Led lights

[Captain "L"]

I got some negative feedback on installing LED lights in front of my boat to see waves and structure and also for docking. Below is a photo of the mounted on the front of the boat I would have a switch that I can turn off and on. Just looking for some feedback and or input.

 

[Stee6043]

Others may have other feelings but forward-facing lights just seem useless to me 99% of the time. If you're trying to find a nav aide, yes, they might help. But how often do you need that? Do you have a chartplotter with updated maps including nav aides? If not, can you get one? In this scenario (finding a marker) a handheld flood will be 100% easier to use since you can point it in any direction.

For seeing waves? You're not going to get long range visibility with LED floods so I'm not sure what you'd see that you aren't already feeling.

On docking...I'm not sure I've seen many cases where the docks weren't already lighted or marked but perhaps that's more regional.

And last....there's nothing quite as dangerous (in my opinion) while boating after dark than dealing with other boats running these kinds of lights being completely unaware of how they blind everyone in front of you, even if traveling in the same direction. Pontoons around my area are notorious for mounting KC Highlighters on the front and running them 100% of the time. Truly clueless boaters these folks are. I'm not saying you'd do the same, for the record.

If you're stuck on this type of setup move them as far forward and low as possible. You might get a fair amount of light reflecting back from your pulpit with the current location.

 

[bobeast]

As long as they are used situationally, I think its fine. I have a remote spot mounted on the bow which I've used maybe 3 times. Its great to have when you need it.

The negatives you hear are likely from encountering those idiots who think boats ought to have headlights on all the time. Don't be that guy.

 

[Skybolt]

I have docking lights on my boat from the factory, more like head lights, they have never been used. You will not see anything useful with those lights, especially moving at speed. They will limit your actual long distant vision. As mentioned a good spot light is way more useful then fixed lights facing forward.

 

[Captain "L"]

As long as they are used situationally, I think its fine. I have a remote spot mounted on the bow which I've used maybe 3 times. Its great to have when you need it.

The negatives you hear are likely from encountering those idiots who think boats ought to have headlights on all the time. Don't be that guy.

I WON'T. I'm here to learn and I am. I completely understand and would not want to be THAT guy. I'm the kind of person who likes to have whatever I need so it would only be used when necessary. As a new captain I'm still understanding things and lighting was a very big concern but since becoming more familiar with my navigation and fish finder set up I have gained more confidence. I'm still looking to upgrade nav lights (I'm a gadget junkie) and I need to fix or replace my 360. Thanks to all for the input..

 

[MoonRiver]

Not sure where you are boating, but I would suggest checkout the Coast Guard regulations for navigation and other lighting regulations for your size boat in your local waters. There are rules & regs for Nav lights and sometime the coolest are not legal. Such as LEDs they don't have the same lum and kelvin ratings as old school incandescent bulbs. I'm just say'n do some research and "don't be that guy". Don't get me wrong I have changed ALL of my incandescent lights over to LED and there will certainly be more underwater, cockpit, and cabin modifications coming soon.
Welcome to Captain-hood

 

[MoonRiver]

And you can never do enough "chart study" in other words know your water. I spent 20 yrs as a SWCC boat driver in the Navy and hours of chart study was probably the single most effective defense to not hitting something or running aground, which is extremely important while running blackout at 50+kt. Trust yourself cuz equipment can and will go down.

 

[Little Ducky]

When running with docking lights on..... you know one thing you don't see ...... IS ME.

If you come at me with lights on be ready for a few blasts from my spot light or my very accurate LED bright as hell flash light I keep on board.

I don't know about anyone else when I'm out at night I see so much better when there's little to no light around. I even turn down and/or cover up my gauges with a towel.

 

[Captain "L"]

When running with docking lights on..... you know one thing you don't see ...... IS ME.

If you come at me with lights on be ready for a few blasts from my spot light or my very accurate LED bright as hell flash light I keep on board.

I don't know about anyone else when I'm out at night I see so much better when there's little to no light around. I even turn down and/or cover up my gauges with a towel.

Good Stuff Cap

 

[Jmac572]

I work in maritime law enforcement and running your boat with spotlights/led light bars at night is a sure way to get stopped and educated. It's amazing how many boaters are unaware that you should NOT be doing that... Spotlights are for quick on/off's to find navigational aids as a last resort and that is IT. Bright lights at night degrade your eye's natural Rhodopsin and prohibit you from being able to see in the dark.

The 4th of July in Plymouth, MA Harbor this year was a sea of white running lights once the show was over... It was terrible.

I will add one thing to an above comment about gps/chartplotters and relying on those for placement of navigational aids.... Do NOT rely only on the location the chartplotter shows as they are almost never correct. The exact locations can vary greatly year by year, on tidal swings, or by damage caused by a boat strike. You can use the markings on a chartplotter for general locations but you will see the location marked will not be its actual location. The safest way to operate at night is with radar.