Classic AquaSport
Aquasport Mechanicals - things that need a wrench, screwdriver or multimeter => Electrical => Topic started by: Spectre5922 on January 18, 2012, 10:08:24 AM
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I am about to run the wiring for the anchor light on my 19-6 and am looking for some opinions. I am trying to decide whether to mount it with a really tall shaft on the top of the console or to mount it in the original location (starboard aft). I figure that if I mount it on the console, it will definitely be noticable from 360 degrees and will lessen the chances of being blinded by it while night fishing. Are there any reasons why I should not.mount it on the console? Keep in mind that it will be plugged into a socket... Not permanently mounted. Let me know what you guys think.
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Top of console is where mine is mounted. I got one of the extendable shaft lights so its easier to store.
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My 86 170 Osprey was that type.
Unless you have a top that would get in the way (think Bimini), that's the way to go.
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Thanks for the responses guys. I thought about the extendable ones, but I haven't seen any that were led. I am running ALL led lights on the boat with the exception of probably a spotlight (I already have my led navigation lights and red courtesy lights). I will just end up using one of the plug in sockets and pull the light when not in use. I will probably go with the 48" to get it fairly high overhead. I don't want to run into any issues with it blinding me while night fishing. I AM considering installing a bimini top eventually Bob, but I wouldn't have a need for it to be up at the same time that I would need an anchor light out. If it ever became an issue, I could always buy a really cheap, shorter light for those instances.
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Thanks for the responses guys. I thought about the extendable ones, but I haven't seen any that were led. I am running ALL led lights on the boat with the exception of probably a spotlight (I already have my led navigation lights and red courtesy lights). I will just end up using one of the plug in sockets and pull the light when not in use. I will probably go with the 48" to get it fairly high overhead. I don't want to run into any issues with it blinding me while night fishing. I AM considering installing a bimini top eventually Bob, but I wouldn't have a need for it to be up at the same time that I would need an anchor light out. If it ever became an issue, I could always buy a really cheap, shorter light for those instances.
Get an extendable version and put an LED bulb in it. :wink:
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Worked on this same thing yesterday with nav lights. Called Seabob, he recommended Defender.
Go to Defender...search LED anchor lights...they had a ton of them. All prices. Some made in Germany too.
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It is my opinion that having the anchor light right above you will hamper your vision while trying to drive at night.
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It is my opinion that having the anchor light right above you will hamper your vision while trying to drive at night.
True if it's not up high enough. Also remember an anchor light is not required on vessels less than 20 meters while underway - only bow/side marker lights and a stern light. You may want to set up the switches to only light the anchor light, and have it off when the nav lights are on. :thumleft:
AND, technically, an anchor light is not required on a vessel less than 7 meters that is anchored at night, as long as there is a flashlight, lantern, or torch available to light the vessel adequately to avoid a collision. Ever wonder why there are so many 22 foot boats? One reason is that some USCG rules only apply to boats 7 meters and more - and 7 meters is 23 feet! :wink:
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You guys have seen this from Innovative Lighting, haven't you?
(http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh301/seabob4/Proline%20website%20pics/Hardware/large_f40641187207148111.jpg)
Telescopes to 6', recesses flush...
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Thought about mounting it on top of the outboard?
Any kind of plug in stern light is a corrosion nightmare, the plug seems to hold water and has a very short life
Capt Matt
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Thought about mounting it on top of the outboard?
Very popular in the 70s/80s.
Don't see it too much (if at all) these days. I wonder why?
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You guys have seen this from Innovative Lighting, haven't you?
(http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh301/seabob4/Proline%20website%20pics/Hardware/large_f40641187207148111.jpg)
Telescopes to 6', recesses flush...
That's the kind I bought in the manual version - collapse it and store it under the gunnel out of sight.
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I mocked up the anchor light with the base today at work. With the 48" shaft, the light will be around 18" or so above my head while standing at the helm. Do you guys think that's enough? Also, the one that I am looking at has an adjustable head, so I can pivot it forward some to where it is level while under way.
I have toyed with the idea of using a telescoping shaft light, but it can't recess far enough into the console to do much good, which puts it back at the stern again, which I'm really not sure of.
There IS a telescoping light that comes with a fixed base where the shaft extends from 32"-60" though that MIGHT work at the stern, but it would get in the way while night fishing, and it is black.
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18" above you and approx. 2 ft. in front of you, I just think its going to hamper your night vision while driving. Have you thought about having a stern light for when you are running in addition to this anchor light?
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Install the anchor light in the original position, either get a 48" or 60" pole, and be done with it. During the day, remove and stow.
The CG is not going to give you any chit whether your light is the required X" above any permanant structure, they're just going to care whether they can see it or not. Maybe your Marine Patrol might, but I doubt it...
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Spec,
Last thing you want is having that 360 hamper your vision at the helm. As the boys said...get it away from your eyes.
Tough enough running at night...and doing a good prudent job.
If you want/need to mount it from the console...you could shield the light from below the base.
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I see anchor lights mounted on outboards around here all the time, they have no pole though and are just an all around white light. The less light on your console when running at night the better, even with my chartplotte and gauges turned to the lowest light level they still mess with my vision at night a little.
Just never look up from the chartplotter/gps and drop the hammer!
Capt Matt
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First time I saw an anchor light mounted on top of a dash I thought, "WTF?"...
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I see anchor lights mounted on outboards around here all the time, they have no pole though and are just an all around white light. The less light on your console when running at night the better, even with my chartplotte and gauges turned to the lowest light level they still mess with my vision at night a little.
Just never look up from the chartplotter/gps and drop the hammer!
Capt Matt
Don't know about down your way...but late at night around here...there is always a commercial spot/mullet boat tending nets...in the channel.
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I see anchor lights mounted on outboards around here all the time, they have no pole though and are just an all around white light. The less light on your console when running at night the better, even with my chartplotte and gauges turned to the lowest light level they still mess with my vision at night a little.
Just never look up from the chartplotter/gps and drop the hammer!
Capt Matt
Don't know about down your way...but late at night around here...there is always a commercial spot/mullet boat tending nets...in the channel.
We have them down here as well, Scott. But usually there will be some light on board, regardless of whether it meets regs or not. See one, slow down and assess...
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Sure hope they show a good light down your way.
Up here...they shine a spotlight just once before you get ready to trash their mess. And their mess can be in the channel...out of the channel...and all points in between.
Ain't pretty once it starts off. Been dealing with gillnetters closing up a channel up here since I was fifteen years old.
Don't bring a handgun to a shotgun fight.
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And always keep in mind, even on a totally full moon lit night, your visability is SIGNIFICANTLY reduced! Hauling a$$ at night in a channel known for crabbing , netting, or locals out for some shrimp is not the best locale to be "puttin' the hammer down"...
Just my $.02...
Besides, Chartplotters/GPSs do not show obstructions or vessels...
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I do lots of running at night and before sun up. Chartplotters are a aid and not a substitute for being able to see. Now in the fog its a little different, slow and don't leave the gps track.
Manatee markers without lights on them are the biggest navigation hazard here at night. I put marks on my gps for each floating manatee marker. Even knowing where they are they do not have reflectors on them and are hard to spot even with a q-beam.
Capt Matt
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Hmmm, manatees...we call them speed bumps...
Oh, oh, here comes PETA!!! :shock: :shock:
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I have decided to take your advice guys (well, SOME of Julie advice since I've gotten a few different opinions).
I am going to get the black one that I saw that plugs in and extends from 32"-60" and mount it in the same location it was in when I got it (aft starboard side). It is not an led, but I can always change the bulb to an led later.
I really need to get on the ball with this thing. I have a long way to go and it will be warm, prime fishing time here real soon. Don't get me wrong... Houston never really gets COLD, but the fishing dies down from around November until March or April. Besides, we are renting a beach house on Bolivar Island in June, and you KNOW the boat's going with us!
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Spctre,
I've got a 3-pin chrome w/black cover Perko base in almost excellent condition if you need one and just want to buy the pole...
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I appreciate the offer Seabob, but I just left Academy. I bought the one that extends to 48". I'm going to mount it in the original location. According to my wife, it was the best one for the boat because it's black, "so it will match my cleats". lol