Dinghy Lights

[jviss]

I think I may have started a thread on this topic 10 or so years ago, but I regret to report that apparently nothing has changed. They all suck!

I'm starting a cruise this week and there are places I'm going, like Newport, RI, where I really want lights on the dink. It seems most folks with small boats and RIBS eschew lights; in fact, many aren't even registered. But not only do I want to comply with the regs, I don't want to get run down!

I had purchased what I thought was a great combo maybe ten years ago, but they have turned to crapola. I just ordered a cheap set. I'll see how they do.

My dream setup will be LED bow and stern lights that are fixed to the RIB with sheets of Hypalon, and channels covered with Hypalon leading to a switch on the seat and a Li-Ion battery. The ultimate addition would be a switched spotlight pointing forward for finding the big boat. But, I never seem to get around to this project!

Here's what I just bought:

Pactrade Marine Black Housing Navigation Light Inflatable Boat Surface Mount Adhesive Base LED 3 AA Battery Operated (White with Base Mounts)

Pactrade Marine Boat LED Portable Bi-Color Port/Starboard inflatables Navigation Light Battery Operated Suction Mount

(I have zero confidence in the suction mount, I will figure out a way to lash this, using the tow ring and the inside hoisting ring. Or maybe just glue it!)

Wondering, what do others do?

 

[ggrizzard]

Navisafe makes a line of lights that were designed for the purpose. They are not cheap.
But, they meet Coast Guard specs. They do stand behind their product. My all around white light stopped working. I sent it back. They replaced it free of charge. Not sure if that policy still goes. They also have mounts for various applications.

navisafe lights at DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo. Privacy, Simplified.

duckduckgo.com

 

[jviss]

Navisafe makes a line of lights that were designed for the purpose. They are not cheap.
But, they meet Coast Guard specs. They do stand behind their product. My all around white light stopped working. I sent it back. They replaced it free of charge. Not sure if that policy still goes. They also have mounts for various applications.

Huh! That's what I had! Yea, both my red/green and white lights failed. I wonder where they are....

One thing, I don't care for how they project vertically. I lost one red/green when the glue for the pad let go, and the second one failed, too, but I had tethered the light so I recovered it. The plastic receptacle for the white that I screwed to the outboard cover turned ugly after a couple of years in the sun.

 

[ggrizzard]

Very few plastics can be left out in the sun long term.

 

[dlochner]

Navisafe makes a line of lights that were designed for the purpose. They are not cheap.
But, they meet Coast Guard specs. They do stand behind their product. My all around white light stopped working. I sent it back. They replaced it free of charge. Not sure if that policy still goes. They also have mounts for various applications.

navisafe lights at DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo. Privacy, Simplified.

duckduckgo.com

That's what I have. Work well, except the post for the stern light can be a bit difficult to install and remove.

 

[TimFromLI]

The bow suction cup light lasts about one season. I gave up. I took my suction cup light took out the guts and put a harbor freight led flash light inside. works great. An led transom mount light works fine.

 

[Rich Stidger]

I simply use a handheld white LED flashlight aimed forward. If I see or hear another boat, I point the light in that direction so that they see me. I realize this doesn't meet regulations for an outboard powered vessel, but I have never been called out with it.

 

[capta]

I should think that AA powered nav lights with the switch right on the light would be more realistic than wired lights. Having spent so much time outside the USCG and US LEO's territory, I made a stab at nav lights on my Zodiac, even though they were not policing us at all about that stuff. When we wanted to be noticed, we held an all around white light several feet above our heads, on a pole. If we forgot it, it really didn't bother us, as we could see well enough to see other boats and find our boat with ease.

 

[dLj]

I run an 8 foot rowing dinghy. The only requirement for lights is to have a flashlight available. I have an awesome LED flashlight that has 5 intensity settings - an excellent range; a rechargeable lithium battery that lasts a very long time; charges up via a USB-C type connector (same as my phone); and is the only flashlight that survived unscathed after a year at sea (5 other types/brands did not survive).

Even if you still need the tri-colors because you run a motor, I would highly recommend having this light with you. It's model E11-G2 from Powertac. When I originally purchased that flashlight several years ago, it was listed as a "tactical flashlight" - whatever that means - but most with that label are much more expensive than this light. It's IPX8 rated. No connections to Powertac, just a very happy customer.

E11-G2 -1300 Lumen Rechargeable EDC Flashlight

Key Features:1300 Lumens Max Output12,100 CandelaSimple User InterfaceRechargeable with Type-C charging portNon-Aggressive Knurling for Everyday Pocket Carry...

www.powertac.com

I run mine using a headband by Nite Ize - but I don't know if those are still around - I bought mine like 20 years ago... I went to their website and they do still make it - interestingly it states in the description that this was the product "that started it all".... I'm sure there are other manufacturers that you can find. When I'm at night with crew, I wear this around my neck, not on my head...

Headband™ Flashlight Holder

The Headband is the product that started it all. This product offers a simple solution to the problem of how to hold a flashlight when working with your hands. The adjustable Headband quickly turns your flashlight into a headlamp.

niteize.com

dj

 

[Project_Mayhem]

These might work. I have a set if you'd like some more pics. A pocket or flap to secure or keep them out of the sun might be a good idea. at $5 I wouldn't hesitate to solder some wires to them for wiring and a switch. The same company makes a white one as well
Amazon.com

 

[jviss]

Thanks, very interesting!