Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

[Dyna]

Is there anyone other than pontoon boats that has a headlight on their boat? I have a 16' openbow & havent done any nighttime operation yet but would like to take her out on Lake Mendota...next to the capitol of Wi. How the hell does anyone see anything out on the water if all they have onboard is the bow & stern lights? Is a headlight even legal?<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

Its called night vision and no headlights are illegal and gat blind a guy for 30 minutes! He will need that long to get the night vision back.<br />Also the speed limit at night is almost always trolling speed.

 

[yater]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

A Q-beam or spotlight can be handy but you'll be able to see while under way without it. If you don't know the lake, you probably shouldn't be out at night...even with a spotlight.

 

[Jeff Quigley]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

I've only been out at night once or twice. I've got a remote bow light and also a 1M Candle Handheld spot. However, I was out in rough weather - rain and some chop - and relied mainly on city lights as a guide. It wasn't fun and I admit it did scare the you-know-what out of me. I'm on a new lake this year and don't know the shoreline that well, especially enough to attempt a night time cruise. I don't have GPS or anything fancy so my rule is not to tempt fate. Sunset is about as dark as I go. <br /><br />Jeff

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

I've driven inland lakes quite a bit at night with nothing but a bow/stern light, and it's easier to see than you think out there after your eyes adjust, especially if it's a clear night. I have a hand-held Qbeam just in case I need better visibility, but rarely use it for anything important. But as others have said already, don't even try it unless you're REAL familiar with the lake. And even then I'd keep speed very slow as any floating debris in the water will be totally invisible at night.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

I've been out at dusk and that was making me uneasey. I have the common 2 million candle power spot just in case. But I think something more useful would be additional down lighting for the floor of the boat. Just enough to see where things are in the boat. I would like to add some white or yellow LED lights under the gunnels to light the seats and floor. LED's are great because they are cool running, low power drain, and last for years.<br /><br />BTW I make sure the navigation lights are working before every trip. Just to be safe and hopefully head off any electrical problems.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

Cruising at night is not a problem. As others have said, your night vision should be enough. The problem arises if there is debris in the water. You could be in for a rude awakening if you hit a log.

 

[monoshock]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

I run at night a lot, but I know the lake I’m on very well. Sometimes I like running at night better, there’s less traffic and you can see a boats lights well in advance. I do have a set of bow lights but most of the time I just use them for loading on the trailer. I have a 1 million candle power hand held and 2 or 3 battery backups. Keep the handhelds with in easy reach. Once I had a Bozo changing his radio and was coming straight at me; I got his intention with a hand held shown in his face. I just takes a little getting use to, running at night. You will need to keep your speed down and watch the depth finder closer than in the daytime.

 

[11 footer]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

Roughley half my boating is done in the dark, I love being in Boston harbor at night. Its better then the day in may ways.<br /><br />Everyone goes home, and the ones that do stay out go very slow, sure beats getting beat up by the sun and boat wakes during the day. In and around Boston I can see pretty good, you get a lot of light off the buildings on land, but as I get further away, I just take it slow and keep an eye out. Their is no need for any kind of headlight on boat, I carry a big *** spotlight, but have never used it. I figure I could be usefull for stoping channel markers ahead.<br /><br />Bring a battery operated spotlight, and spair bulbs for your bow and stern light, take it slow and relax, both night boating, and fishing are great

 

[nitedmn]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

I've never been on that lake (actualy once when I was a young kid) but I would definatly make sure you know the lake well before going out at night.<br /><br />On Lake Wisconsin at least you have the channel markers you can follow.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

A GPS is another collateral safety device for nighttime navigation. You can get turned around on a big lake very easily. A spotlight may be a good thing to have when docking or checking out a shoreline but a little rain and/or fog compromising visibility will render your spotlight useless for safe navigation purposes. Providing you turn it on at the launch, the bread crumb trail will always lead you back home.<br /><br />I fish a few night tournaments each year and always have a split sonar/GPS screen to help me stay out of trouble.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

I too am out a lot at night. I have a bow mounted spot light and handheld but rarely use them. The key is the GPS. I have my routes programmed in and I just follow the electronic highway at a reasonably slow speed (10 knts or less)

 

[rwidman]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

Night vision. Stars, moon, lights on nearby buildings. Boats do not have headlights. It's against the law and will blind other boaters.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

We use a handheld spotlight for travelling the bay at night. Max speed of 20 MPH. There is very light traffic so that isnt the problem, we use it to spot for non-reflective stakes and piles.<br /><br />Plus the GPS does all the work.<br /><br />Ken

 

[vranasaurus]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

I fish almost exclusively at night and I quite enjoy boating at night.<br /><br />The one thing, however, that you need to watch for is the idiots that are out with no lights on their boat.<br /><br />I once about ran over a canoe because three guys were night fishing with no lights on. Luckily I keep it 15 MPH and under at night.<br /><br />But as most have said get a handheld spotlight and you should be alright.

 

[Navigator]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

Why not play high-tech and get some infrared spotlights mounted on the front and drive the boat while wearing night vision goggles. You'll see clear as day without messing up any one elses night vision <br /><br />Nav

 

[TheRealBigBear]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

The moon will provide plenty of light. (on a clear night)

 

[QC]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

Yeah, I second almost all of the above. I use the spot sometimes to see bouys, they light up real nice, but I keep it to a minimum. Also, use the spot for a quick shore reference if I'm on the river (Colorado) instead of the lakes. I have a buddy with so-called docking lights and I flippin' hate them 'cause he thinks he needs them and it messes up my night vision. You'll find that some of your most memorable moments boating are at night, so I recommend that you do a lot of thinking and then go for it.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

I have "docking lights" but that is all they are used for and most times not even then. If you used them when traveling you wouldn't be able to see the bow's marker light so that is a no, no. They are nice when needed though.

 

[txswinner]

Re: Lighting question for those nighttime boaters

Nite vision and low speeds are the key. My Ranger has a light installed under the console for inboard lite. I keep a red bulb in it so has not to hinder night vision. Also have a red bulb in a flash light for inboard illumination when tying knots etc. Any boat at night should have a Q-beam if for no other reason than to signal for help if problems arise.