View Full Version : Why don’t boats come with headlights?
Stryker
03-10-2003, 02:44 PM
Last weekend I was crabbing on Yaquina Bay until midnight. I used a handheld spotlight to find my floats no prob. But when it came time to head to the dock I could hardly see the front of my own boat much less another persons floats of forbid an obstruction floating in the water.
Why don’t boats come with headlights? :shrug:
5-Cents
03-10-2003, 02:48 PM
Some do! I have seen other people add a light bar too. Would be a good idea cruising around out there at night!
chinarider
03-10-2003, 02:51 PM
The offshore boats out of North carolina have them - I believe they were an add-on.
They were like police spotlights - They could sweep back and forth, so you weren't stuck with them a limited field of view.
I believe they were mounted on Top, but I'm not sure- It's been a few years.
I see some Taxis with them, presumably to look at house numbers at night - Maybe an auto supply store would have them?
Tom
Stryker
03-10-2003, 02:57 PM
I added some KC’s to my boat to fix the problem. They work great.
I was just wondering why they don’t come with, or even offered as an option from the manufacture.
mike5097
03-10-2003, 03:13 PM
Probably has something to do with interfering with other vessels seeing the Nav lights that are on your boat and the confusion with the different lighting codes used by other vessels underway.
Also it may destroy night vision so you can't see others Nav lights.
Mike
Stryker
03-10-2003, 03:23 PM
Interesting opinion Mike.
I guess I should contact the Coast Guard and see if they have any issues with such lights. Although I have seen most commercial ships use VERY bright lights when underway in the bays and harbors.
I better check the regulations.
1pump
03-10-2003, 03:46 PM
In good weather, headlights would just ruin your night vision. I can see a lot farther on a clear moonlit night without lights than I can with them. Bad weather is a different story. :depressed:
Some higher-end boats have flush-mounted lights in the bow that function as headlights, but they're called "docking lights". You can add 'em on, but they're not cheap and you have to cut into the hull.
If I had the $$, I'd get one of those trick wireless remote-controlled spotlights for the bow. :cool: But for now I'll get by on my Q-Beam. :rolleyes:
Stryker
03-10-2003, 03:58 PM
1pump, The night I was talking about was clear… but the reflection of the lights from Newport was such that I was not able to see the surface of the water well. I almost ran over another persons float.
When we were going away from the city lights your correct 1pump I could see fine.
Bigdog
03-10-2003, 04:10 PM
they need an option of night vision gogeles :shocked:
Gr8waves
03-10-2003, 04:34 PM
I've ran the willamette in the dark many times above Peoria. Since I was out hunting ducks the weather was generally bad - it was much easier to see without the light. A high power spotlight just reflected off the rain or snow and completely ruined my vision. Maybe a amber "fog" style light mounted below the bow would have helped. :shrug:
THE KIWANDA KID
03-10-2003, 07:46 PM
:shocked: your'e kidding right?
Hogmaster
03-10-2003, 07:52 PM
1pump,
FNF is going to be thrilled he has a "high end boat"!!!
http://www.ifish.net/uploads/27332066.jpg
He just has to back in!
Mike i believe you are correct, you might check your local laws, i believe in alot of states it is against the law to run with head lights?
GutshotApe
03-10-2003, 08:25 PM
Originally posted by Gr8waves:
I've ran the willamette in the dark many times above Peoria. Since I was out hunting ducks the weather was generally bad - it was much easier to see without the light. A high power spotlight just reflected off the rain or snow and completely ruined my vision. Maybe a amber "fog" style light mounted below the bow would have helped. :shrug: <font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">I've run the Willamette in the dark from Peoria upstream and also from Harrisburg up...many times. And, you're right...usually you're better off without lights (other than nav. lights). But on dark, foggy nights when there is absolutely no moon, star or ambient city light, then a spotlight is useful....except it needs to mounted be right on the bow. Otherwise bright light bounces back from the inside of the bow section making it questionable if the light is helping much at all.
Jet Drifter
03-10-2003, 09:12 PM
Hey GSA, :smile: sounds like a great run up from Peoria! :wink: Count me in :grin:
I mounted this wired remote "GoLight" on a Cannon Downrigger Bracket.
Reflected light is a consern for the pilot. I've just used my spot light for docking. I run without the spot.
http://www.ifish.net/uploads/05592068.jpg
Stryker
03-11-2003, 07:37 AM
OREGON STATE MARINE BOARD
DIVISION 12
LIGHTS AND SHAPES
250-012-0005
Application
(1) The requirements concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as cannot be mistaken for lights herein specified, or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out.
1pump
03-11-2003, 08:36 AM
Good ol' FNF- the original Night Stalker. :cool:
Now I know how he catches that many monster steelhead. :wink: