Fixed mount search light recommendation?

[mvweebles]

Good friend has a Horizon PowerCat 52 with an enclosed helm. He hates his fixed-mount search light. Unfortunately, because his bridge is enclosed, a hand-held search light is not practical in all situations. He's not afraid of spending a few bucks on it if needed to get a bright, intuitive light (if they exist for a small boat). Any recommendations? Most likely use would be picking up channel markers at night - ICW and such.

Thanks in advance

Peter

 

[Conrad]

Good friend has a Horizon PowerCat 52 with an enclosed helm. He hates his fixed-mount search light. Unfortunately, because his bridge is enclosed, a hand-held search light is not practical in all situations. He's not afraid of spending a few bucks on it if needed to get a bright, intuitive light (if they exist for a small boat). Any recommendations? Most likely use would be picking up channel markers at night - ICW and such.

Thanks in advance

Peter

What make/model does he have? Blue Sky has an ACR URC-100 and it is pretty sad; terrible control pad and not great lighting, and only uses very expensive bulbs.
I am also interested in hearing suggestions.

 

[GregBrannon]

I recommend a good (durable, user-replaceable batteries, bright with lo/hi setting, waterproof, etc.) rechargeable handheld; more than one if reasonably priced. The good fixed, remotely operated searchlights are expensive and will eventually fail, and then there's the expense to fix or replace them. Keep it simple. I haven't personally tried an LED handheld version yet, but I'm hoping there's one out there that meets my requirements.

Good luck!

Greg.

 

[mvweebles]

Thanks. Really needs to be a fixed mount for outside. His bridge is enclosed and a handheld is not practical due to reflection off glass. Otherwise, I'm totally with the handheld recommendation.

 

[caltexflanc]

Something like these Perkos is kind of the best of both worlds. I hate those motorized units, these are so much faster.

https://www.fisheriessupply.com/perko-fig-314-sealed-beam-pilot-house-control-searchlight

 

[mvweebles]

Something like these Perkos is kind of the best of both worlds. I hate those motorized units, these are so much faster.

https://www.fisheriessupply.com/perko-fig-314-sealed-beam-pilot-house-control-searchlight

Thanks. This is a nice light and I agree that it would work better. Probably not the look my friend is going for on his 7-figure 20-kt power cat, but it's the right light.

 

[psneeld]

There are even smaller user friendly ones.....loved the one on the assistance towboat.

These mechanically controlled ones are half way more flexible than the electrically used ones I have used.

 

[AKDoug]

I use a Rigid Industries flood/spot combo bar, it's about 18" wide, and mount it forward of the anchor on the bow. My experience with cabin mounted spots is that #1 the boat rolls too much to keep it on target... #2 the rain is illuminated by the light and all you can see is rain if the weather is bad... #3 everything forward is illuminated so you see your rails, anchor pulpit, and whatever else is forward of the light.

I use a hand held LED spot when I need to spot, so I can compensate for the motion of the boat and actually see where I am looking instead of trying to get the light pointed there. My center window is a split pane, the top lowers down (slider). I thought I hated it, but when it's raining I can eliminate the glare at night by lowering the window, so now I love it

 

[caltexflanc]

use a Rigid Industries flood/spot combo bar, it's about 18" wide, and mount it forward of the anchor on the bow.

Hopefully when there are no other boats in sight. Those things are night vision killers if you are unfortunate enough to meet one coming your way, and not just head on. Make me tempted to keep fire arms onboard.

 

[AKDoug]

Other boats in sight is a rare event here, unless it's a commercial boat with it's stadium lighting which is visible over the horizon. If you are behind the light, they are awesome!

It's definitely not like you are on a highway and stuck with one lane each direction... And May through August you don't need any lights since it never gets dark enough to need them! AND it IS pointed down into the water an appropriate distance ahead of the boat where it actually does let me see objects in the water

 

[SOJOURN4]

GO LIGHT
Easy install with great handheld remotes

 

[twistedtree]

I had a Guest Beamer on my last boat and do not recommend it. It just wasn't bright enough to be useful. Out in open water, I had a hard time even telling where it was pointing, let along seeing anything with it.


I realize you need a remote control light, and understand. I had a handheld light that was definitely better than the Guest Beamer, but obviously not remote controlled.


This time around I'm biting the bullet and getting a Carlisle and Fitch. Everyone I know who has one loves it, at least after they get over paying for it.

 

[SOJOURN4]

go light HID

 

[FF]

The auto style spotlight is still sold , with a better bulb it might be good.


The ease of moving the aim would be a big help when the boat is moving.