New to yall's site and I really like it. I need a little help on selecting an emergency flashlight for my boat. I need a “put it up and forget it light until I need it” for my Boston Whaler. Mostly used in freshwater with occasional near shore trips in the Gulf. Thanks.
Recommedation for emergency boat light
- Thread starter duckear
- Start date
How about the Princeton Tec Matrix 2. It's a headlamp, hands-free so you can use it while fixing something on the boat. Uses two AA's, use L91 lithiums for lowest maintenance (long shelf life) and best cold-weather performance. Review:
http://flashlightreviews3.home.att.net/reviews/princetontec_matrix2.htm
For a handheld light, how about the UKE 4AA eLED. You can even use it with a Niteize headband, I think.
http://flashlightreviews3.home.att.net/reviews/princetontec_matrix2.htm
For a handheld light, how about the UKE 4AA eLED. You can even use it with a Niteize headband, I think.
Woops, just noticed your new here, welcome to the group!
Whatever you pick, it's gotta use lithium cells. Only lithium have 10 year storage life, work and store well in hot or cold and they don't leak. As mentioned before Lithium AA's are what you need. I would suggest a light that uses 4-AA lthiums.
I also suggest you get two flashlights one for throw and one for flood type beam. (One varable focus light would not be a good idea.) I always have a backup when it comes to emergency equipment. Perhaps one incandescent (throw) and one Luxeon Hi-intensity LED (for Flood beam). We have a saying two is one, one is none.
A great place to look at different lights for different needs online is "BrightGuys" they have good prices too.
GregR
Whatever you pick, it's gotta use lithium cells. Only lithium have 10 year storage life, work and store well in hot or cold and they don't leak. As mentioned before Lithium AA's are what you need. I would suggest a light that uses 4-AA lthiums.
I also suggest you get two flashlights one for throw and one for flood type beam. (One varable focus light would not be a good idea.) I always have a backup when it comes to emergency equipment. Perhaps one incandescent (throw) and one Luxeon Hi-intensity LED (for Flood beam). We have a saying two is one, one is none.
A great place to look at different lights for different needs online is "BrightGuys" they have good prices too.
GregR
Stanley
Flashlight Enthusiast
Agreed on the above, but I'd like to also suggest the Eternalight Marine or similar, with Lithium AA batteries. Floats in water in case you do drop it, and also has SOS beacon function built in.
DougNel
Newly Enlightened
[ QUOTE ]
duckear said:
New to yall's site and I really like it. I need a little help on selecting an emergency flashlight for my boat. I need a “put it up and forget it light until I need it” for my Boston Whaler. Mostly used in freshwater with occasional near shore trips in the Gulf. Thanks.
[/ QUOTE ]
It would help if we knew a little more about how you wanted to use the light, as in, search the water for a man overboard (which would imply good light "throw") or fuss with the engine for a couple of hours (would probably be more of a flood light with long battery life). As has been mentioned, "put away and forget" means lithium batteries, and being on a boat will call for good water resistance. Is being able to float a requirement? Also, are there any size or cost considerations?
duckear said:
New to yall's site and I really like it. I need a little help on selecting an emergency flashlight for my boat. I need a “put it up and forget it light until I need it” for my Boston Whaler. Mostly used in freshwater with occasional near shore trips in the Gulf. Thanks.
[/ QUOTE ]
It would help if we knew a little more about how you wanted to use the light, as in, search the water for a man overboard (which would imply good light "throw") or fuss with the engine for a couple of hours (would probably be more of a flood light with long battery life). As has been mentioned, "put away and forget" means lithium batteries, and being on a boat will call for good water resistance. Is being able to float a requirement? Also, are there any size or cost considerations?
M
MeridianTactical
Guest
I'd suggest a Inova 24/7 w/the headstrap. The SOS signaling feature, runtime and the different modes (plus it being water proof) make it a great all around light. And its cheap!
SilverFox
Flashaholic
Hello Duckear,
Welcome to CPF.
You can take a look at any of the diving lights offered by Princeton Tech or Underwater Kinetics. The PT 40, PT Surge, UK SL4 and UK SL6 come to mind.
Another option is to get a plastic 2D light, take it apart and spray all the metal parts (including the batteries) with silicone spray. These usually last a year or so, then throw it out and replace it. This type of inexpensive light is great because you are not out anything if you drop it overboard or loan it out and don't get it back.
Of course the flashaholic in me requires me to suggest that along with a light stashed in the boat, you MUST carry a higher quality light on your person...
Tom
Welcome to CPF.
You can take a look at any of the diving lights offered by Princeton Tech or Underwater Kinetics. The PT 40, PT Surge, UK SL4 and UK SL6 come to mind.
Another option is to get a plastic 2D light, take it apart and spray all the metal parts (including the batteries) with silicone spray. These usually last a year or so, then throw it out and replace it. This type of inexpensive light is great because you are not out anything if you drop it overboard or loan it out and don't get it back.
Of course the flashaholic in me requires me to suggest that along with a light stashed in the boat, you MUST carry a higher quality light on your person...
Tom
Roy
Farewell our Curmudgeon Administrator
Look into one of the Eternallight series. there is one that floats (only with Li batteries) strobes, flashes, sends SOS, and has multiple light levels.
The 'toss in the dash and leave it there' light for my 27' Boston Whaler is a Pelcian Super Sabrelight (3C). I just use Duracell's and switch them out every couple years - I really like the long throw spot beam for boating - great for signaling, reading bouy markers, illuminating a tow line, etc.
The bright yellow color and dive-rated waterproofness complete the package for me. My boat doesn't leave the dock without a Pelican or two aboard.
(I also keep an Inova 24/7 clipped on my PFD - the low white, high white and red are really nice for an 'always there' personal light).
The bright yellow color and dive-rated waterproofness complete the package for me. My boat doesn't leave the dock without a Pelican or two aboard.
(I also keep an Inova 24/7 clipped on my PFD - the low white, high white and red are really nice for an 'always there' personal light).
Eveready makes a nice waterproof halogen 2D light that's been in production for decades. Just $5 from www.cheapbatteries.com or somewhat more from department stores.
Big_Ed
Flashlight Enthusiast
I agree with Stanley and Roy. You really should get an EternaLight Marine model. It floats when equipped with lithium batteries, is dimmable, durable, and has an S.O.S. mode. And PaulR makes a good point about the good old 6-volt lantern. They're cheap, many of them float, and have good throw. Can't really go wrong with these two, IMHO.
[ QUOTE ]
DougNel said:
It would help if we knew a little more about how you wanted to use the light, as in, search the water for a man overboard (which would imply good light "throw") or fuss with the engine for a couple of hours (would probably be more of a flood light with long battery life). As has been mentioned, "put away and forget" means lithium batteries, and being on a boat will call for good water resistance. Is being able to float a requirement? Also, are there any size or cost considerations?
[/ QUOTE ]
Good questions. Not really looking for a searchlight. I have a 12V “Qbeam-type” light for that. I am looking for a general purpose light for electrical failure as it gets dark, and the ability to find stuff in the console (hand held VHF, flares, etc), comfort for the crew (wife and kids) and do small repairs in the bilge if needed. With today’s motors, only so much you can do at sea (not much)! Size is always a consideration on a boat, but mine is a 22 footer with lots of storage. I would like the cost under $50 if possible. I already have a couple of walmart cheapies (2-d cell and 2-AA cell), but need something 100% reliable for an emergency.
Thanks for the suggestions so far.
DougNel said:
It would help if we knew a little more about how you wanted to use the light, as in, search the water for a man overboard (which would imply good light "throw") or fuss with the engine for a couple of hours (would probably be more of a flood light with long battery life). As has been mentioned, "put away and forget" means lithium batteries, and being on a boat will call for good water resistance. Is being able to float a requirement? Also, are there any size or cost considerations?
[/ QUOTE ]
Good questions. Not really looking for a searchlight. I have a 12V “Qbeam-type” light for that. I am looking for a general purpose light for electrical failure as it gets dark, and the ability to find stuff in the console (hand held VHF, flares, etc), comfort for the crew (wife and kids) and do small repairs in the bilge if needed. With today’s motors, only so much you can do at sea (not much)! Size is always a consideration on a boat, but mine is a 22 footer with lots of storage. I would like the cost under $50 if possible. I already have a couple of walmart cheapies (2-d cell and 2-AA cell), but need something 100% reliable for an emergency.
Thanks for the suggestions so far.
Greg
Newly Enlightened
My vote would be for the Inova 24/7. Small, cheap and can be used as a headlamp if needed, as well as being able to be used with the multiple signalling features, if needed.
I had a reasonably long and meaningful post, but I got an internet explorer error message /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif:
It's late, so I'll abbreviate:
What I take when boating / canoeing etc
1. Eveready Dolphin Torch (for throw, and if it floats away I /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink2.gif instead of /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mecry.gif or dive in after it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif )
2. Inova 24/7 yellow attached to me via hoochie cord (I've been meaning for a while to get the proper kit)
3. Inova Microlight attached to my lifejacket
4. Next time I go I'll have one of those lightsticks from Wits End's Group buy /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Added: From boating i've donated a 3d Maglite to Davey Jones's Locker /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif that was a dark night for a 10 year old on their first night's canoeing.
"What do you mean when you say capsize oh trustworthy scout leader /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif? Hold on you say? Why would I want to do .... (kasplash!) Cub overboard! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif "
It's late, so I'll abbreviate:
What I take when boating / canoeing etc
1. Eveready Dolphin Torch (for throw, and if it floats away I /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink2.gif instead of /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mecry.gif or dive in after it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif )
2. Inova 24/7 yellow attached to me via hoochie cord (I've been meaning for a while to get the proper kit)
3. Inova Microlight attached to my lifejacket
4. Next time I go I'll have one of those lightsticks from Wits End's Group buy /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Added: From boating i've donated a 3d Maglite to Davey Jones's Locker /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif that was a dark night for a 10 year old on their first night's canoeing.
"What do you mean when you say capsize oh trustworthy scout leader /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif? Hold on you say? Why would I want to do .... (kasplash!) Cub overboard! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif "
pedalinbob
Flashlight Enthusiast
[ QUOTE ]
paulr said:
Actually I think Dougnel has a point. I'd stick with the good old Eveready 6 volt floating lantern and make sure to check the battery once a year or so.
[/ QUOTE ]
i have a 6v lantern with a battery that has to be approx 10yrs old. darn thing is still pretty bright. i use it regularly in the garage.
im not sure, but i think those 6v bats last a very long time. the lanterns are a lot like a tec-40 with a GIANT battery.
dont the good alkaline 6v bats have a lot of juice?
what would be a good floating 6v lantern?
Bob
paulr said:
Actually I think Dougnel has a point. I'd stick with the good old Eveready 6 volt floating lantern and make sure to check the battery once a year or so.
[/ QUOTE ]
i have a 6v lantern with a battery that has to be approx 10yrs old. darn thing is still pretty bright. i use it regularly in the garage.
im not sure, but i think those 6v bats last a very long time. the lanterns are a lot like a tec-40 with a GIANT battery.
dont the good alkaline 6v bats have a lot of juice?
what would be a good floating 6v lantern?
Bob
I fish inshore in the gulf, frequently at night. I have a UK 2L stuck in my drybox which I never will have to mess with given the lithium batteries; and a Mag 2C with 3X123 lithiums and a KPR 112 Radio Shack bulb stuck on clamps on the side of the console in addition to my Vector spot. In the keychain with the boat key I have a red LED. I also have a G2 in my offshore tackle box just in case. If you had to go with one light, one of the new Brownings has both incan bulbs and several LED's, including a red one for preserving night vision. I wanted something I could just leave in the boat and be confident it would work; that's the UK 2L. I also keep 4 123 lithiums sealed in a Foodsaver bag in the drybox.
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