Docking / Slow running lights??

[REW]

I was just toying with some ideas for docking lights.
Yes, you can have a big - remote controlled spot light - great,
yes, you can have a hand held spot light - have one - its fine;
but, I was thinking that typically on the way - home, I don't use my front mounted GPS - that is mounted on a ram ball mount.

I thought that a person could simply mount a pair of the low profile driving lights that you can get at any car parts store or wall mart for about $20 - an an aluminum bar - with a ram mount on the end -- add a ligher end to the lights - to allow insertion into the 12 volt accessory panel.

Then, basically keep the lights angled off to the front and off to the sides, to aid in slow speed running, docking etc.

I really don't like to have any lights mounted on the boat during the day - to get in the way - but should work just fine for those needed night time applications.

Any one have any experience - with such an application - or is there something better for docking.

I had looked at the lights that are bolted to the bow red/green light - but didn't want a high mounted light like those which would create quite a stress on the bow mount light.

Appreciate any other suggestions, before getting such a pair of lights and mounting on the boat.

Take care
REW

[REW]

Bmp

[Pitts]

Rew I saw a post a while ago that someone mounts a set of amber lights to the side of there boat for when they are bobber fishing or pulling boards within 50' of the boat and they said it worked like a champ. They said it lit up the water real nice and never used lighted bobbers or glowsticks for the boards.
I can't imagine why you would need to use an expensive ram mount to mount these lights but if ya have an extra it would make a nice mount. I think I would buy the spring clamps with the rubber tip on them and drill a hole in the handle to mount the light and just clamp 1 or 2 up front pointed forward or any other direction to aid in navigation or docking.
I think I will get a pair and try them this summer for both applications and if I think I will need them for getting into the dock I can use them for that also.
What are the legal rules on using a stronger light at night doing these activities while on the water.


Pitts

[REW]

I am not sure if there are any leagal rules out there prohibiting lights.

The things that are listed in the regs for the inland lakes here - are
1. A bow light - red and green that can be seen from 1/4 mile away - while running.
2. A 360 degree white light - that must be on the stern on the boat, visable for 1/4 mile - either anchored, or running.

I see nothing in the regs - prohibiting additional lights.

Thanks very much

REW

[Boatnut]

REW,
According to Chapman piloting and small boat seamanship, under "rules of the road: lights and day shapes", page 79 ( in my edition)- it states under "when lights and shapes are shown" the following:

"Vessels are required to show the proper navigation lights from sunset to sunrise in all weather conditions. During these times, no other lights that could be mistaken for lights specified in the Rules can be displayed,nor any lights that impair the visibility or distinctive character of navigation lights , or interfere with the keeping of a proper lookout"

In my opinion, displaying any other lights could make it hard to distuinguish what type of vessel one is looking at. This is probably more of an issue on the Great Lakes vs. smaller inland lakes. Also bright lights on the front could make it hard for someone to see your red/green lights.

[mike]

Good point!!!!!

[Den]

REW, if you do get a set of the front lights, be sure to get the amber or the yellow ones, there are 2 reasons, one is the white lights dont show the floating objects if they are light in color,second, if your boat happens to be pointed at somebody while going in, the lights will blind them, the amber or yellow is a lot better on the eyes. this is from some experience, i carry a q-beam for emergencies, and to look at the musky after i release them after dark, but the amber lights are better for looking at objects you hope you dont see in the water. i hope this helps. good luck and good fishin.
Den

[bigfish1965]

I would thing that a few fog lights mounted right under the nose would suffice. Having them on a handy switch so that they are only turned on when docking etc. would cure the problem of compliance.

[REW]

Good responses all -
I appreciate the commnent about having - the convenient switch on the dash for the remote mounted lights.
Also the comment about using the low mounted - amber or orange "fog" lights - good observation.
I think that is exactly what I will go with.

For the fellow that gave the post about "chapman" and navigation rules - for whom does he speak? Is he representing the " rules of the road - so to speak - as set down by the coast guard? --
I appreciate the comment, because it certainly makes sense. i.e. if you have a bright white light out the front - you won't be able to see the colored lights.

I did check the regs for MN - in the official book and they did say - that for boats in the 40-65 foot length - that you HAD to have a front mounted white light - BUT - it had to be at least 9 feet above the height of the red and green lights.

thanks for the updates.

REW

[Yup Pup]

Your original idea sounds great. I will try it...or I will add small optima lights on a home-made bracket that will allow them to be removed when not in use.

[Boatnut]

REW,
The "Rules of the Road" are sets of statutory requirements enacted by Congress to promote safety of navigation. The Coast Guard only enforces the rules. I was merely quoting from Chapman's which is the "bible" of small boat seamanship.

[Retina burn]

You can run a spot or flood intermittently during navigation. Just not like a set of headlights on a car. During docking is no problem at all. Common sense says that you just make sure that you are not blowing some guys retina's out while he is approaching.

[Arrowhead]

REW,
I have that set-up on my boat (2nd one set-up this way) single auto flood on ram mount, installed on/off switch on case of light. I only use this to load boat on trailer where lighting is poor at night. I do not use this when under way. The ram mount normally has my front depth finder on it. When I ran aux .power to that unit I added the lighter outlet at the same time. Works great but only need it a couple of times a year.

[REW]

I think that I am going to go with my original idea - but I am going to install another 12 volt accessory plug on the bow, with a remote on/off switch on the dash. This will allow me- once I am through fishing for the day - to store my bow mounted gps, install my docking lights on the same mount - plug the lights into the remotely switched outlet, and then toggle the switch as required, during any maneuvers requiring some illumination.

Thanks for all of the input.
Take care
REW

[Rapaleye]

REW,
I don't know if you have seen these but look in Cabelas Marine catalog on page 56. The Optronics lights claim to be designed for what you describe. 55 watt halogen light comes with its own switch and an in-line fuse for $15. For that price they might be worth a try.
Good luck
Jim