Navagation Light?

[CBR75]

I have a 2009 G3 188C pontoon. Like most pontoons the navagation light is mounted to the top of the bimini support pole. I'm sure it is a common tale, but I have twice now forgotten to lower the light on a low crossing and broke it. I know the easiest solution is to not forget to lower it, but that has been unsucessful. What I was wondering if any of you have seen, and know where to get, a flush mount type base for the plug in pole lights? We are not on the water after dark just a whloe lot, but I want the option to be. I was thinking that would be the best solution - to be able to plug in the light as needed and stow it under a seat the rest of the time. I have looked pretty hard for this on the web with no luck. I'd like this to be the last time I have to replace this for a while. I would appreciate any help.

-Chuck

 

[lncoop]

Re: Navagation Light?

If you're just talking about these thttp://www.attwoodmarine.com/store/category/lighting/navigation/light-bases they're widely available on line, and I've seen them at Academy. However, I'm not sure one would work on a pontoon boat. The all around light must be visible from any angle, and I can't think of a place on a barge for a flush mount socket and pole that would accomplish that, which is why yours is currently on the bimini. Where were you thinking of mounting one?

 

[CBR75]

Re: Navagation Light?

I am talking about mounting it in the exact same spot. Maybe my "flush mount" description is not accurate. What I mean is a base that will mount to the bimini that I can use one of the plug in pole lights with.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Navagation Light?

The one I got for mine has a swivel base so you can fold it over to one side and mine fits in the bimni cover. I would have to look it up but I am sure i got it from Bass pro.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Navagation Light?

I am talking about mounting it in the exact same spot. Maybe my "flush mount" description is not accurate. What I mean is a base that will mount to the bimini that I can use one of the plug in pole lights with.

I see. I have one similar to Hawker's that I put on myself and I really like it. You must be going under some really low crossings.

 

[L.A.Wise]

Re: Navagation Light?

Is this "navigation lights" or the "all around white light". "tis a difference.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Navagation Light?

I believe he is talking about the white stern light thats whats commonly mounted on a Bimini and is part of the nav lights.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Navagation Light?

Yes, he's talking about the all around light, which is indeed part of the nav lights, but unlike the other two lights is of course required to be on after dusk whether the boat is under way or not. You guys all probably know that already.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Navagation Light?

Grins, I have heard rumors

 

[1986bassbuggy$@]

Re: Navagation Light?

I thought all lights had to be on at night underway or not

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Navagation Light?

At night if your floating or anchored just the white light is all you need. When under power you need all 3 the colors light up so other boaters see what direction your traveling.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Navagation Light?

I thought all lights had to be on at night underway or not

If your port and starboard lights are illuminated when you're not under way you could give another boater the impression that you are. All around light only when you're sitting still.

 

[1986bassbuggy$@]

Re: Navagation Light?

is this all states srry just new to boating

 

[MinUph]

Re: Navagation Light?

I believe its worlwide.

I have a stern light mounted on the rear of my sundeck. It is tall enought to be seen under the bimini or over it for that matter.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Navagation Light?

is this all states srry just new to boating

Yep. The purpose of the red and green lights is to indicate to other boaters which way you're going. The purpose of the all around light is to allow other boaters to see you from any direction at a prescribed distance (can't remember what it is exactly), hence the term "all around light". The all around light must always be illuminated after dusk, while the others should only be illuminated when you're moving.

 

[CBR75]

Re: Navagation Light?

Yes. I have the fold down light, I have just forgotten to fold it down a couple of times :redface: I was hoping to find a more "idiot proof" solution with a plug in type light, but that does not appear to be something that has been thought of and readily available. I'll just go back with another folding one and try to remember to fold it!

 

[lncoop]

Re: Navagation Light?

I feel your pain as Bill Clinton was fond of saying. Look at it this way. You'd still have to remember to pull the pole out of the socket. What about installing a shorter all around light? Is that a feasible alternative?

 

[muskiemike12]

Re: Navagation Light?

Can you loosen it so that when you you hit the bridge, boatlift canopy or whatever it will just fold back?

 

[MolsonCanadian]

Re: Navagation Light?

If you're not out often at night, just leave it folded down.