I'm considering spreader lights but have been cautioned that they can be more trouble than they are worth because they loosen over time as the main beats on them.
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Greg aboard 'BlueBerry'
enlightening experience
First installed them 16 years ago, and love them. My new boat also has them on, but if they did not I would definitely install. They were located close to the mast, one on each side, so really did not get flogged by the main. The only problem I ever had was a bulb burning out....no big deal. Next time you are on your deck at night, with a flashlight in your teeth, trying to make repairs, remember how much easier it would be with spreader lights! =)
First installed them 16 years ago, and love them. My new boat also has them on, but if they did not I would definitely install. They were located close to the mast, one on each side, so really did not get flogged by the main. The only problem I ever had was a bulb burning out....no big deal. Next time you are on your deck at night, with a flashlight in your teeth, trying to make repairs, remember how much easier it would be with spreader lights! =)
I can imagine!
Dave: I can imagine that they would be a problem if you get some of those old clunky looking units. There are also the streamline ones that you attach to the mast. I think I would opt for something like that. I have also thought about doing the same thing but never wanted to mess with the wiring.
Dave: I can imagine that they would be a problem if you get some of those old clunky looking units. There are also the streamline ones that you attach to the mast. I think I would opt for something like that. I have also thought about doing the same thing but never wanted to mess with the wiring.
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Jay Hill
Install 'em
The advantages far out weigh the disadvantages. And besides, everything will loosen if the sail beats on it long enough. Just install the type/size in the right location to keep the sail off of 'em.
The advantages far out weigh the disadvantages. And besides, everything will loosen if the sail beats on it long enough. Just install the type/size in the right location to keep the sail off of 'em.
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Jim Logan
Spreader lights are great
I've had the older, round, clunky sort for years on my 1980 H33. They are great - I mostly use them for loading and unloading the boat safely at night at unlighted docks - but if you install them correctly, it would seem that the sails would touch them rarely, if at all. At least on mine, I don't have the problem, even though I use a 150% Genny a lot. Also, if you are worried about someone seeing you at night - turn em on - you'll lose your night vision, but 500 square feet of white sail illuminated is hard to not see if anyone is looking. I wouldn't want to have a boat that was used reguarly at night without them.
I've had the older, round, clunky sort for years on my 1980 H33. They are great - I mostly use them for loading and unloading the boat safely at night at unlighted docks - but if you install them correctly, it would seem that the sails would touch them rarely, if at all. At least on mine, I don't have the problem, even though I use a 150% Genny a lot. Also, if you are worried about someone seeing you at night - turn em on - you'll lose your night vision, but 500 square feet of white sail illuminated is hard to not see if anyone is looking. I wouldn't want to have a boat that was used reguarly at night without them.
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Larry W.
Spreader lights
Dave; Lots of wind over the deck at night, going forward to wrestle down the unrolling/jammed genny made me appreciate spreader lights.
Dave; Lots of wind over the deck at night, going forward to wrestle down the unrolling/jammed genny made me appreciate spreader lights.
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Ed Schenck
How do they differ from. . . .
a deck light? My '79 H37C has a deck light mounted on the front of the mast. I think it is original since there is a marked switch on the panel. It seems to do a nice job of lighting the foredeck and an area six or so feet aft of the mast. So how are the spreader lights different? Seems they would be a lot harder to wire.
a deck light? My '79 H37C has a deck light mounted on the front of the mast. I think it is original since there is a marked switch on the panel. It seems to do a nice job of lighting the foredeck and an area six or so feet aft of the mast. So how are the spreader lights different? Seems they would be a lot harder to wire.
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Frank Walker
Combo Steaming/deck light
I have one of those combination steaming/deck lights mounted on the front of my mast. It does a good job when working on the foredeck, and is a lot easier to wire than those spreader lights. The jib passes over it but neither the light or sail seem worse for wear. Frank
I have one of those combination steaming/deck lights mounted on the front of my mast. It does a good job when working on the foredeck, and is a lot easier to wire than those spreader lights. The jib passes over it but neither the light or sail seem worse for wear. Frank
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