spotlight

[gettinthere]

I'm looking for a spotlight.
Something I can use to illuminate ATONS at night. So it should be fairly narrow beam and long throw. Not for any other use, I have other lights for inside the boat, etc. Prefer battery power vs corded. Perhaps rechargeable but that's not a must. If it is rechargeable, it must be 12 volt rechargeable. I'm leery of rechargeable battery life.
Also would like a small size if possible.
What works out there?

 

[Rich Stidger]

Get a rechargeable 12V spotlight. They usually use sealed lead acid batteries, put out phenomenal light and last for years. About $20-30 at lots of retailers. I can't remember what the light output is for the one I have but it is blindingly bright. It will illuminate the ATONs at 1/8 mile easily.

 

[gettinthere]

20 to 30? I'm seeing $60 & up, and they are BIG units. Hoping for 20 to 30 but haven't seen anything in that price

 

[seadaddler]

west marine

I got a rechargable spot at a sailboat show and it was a great price and it works great,for a sale or internet.
Go to west marine see what they carry and look for the same model on internet and wm will match the price.
Nick

 

[Steve_Catalina]

Gettinthere,

You cannot get there from here without searching a bit more efficiently.

There are may sites and good dealers, but try Defender.com and search on "spotlight"

Good luck,,
SC

 

[Rich Stidger]

20 to 30? I'm seeing $60 & up, and they are BIG units. Hoping for 20 to 30 but haven't seen anything in that price

OK, I was a bit off in the $20-30. Try $35 (regular price,not sale) at Defender for a 2,000,000 candlepower rechargeable with both A/C and 12V chargers. You can get a rechargeable with 1,000,000 candlepower for $20 and 12V plug-in units for under $20. I wouldn't recommend a plug-in style- the cord is a PITA.

 

[gettinthere]

Looking at the defender spotlights.
thanks

 

[Cest La Vie]

While I use a couple of the large mega candlepower units on my boat, I find that they generally are 1)bulky, 2)in need of timely charging (they tend to be dead when you need them most) and 3) they have an incredible amount of spill over light that makes them less than easy to use in many situations. I recently ran across a small unit made by Dorcy (http://www.sears.com/dorcy-cree-xre...p-03493599000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1) that has an intense, focus beam in a small form factor. The beam is tight, reaches out to the moon, and can be charged with both 110 v and 12 v chargers. The handle is shaped like a small mag light, but it light weight and can be stuffed in a pocket if you find yourself needing both hands. After use on the water, I highly recommend this item.

 

[gettinthere]

While I use a couple of the large mega candlepower units on my boat, I find that they generally are 1)bulky, 2)in need of timely charging (they tend to be dead when you need them most) and 3) they have an incredible amount of spill over light that makes them less than easy to use in many situations. I recently ran across a small unit made by Dorcy (http://www.sears.com/dorcy-cree-xre...p-03493599000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1) that has an intense, focus beam in a small form factor. The beam is tight, reaches out to the moon, and can be charged with both 110 v and 12 v chargers. The handle is shaped like a small mag light, but it light weight and can be stuffed in a pocket if you find yourself needing both hands. After use on the water, I highly recommend this item.

Now that's what I'm talkin bout!

Thnx

 

[RichH]

I prefer the 1 million+ candlepower, halogen 12vdc spotlights with extra long extension cords with 'cigarette lighter' bayonet connectors.

Dont need to be charged, dont lose charge when not being charged, no batteries (other than house batteries) required. Still fairly cheap and lightweight, etc. RELIABLE.
Can reheat cold coffee in an emergency.

 

[rpwillia]

West Marine

Friend has a small West Marine on that is very small and compact and puts out a narrow beam. It also has a laser pointer thing that will light up a buoy at 2 miles. Really nice, but ouch the prices.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...&subdeptNum=50586&classNum=50591#.UGZC_5jA8T4

 

[sailaway78]

The dorcy

That little Dorcy from Sears looks pretty nice, but it uses NiCad batts. I don't like those. They are too picky about recharging. The memory of NiCads just doesn't make them a good choice. I wonder if that thing uses rechargable D's. Now that would be a good light.

 

[Tree]

Get this little Rayovac LED. Cheap. Nice tight beam, not much spill over. Very strong little unit. Uses batteries and it's easy to stow. If it's not up to the task, you've not invested very much. I found mine at Walmart.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/rayovac-indestructible-led-lantern.aspx?a=864983

 

[Jackdaw]

+1 on the Dorcy LED flashlights. Both of our boats have them. They are not flashlights, they are freeking light sabers.

The trick with this purpose light is that they need to be 100% ready whenever you need them. To me that rules out rechargeables. LEDs with EverReady lithium batteries and you are good for 5 years +

Just don't shine it on your deck, it will ruin your night vision for 30 minutes.

 

[gettinthere]

Update...
Bought the Dorcy Cree at Sears for about $37. Lights up reflective markers at least 500 yards away & non reflective stuff about 250 yards. Fairly small & very solid build.
Thanks all...

 

[whatfiero]

ya cant beat the mag light 6d cell for adjustable beam with and there good for a banging stick