My dad is wanting to install some permanent Navigation lights on our 18 Ft Stratos. I'm thinking some LEDs for the front bumper rail but having trouble finding a low-profile light to mount on top of the motor. We want something as low as possible but of good quality to mount directly on top of the motor Calon. I would think there would be some kits that would come with all hardware and wiring, but I haven't found them yet. Any of you guys have them or can recommend any?
They might make a kit, but I think the ones I've seen on the cowlings were all home-brewed. If you do end up doing that, make sure that the wire for the light can be separated with an easy to reach plug/connector, so it won't be a hassle to pull your cowl off when you need to get to the engine if you catch my drift.
Also, check on legality of the whole LED thing. I know a lot of people run them, but last I checked they are not USCG approved. Maybe things have changed since the last time I looked, but check on it. I've never heard of anyone getting a ticket for 'em, but it'd probably be my luck. lo
Thanks for the tip JW. didnt think about the Approval deal. As Fas as a connector goes, I thought about that. That along with drilling a hole in the Calon makes me not want to do it. Its his rig though. He just wants it convenient so we dont have to deal with putting up the lights, click, wiggle, click, wiggle again, click, take the lights back off and look at the connector, reinstall the light, Click, wiggle, cuss, assume they dont work and give up, look back 5 min later to see them working....
I made my on led lights motor and bow strips. really not that hard two square feet of lexion from home depot, 3/8 plywood between the lexon sheets and led strip with double sided tape wrapped around a egg shapped plywood.
Quote from: jonboy on November 28, 2022, 10:15:33 PM
He just wants it convenient so we dont have to deal with putting up the lights, click, wiggle, click, wiggle again, click, take the lights back off and look at the connector, reinstall the light, Click, wiggle, cuss, assume they dont work and give up, look back 5 min later to see them working....
I hate that song and dance, too. I also hate having the stern light pole sticking up where it can catch on stuff. I've snagged enough low hanging cypress limbs pre-daylight getting into little cuts and whatnot that I've thought about mounting mine on the cowl a few times. I haven't done it yet, but I've definitely thought about it.
I've seen fold-down anchor lights that would be appropriate to mount on the cowling. As for regulations, see page 27 https://www.uscgboating.org/images/420.PDF (https://www.uscgboating.org/images/420.PDF) . It's pretty clear that the anchor/stern light must be 1 meter above (I'm assuming) the gunnel.
Ive seen those Princton, I hoping to find something a that would be a little lower profile. Just like a bubble light of some sort. Im sure I can find something that will work. I admit that would probably be more of what the law would want than what im wanting, judging by what JW found for me.