LED deck lighting?

[Rodd]

On my recent cruise I saw a Valiant 40 at anchor with blue LED lighting shining down from what looked to be a mount on each side of the mast. The lights shone down and angled out so that both the mast and the deck were illuminated on both sides of the boat. This looked like a great idea so that in an anchorage you are well lighted, but not burning through 3 amps per hour of traditional anchor lights.
Has anyone seen something similar or have a recommendation as to what manufacturer makes these?

 

[kappykaplan]

Check the store on this site. I purchased a pair of white LED spreader lights in 2009 - they work GREAT!

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?3978/Caprera2+-+LED+Flood+Light

 

[centerline]

the link above show some great lights, but no matter how good of a deal you get on them, the lights are still expensive, but definitely worth it. very bright....
my boat has "spreader" lights mounted to the mast for deck lighting, and I have seen several of the same type in the chandlery's and used boat parts stores for reasonable prices... ebay has some new and used.

I have removed the halogen bulbs from mine and installed LED bulbs.... they work great. almost any housing can be converted to LED, but for the environment, you will want a marine housing.....

 

[JK_Boston_Catalina310]

Deck lighting doesn't replace a traditional anchor light. You still need a 2nm visibility white all around light. As others have said, there are LED options for navigation lights but they are not the cheap LED replacement bulbs. You can be fined by the USCG for not having certified lights on your boat.

 

[jssailem]

While these blue lights look cool, research indicates the blue wavelengths screw with your sleep patterns - http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side .

I was looking at blue light to improve night vision and alertness. But research indicated to idea was fraught with issues.

Reason, I'm sticking with red lights in the cabin for night vision.

 

[Rodd]

Thanks everyone for the responses. Yes, I know you are still required to use a 2nm white light at anchor. I am using that (with LED replacement bulb installed). However , I have found that in busy anchorages with lots of power boats and launches underway, it's best to have some lighting lower down. The other boaters don't always look up-- in fact I had a powerboat drive right over my anchor rode and catch it in his prop once. Blue lighting shining down on the deck would definitely make my anchored boat safer.

 

[JK_Boston_Catalina310]

Thanks everyone for the responses. Yes, I know you are still required to use a 2nm white light at anchor. I am using that (with LED replacement bulb installed). However , I have found that in busy anchorages with lots of power boats and launches underway, it's best to have some lighting lower down. The other boaters don't always look up-- in fact I had a powerboat drive right over my anchor rode and catch it in his prop once. Blue lighting shining down on the deck would definitely make my anchored boat safer.

I agree with the thought that power boats are the biggest threat to anchored boats. And lights 50 feet of the water aren't going to help that.

What most cruisers do for this is put out solar lights. Either the cheap $1 ones from the home box store or the LUCI Light. LUCI Lights are Inflatable cones with LED bulbs and a small solar panel. They are about $16 each and 2-3 down each side of your boat will make you very visible.

 

[jssailem]

Like the Luci light. Not only last all night but can be set to blink to make your boat stand out. Unless it blinks SOS ( do not remember if it blinks a signal) then you might get too much attention.

 

[hewebb]

A friend put a string of led lights with adhesive on the bottom of the spreaders for deck lights. They seem to work quite well.

 

[JamesG161]

Caution:
Flashing or certain colored lights can give false navigational signals.

The LED light strings (popular on power party boats) might work in poor visibility.

Jim...

 

[Justin_NSA]

While these blue lights look cool, research indicates the blue wavelengths screw with your sleep patterns - http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side .

I was looking at blue light to improve night vision and alertness. But research indicated to idea was fraught with issues.

Reason, I'm sticking with red lights in the cabin for night vision.

I still remember my time in the Marines when our squadron used to deploy on the USS Midway. When we went to 'darkened ship', only red lights were allowed topside to reduce our image and still get around the flight deck. Even so, I still bloodied my shins on our aircraft tiedown chains. I agree. If you want to see without killing your night vision, stick with red.

 

[scottdube]

Deck lighting doesn't replace a traditional anchor light. You still need a 2nm visibility white all around light. As others have said, there are LED options for navigation lights but they are not the cheap LED replacement bulbs. You can be fined by the USCG for not having certified lights on your boat.

You only need to run an anchor light when anchoring outside of a designated anchorage. I have found most times we are anchoring within a designated anchorage. The LED deck light is far more effective as a collision avoidance light than a compliant anchor light. That said I have replaced both with LEDs and can run both if I desire.

 

[Gunni]

You only need to run an anchor light when anchoring outside of a designated anchorage. I have found most times we are anchoring within a designated anchorage.

Depends on your length, and whether said designated anchorage is charted.

 

[scottdube]

Depends on your length, and whether said designated anchorage is charted.

I think most of us in this forum are under the the limit. I said designated anchorage which is what the reg says...

• (g) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length, when at anchor in a special anchorage area designated by the Secretary, shall not be required to exhibit the anchor lights and shapes required by this Rule. [Inld]

 

[jssailem]

That is the rule. Not sure all boaters are rule savvy. Or even 'Rule" aware. When I anchor I turn on a LED anchor light, and if there is a lot of traffic I hang solar power LUCI on the boom. to help the boat driver challenged recognize the boat when they try to hit it.