lights for pontoon

[MichaelMullis]

Need recomendations for lights for toon.<br />1)I am looking for;Driving lights, I do a lot of night fishing and will need lights to see by. Should I mount lights high(on top of cover), or low(deck level.I would think higher would be better but am not sure.<br />2) Some sort of courtesy light to see on deck, thinking about all-around light mounted under top, front and back<br />Thanks for any recomendations<br />Michael

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: lights for pontoon

Spot lights or flood lights should be mounted as forward as possible (I prefer up high), any deck that is lit up by the flood lights will give night blindness (can't see past the deck reflection). The newer type LED cabin lights are great as courtesy lights, low power consumption, water proof and stylish. Once again, if the courtesy lights are too bright you will get night blindness. Personally, I use a portable (rechargable) spot light and LED courtesy lights.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[PercussionMafia]

Re: lights for pontoon

Personally, I would never want to have any sort of "driving" light on while underway at night for two reasons. Number one, it can blind and confuse other boaters and number two, you'll actually be surprised how well your eyes will see without any lights shining on the water. Docking lights are, however, very handy and I would recommend those for that use.<br /><br />Now, as for the courtesy lights, red is the best (orange/amber is the best alternative) and keep them low as to illuminate the deck. That's really all you need to see anyways for footing purposes.<br /><br />Ultimately, you do what you want, but I've done a LOT of navigating at night in all sorts of boats and waters (from ocean going vessels, to small bass boats on little lakes) and that's what I prefer to have.

 

[jlinder]

Re: lights for pontoon

For deck lighting, I used LED amber tailer clearance lights. <br /><br />(Don't know how to describe this, but have seen it on many boats) On the sides running the length of the boat is an area built in with a shelf, cup holders, etc. Mounted the lights under this area so they are hidden and shining down on the deck.<br /><br />Result is a gentle light bating the deck, and the amber does not seem to hurt the night vision much.

 

[Peter J Fraser]

Re: lights for pontoon

Red backlighting is the very best for night vision.<br />Thats why ALL aircraft used RED illumunation until the advent of the electronic instument panel.<br />Red will not affect your night vision at all but a white light will destroy yours and anyone else's that looks at that light for up to 10 minutes or more.<br />If you install Flood lamps try to get them as high as possible so the light pool is directed downwards.<br /><br />regards<br />Peter