Lamps or Lights pros/cons

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May 7, 2004
8
Catalina 27 Ohio
Want to replace lights in an older c27. There are as many oil lamps as hard wired lighting fixtures for sale. What is the experience with oil lamps, leaking, soot, smoke on cabin top? Any advice welcomed. Jeff
 
P

Paul

Lamps

I have two oil lamps that I really enjoy. I use my lights while underway and use the lamps mostly at anchor to conserve battery. I really enjoy the atmosphere they give. I have never experienced them leaking and soot from the flame is not noticable. I'm very happy with them!
 
Dec 2, 2003
110
- - Rochester NY
We use both. Same as Paul. The ambience

of the oil lamps sets a great mood. They do give off some heat so not so good below in hot weather. Look for ones with the "lid" (for lack of a better word)or closed chimney to protect your overhead from any possible smoke smudges. We do use our DC lights most of the time at the dock and for reading.
 
Jun 4, 2004
35
Catalina 27 Rochester, NY
Consider solar-powered landscape lights

As an alternative to oil lights in the cockpit, consider using a $20 solar-powered landscaping light. No drain on your marine battery. With care, some types of the light housings can be disassembled and, with a little creativity, you can make your own fixture or modify the orginal to fit your boat's character.
 
May 18, 2004
72
Catalina 30 Navarre Beach, Fl
2nd vote for solar lawn lights

I found a real nice design at Lowe's. it has plastic case, I removed the bottom portion that you would use to stick it into the gound and drilled holes in the top to insert o ring type screws and added a strap of leather to hang from the boom or wherever needed.
 
Dec 2, 2003
110
- - Rochester NY
A word of caution with the solar lights.

Most of them are too dim to be seen at the ColRegs required two-mile radius for use as an anchor light. For other purposes, fine.
 
Jun 4, 2004
35
Catalina 27 Rochester, NY
Solar lights for ambience, only..

I agree with Lauraine. I am only recommending these lights for lighting in the cockpit, not for any type of signal light.
 
Jun 6, 2004
3
- - Newbury
Lights or lamps

Lamps are fine, but use liquid parafin instead of lamp oil to reduce or eliminate smoke and soot.
 
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