and they needed assistance. I cruised out and came along side them just when darkness set in and the contents of their Jon boat spilled out into the tidal rips. I told them to continue on to the island while I with the Go Light illuminating the line of bags bobbing in the water, managed to retrieve nearly all of their waterproof bags. When I joined them back at the island we unloaded all of their equipment from Sea Shift to the shore. Then I motored Sea Shift off shore and with the Go Light illuminating the shore line, they unloaded the remaining bags from the Jon boat and carried all of their gear up to the campsite. (Ironically, I had just mounted that Go Light earlier that day). We all felt that having the light was an asset to the task at hand.
The Go Light mounted on the bow rail of our 22' is handy on occasion when approaching and reconnoitering a darkened dock at night.
As for the flood lights mounted on the radar arch, I've used the stern light for illuminating the stern of the vessel when backing into a slip after dark and the side lights when coming along side the dock at night. Additionally, once secured to a dock the stern light and side lights are convenient for any dockside activity when additional lighting is helpful.
Do I use them often? No, however they sure are convenient in some situations. Do, I use the bow light as a "headlight" for "driving" in darkness? No.
If I were outfitting another boat again, would I repeat the addition of these lights? Absolutely.
What prompted me to install "scene lights" in the first place? We have them on our Fire/Rescue boat and have found them to be extremely beneficial in several night time operations.
(Note: I generally don't cruise at night, but in a few instances I have arrived at my destination after dark.)
The Go Light mounted on the bow rail of our 22' is handy on occasion when approaching and reconnoitering a darkened dock at night.
As for the flood lights mounted on the radar arch, I've used the stern light for illuminating the stern of the vessel when backing into a slip after dark and the side lights when coming along side the dock at night. Additionally, once secured to a dock the stern light and side lights are convenient for any dockside activity when additional lighting is helpful.
Do I use them often? No, however they sure are convenient in some situations. Do, I use the bow light as a "headlight" for "driving" in darkness? No.
If I were outfitting another boat again, would I repeat the addition of these lights? Absolutely.
What prompted me to install "scene lights" in the first place? We have them on our Fire/Rescue boat and have found them to be extremely beneficial in several night time operations.
(Note: I generally don't cruise at night, but in a few instances I have arrived at my destination after dark.)
Lights facing backwards (astern) on a boat are often useful when launching at night or early in the morning.
Your tow vehicle's backup lights only light up the boat's bow area, and don't put much light at all behind the boat.
On the other hand, lights on the cabin top facing backwards flood the entirre area behind the boat and trailer, making backing down the ramp and launching much easier.
Joe. :teeth :thup
Your tow vehicle's backup lights only light up the boat's bow area, and don't put much light at all behind the boat.
On the other hand, lights on the cabin top facing backwards flood the entirre area behind the boat and trailer, making backing down the ramp and launching much easier.
Joe. :teeth :thup
I have a spotlight mounted on the front of the cabin roof (pics in album). It is an auto that will turn left/right, up/down. I have never used it for coming along side in the dark. I have used it in the middle of the night when up anchor and move to deeper water. I do not recall bow rail reflection or serious night vision loss. I never thought to turn it on in fog, but would probable get reflection 'bounce back'. Only downside to mounting the light where mine is, will it impede the dink stowage? I have the low radar arch so can not place part of the dink under the arch. My 6' 7" long dink fits nicely with about 20" to spare. So in theory I guess I could have an 8' dink up there.
Martin.
Martin.
Here is the solution. It was just mentioned in Panbo today, and will not go on sale until Dec 1. The IRIS295 NIGHTRUNNER is a dual camera--IR 320 x 240 VOx microbolometer, Like FLIR's and a Sony low light/daylight camera with pan and tilt, all connected with a Cat 5 cable, for about $5,000. FLIR's nearest computer is about $15,000. From their preliminary photos the night vision technology is equal too or better than the FLIR. If so, GAME ON, and I suspect we will see FLIR camera prices coming down rapidly--as we have seen with the home inspection field in the last year. This does not include the monitor, but these are reasonably cheap.
I am not surprised to see someone else enter the field, and up the ante, with night vision. I suspect we will see other competitors shortly. After all many of the high end cars now have IR cameras--and they cannot cost $15,000 each...It is possible that one could buy the camera alone, and make his own IR setup not too far down the line.
Here is a video of the core camera--and the Iris unit has enhancements, plus the pan and tilt: http://www.drs.com/Products/RSTA/Tamarisk_media.aspx
I am not surprised to see someone else enter the field, and up the ante, with night vision. I suspect we will see other competitors shortly. After all many of the high end cars now have IR cameras--and they cannot cost $15,000 each...It is possible that one could buy the camera alone, and make his own IR setup not too far down the line.
Here is a video of the core camera--and the Iris unit has enhancements, plus the pan and tilt: http://www.drs.com/Products/RSTA/Tamarisk_media.aspx