I have two mounted spot/flood lights on our boat but find them a PITA to use because you have to take your attention away from whatever it is you want to illuminate to (a) find the spotlight control and (b) aim it where you want. Usually you're moving to you have to continually keep changing the point of aim.
I find it much easier to use a rechargeable 1million candlepower, handheld spotlight on the helm. It's always charged and it's easy to pick up and shine where you want it without having to mess around with a control stick. You just point it where you want it and pull the trigger to light up your target.
1st This was my first light, the million power handheld. Works well, but must be held at the door, so hard to use single handed.
2nd was the Duracell led flashlights from Costco. They are great, and you are able to change beam width. I have a half dozen now, keep them all over the boat. Handy and easy, but million power puts out more light.
3rd. As hopcar said, I have a Hella 7" driving light mounted under the bow pulpit, with two Chinese led fog lights on either side. Both controlled by little rocker switches that I placed to be right under my fingertips as I hold onto the helm, while steering with left hand.
My Perko pilot house roof mounted searchlight, I use ONLY to car light on the fore deck, while anchoring. It's not good for anything else.
The driving lights have been the number ONE most important add-on.
They allow me to see channels at night and still steer and keep my night vision.
Without them, I could not have done the few hours a night I did in the spring, coming up the ICW.
I was a bit worried about the anchors somehow hitting them, but no problems there.
