Navigation light for rowing boat

[JonW]

Hi All

Following on from the great help I received in looking for a pump for my rowing boat, I'm now looking for options for a light for the night race.

Our boats need one 360 degree white light, or a 235 degree front and 135 degree rear light, and the light must be visible for 2nm in clear conditions.

The club has one of these -> http://www.tek-tite.com/src/product_info.php?id=33 , but I'm not that impressed as it doesn't seem bright enough. I was thinking of a 12V 10W masthead light similar to this -> http://www.biltema.se/ product 25-770 with a 10Ah 12V battery.

Does anybody have a better solution?

TIA

Jonathan

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

Well, there are two points to consider, maybe three:

First, how to mount the light in the boat such that it does not affect your vision but is very visible. A short, light, mast ahead of the rowing position seems the answer to that.

Next, 2 miles visible range, Yes, a 10 watt navigation light, of the "all round white" type should do that espescially if in conjunction with a Fresnel lens.

And lastly, powering the thing. You will be surprised what a big battery will be needed to run ten watts all night! It may be worth looking at using an LED type navigation light which will greatly reduce the current drain.

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

Here is a link to a recent discussion on the same topic.

http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=18245

A powerful hand held lamp for use in case of need would be top of my list.

[JonW]

Thanks for the help.

The light normally goes on a pole on the back of the boat. This is a pain for the rowers, but allows the cox to see ahead without being dazzled. We're allowed to use two lights but I've never seen it done.

From the songofthepaddle discussion these look perfect -> http://www.duckworksbbs.com/hardware/electrical/il-560-211x/index.htm ,but the postage to Europe is a killer!

Regards

Jonathan

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

Sorry, had not realised that your boat is a coxed boat; was assuming single or double scull.

[skuthorp]

When I go rowing at night my 'navigation light' is a lamp on the beach so I can see where the h.... I came from when I get back!
Wouldn't you just have the standard (here) red/green forward and white behind?

[Oyvind Snibsoer]

Check out this light:
http://www.norskdesign.no/getfile.php/Bildearkiv/Mottakere%20av%20designpriser/Historisk%20(1961-1999)/NAVI%20Light%20360.jpg%20(300x300).jpg

It has a magnetic base so that it can be attached to a cap:
http://www.navilight.net/en/design/bilder/360/lykt3.jpg

There's also a tricolor version available. More info here: http://www.navilight.net/en/products_360.html

[JonW]

Hi skuthorp.

We need the international regulations for boats under 7m/7kts, and that's one 360 degree white lamp visible for 2nm. I believe the maritime rules also allow a flashlight to be deployed as required like you suggest, but the race rules don't allow it.

/Jonathan

[Ian McColgin]

Cool product, Oyvind.

I think the product has adequate luminocity but to be sure I sent them the following request. Perhaps someone here can answer more rapidly.

Thanks for the info.

Ahoy Navisafe,

I have learned of your products and am interested in several for myself. Additionally, a family member operates a paddle sports business and my wish to carry your product line.

The one piece of information I could not find on your web site - quite possibly I overlooked this - is a statement or certificate of compliance with COLREGS Rule 22 establishing 2 miles as the minimal visible range for a white light and which governs Rule 25 for human powered craft - the market you most especially target - and meeting the technical requirements found at Annex 1, part 8 international or 82.15 inland.

Please direct me to the compliance information so that your product users may show that to any inspecting officer.

Thank you.

Ian McColgin
S.V.Marmalade
Hyannis, MA, USA

[JonW]

I really like the Navisafe product too - except for the price. At nearly GBP50 they're a bit of an investment. However if they're durable they could well be worth it.

/Jonathan

[TimH]

West Marine has their Aqua Signal LED flashlight style clamp or suction cup on running lights for 30% off right now. Just bought a set 2 days ago.

[AJZimm]

Thanks for the help.

From the songofthepaddle discussion these look perfect -> http://www.duckworksbbs.com/hardware/electrical/il-560-211x/index.htm ,but the postage to Europe is a killer!



I have one of these lights and just discovered that while they may be waterproof, they are not immersion-proof (don't ask me how I know this)

[JonW]

I have one of these lights and just discovered that while they may be waterproof, they are not immersion-proof (don't ask me how I know this)

Thanks for the warning, but as long as they're rain proof it should be OK. We don't (normally) do barrel rolls in inriggers :D

[BarnacleGrim]

I bought the Biltema 25-770 for use as an anchor light, but I never got around to making a masthead bracket for it. Not sure how bright it is, but LEDs would be good for lights that will be on all night.

[JonW]

I bought the Biltema 25-770 for use as an anchor light, but I never got around to making a masthead bracket for it. Not sure how bright it is, but LEDs would be good for lights that will be on all night.

Since you have access to Biltema you could look at 25-7706 for a masthead light. It's not in the catalogue but is on the website. It is similar to 25-770 but uses a 1W LED.

I've brought a 31-308 camping light that's also uses a 1W LED. It seems very bright with long battery life (> 18 hours). I'm taking one as our spare light. It will be brighter than most of the other competitors lights but it doesn't hurt to get the best light possible. We will be rowing long the coast and through Copenhagen and there are plenty of boozy boat owners about.

/Jonathan

[Ian McColgin]

Many companies like OGM let us know when they have met USCG certification that their LED navigation lights comply with COLREGS standards.

Navisafe products are not on any list I could find and has to date not replied to my query. If anyone actually has a Navisafe and has any documentation that their products actually are certified, please let us know.

I absolutely would not purchase any product that does not bother with USCG or other appropriate certification of COLREGS compliance. If it’s not certified, you’re not legally lit and thus assume a greater share of responsibility for any collision, even if the light might be bright enough.

Some of these products are like the vitamins one might buy at the dollar store. ‘Nuff said.