Lighting for 2014 190 Sport

[burgleshams]

Hi. I have a 2014 190 with a factory-installed wake tower that has 2 pathetic forward-facing tower lights. (And of course i have the standard required bow/stern and anchor light too.)

Running around at dusk has been fine, never been out in true darkness partly because I have no mooring lights or emergency spotlight / running light.

What are my options? Aftermarket solutions for a tower-mounted light / bar? Or would I be better off with a high-output portable spotlight (that could mount somewhere temporarily?).

Not planning on being out much after dark but it would be nice to be prepared. I have a dash-mounted GPS going in this winter, but I lack confidence in my lighting if I need it or want to stay out late.

Sorry if this seems like an extremely noob question but Google hasn't helped.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Not a noob question, at all. Good question. The first answer is that (at least here in the States) using ANY lighting other than the red/green and white lights is illegal (the bow and stern light are called your "navigation lights"). If you use other lighting it can blind other boaters but it also makes it hard for me, another boater, to know what kind of boat you are and what direction you are going. If you run with only your Nav lights, then I know exactly what your boat is doing and can adjust accordingly. Suggestion... take a safe boaters course - lot's of good info to be had in these courses, including "rules of the road", so to speak.

Running at night is a different skill set. You can't assume that you can travel at the same speeds. If it's not a clear/bright enough night to see well enough while travelling on plane, then you need to slow down.

Now, back to your lighting question... Tower lights... docking lights (installed in the bow hull, just below the rubrail)... handheld spotlights... these are all fine additions but should only be used at slow speeds, primarily when coming into a dock or onto a trailer. Occasionally, out on the water if you need to spot something - but then turn them off again.

FYI, lights on a tower in the middle of your boat are not very helpful - they will light up part of the bow and that will obstruct your vision. In my opinion, the best thing is going to be a handheld spotlight - which also enables you to direct it where you want to. Best way to use a HH spotlight is to hold it over the side of the boat, below the rubrail to avoid glare on the bow or have someone sit in the bow and hold it for you.

 

[Andrew Kristallis]

Hi
I bought a second hand 185Sport and it doesn't have a removable anchor light pole. Any idea where to buy one online? Is there a specification or product number to ensure it fits in the boat?
Thanks

 

[Lazy Daze]

Andrew, first thing to check would be to make sure it's not in the boat - possibly in the ski locker. Does the previous owner still have it?

The brand is Perko and you should be able to find it online - your local dealer should also be able to get it for you. Look into the base - you'll see the female side of things so you can make sure the pole matches to that. You're going to want to make sure you get one taller than your bimini... and because this is likely going to be 5-1/2' to 6' long, that might mean that ordering online could increase shipping charges. It's also going to need to have the correct "bend" at the top to make sure the light is horizontal since the base is angled. Check your parts manual - if you don't have the paper copy you can download it on Sea Ray's website.

 

[Andrew Kristallis]

Andrew, first thing to check would be to make sure it's not in the boat - possibly in the ski locker. Does the previous owner still have it?

The brand is Perko and you should be able to find it online - your local dealer should also be able to get it for you. Look into the base - you'll see the female side of things so you can make sure the pole matches to that. You're going to want to make sure you get one taller than your bimini... and because this is likely going to be 5-1/2' to 6' long, that might mean that ordering online could increase shipping charges. It's also going to need to have the correct "bend" at the top to make sure the light is horizontal since the base is angled. Check your parts manual - if you don't have the paper copy you can download it on Sea Ray's website.

Thanks so much, that is so helpful