Spreader Lights

[RandyMoon]

While out sailing at night I have noticed a few sailboats with what most probably are spreader lights that light the sailboat up like a three story building. We liked the idea of super visibility on a moon-less night but I would not want to lose natural night vision (eyes adjusted to the darkness to see other boats).

Has anyone had experience with LED spreader lights that have a slight illumination factor without overpowering the darkness? Or if using conventional spreader lights, how many watts are appropriate?

[Highlander]

Randymoon

Here's my combination steaming / deck light it is mounted just below the first set of spreaders, these pic's are showing just the deck light on







Cheers John

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

i've thought about spreader lights. however, i'd probably install on both sides of the mast just under each spreader (due to the fact that i'm a trailer sailor).
tie the electrical into the masthead light with or without a switch.

Bob T.
"DāBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI (14" x 11 pitch)
Dinghy Motor: '06 2.5-Suzuki

[Andy26M]

Just remember that if you add lights in addition to those prescribed in the Rules of the Road, you have to be sure that your extra lights do not confuse other boaters, i.e. they cannot be mistaken for navigation lights. For instance, if from any angle your spreader light might look like a steaming light, in addition to the steaming light already on the mast, then you might appear to be displaying lights for vessel greater than 50 meters long to any other boat who can see that angle.

- Andy

[tangentair]

Probably a good reason to use blue LEDs if you just want to light up your work/deck spaces.

[RandyMoon]

John, did you add something like Jack Sparrow installed?



Andy, when considering lighting does a well lit deck fall into the category of mistaken navigation lights? Some of the boats I have seen at night races have sails/decks lit up and it appeared to me that it would be hard to mistake for something else.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

I found a set of stainless steel solar garden lights at Lowes, and I nylon strapped one on each side of the deck on the stanchions. These are white LED, and they aluminate the (1) entire cockpit, (2)water along side the boat, and (3)the mid deck areas well. Amazingly, they look real nice too, and fit right in with the stainless deck hardware.
Ive had them installed for nearly 4 months (including one on top of the mast), and they stay aluminated until about 5-6 am.

Interestingly, I purchased 6 more today at Lowes when I found them on "clearance" (yayyyyyyy!)

Im not connected with Lowes or this product in anyway, and if permitted, Ill mention the following:
The Lowes part number is #111487. I havent seen these at any other building, lumber, or garden centers.

[Frank C]

Good stuff, Louis!
(kinda doubt that Lowe's will ever carry a Mac, or advertise on the Forum.)

6-Pack Casual Solar Landscape Light @ $29.98

[Highlander]

Randymoon

Yes thats what I installed but it had a differnt mounting brkt $39.00 Can



Cheers John

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Good stuff, Louis!

6-Pack Casual Solar Landscape Light @ $29.98

By the way, I removed the S/S bottom tube for my mast light. I have a removable alum. plate covering the top mast opening, and one S/S bolt with some Dupont "rub a dub" secures the light well. These lights are very bright, when batteries are well charged.

For the cockpit installation, I removed the black plastic ground poker, and the S/S tube is left entact for the nylon ties as follows:
A thick nylon tie wrapped to the rear life line, and another to the S/S rail that tees into the rear stanchion. They're clear of the rigging, and secured solid with these nylon ties.

Yes--"real good stuff" especially for this penny pincher

[beene]

Very neat idea Louis.

I never would have thought of that.

Do they just use a cheap replaceable LED bulb?

G

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Very neat idea Louis.

I never would have thought of that.

Do they just use a cheap replaceable LED bulb?

G

I dont know if the bulb is replaceable, but it is a white LED bulb (very bright). But, at this price Ill just replace the entire unit if problems occur. Theyre not that expensive $22. for 6 at a clearance price with Lowes. I bought an extra box full (6) lights.
They look real nice on the boat, especially when all lit up during the evening. The stainless steel blends in well with the deck stainless hardware.
Incidentally, these particular solar lights have an on and off switch near the inside-solar-battery.

[RandyMoon]

I had thought about doing what Louis did. And I think it is a great idea. At the price of these devices, replacement costs of bulbs are pretty minimal. Just replace the whole unit.

My house is ringed by the same devices. I'll take a few out of the garden and try them out on the boat. I just want to keep from being crashed into and if there is a need to adjust something, have enough light to see what needs to be adjusted.

[beene]

Sounds great.

I am going to keep an eye out for them in my neck of the woods.

They tend to go on sale often.

Thanks again.

G

[Frank C]

LED bulbs will surely outlast the internal batteries.
Not sure what that battery is like, might find a replacement, prolly not.

These things are disposables.