Boat light

[wgoodhoofd]

Can anyone recommend a good spotlight for use in the boat with a 12V adapter? The current light we have is rechargeable, but cannot be used while it is plugged in... ideally its replacement should be the opposite. It would be great to leave it in the boat, plugged in, and ready to use.<br /><br />and on a related note... anyone know if boat electrical systems are like cars in that the accessory plug becomes unpowered when the boat is turned off?

 

[paulie0735]

Re: Boat light

I use a 12V searchlight that plugs into a power socket similar to an automotive cigarette lighter. It’s wired into the boats charging system and has its own isolation switch. You should be able to do the same with a 12V charger but I find the wired in type much better than the rechargeable. Not all boats are fitted with an ‘accessory’ position on the ignition switch, mine does not which is why I had to wire it into the charging system. If you wire it into the start or run circuit than you will need to have the ignition on while your using it and that is not ideal. Wiring into the charging circuit makes it live all the time which is why you need a separate isolation switch, also make sure you wire in a fuse of suitable size. Good luck.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Boat light

My 12v outlet is "hot" all the time my battery switch is in an on position. It is wired directly into my fuse block. When I'm done boating, I will turn my battery selector switch to the off position which gives me piece of mind that I have left nothing on that will drain my batteries.

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: Boat light

Have you looked in the Iboats marine store? I'm sure you'll find a good light there.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Boat light

i use a Qbeam, it came with a cigarette lighter plug. i installed two, post positive and negative, with wing nuts, on the side of my console. cut the lighter plug off and put connector rings on my light and other occasionally used appliances. it's old fashioned, but works, you don't have to worry a bout the crappy lighter connectors, that corrode and don't work.

 

[Terry Olson]

Re: Boat light

When I rewired my fishing boat I used a fused accessory switch on the switch panel which is hot to the switch all of the time. The switches are lighted so it would take a concerted effort to leave it on by accident. I have a cigarette lighter style cord for my handheld GPS, cellphone, and a lot of other things I may or may not bring on the boat. I bought a handheld spotlight with the same style plug and installed a two socket plug using the switch on the panel to turn this on and off. Now it's my choice when the power is fed to the plugs and I have the flexibility to use anything that accepts this kind of power source in the boat. I agree that they rust out over time. I mounted mine upside down on the underside of the console where it's out of the weather for the most part and won't hold water in the sockets. <br /><br />That might work for you.