Searchlight for man overboard SAR on sailboat

Hello from Jersey, Channel Islands. I'm about to embark on an Atlantic crossing from the Canary Islands to St Lucia on my sailboat. My family will be onboard and whilst we will do everything we can to stay safe, with sailing there is always the possibility of a man overboard. If this happens at night, I would like access to the best available lighting solution to find them. Traditional sailing equipment would encompass a 12v 50w halogen searchlight connected to a cigarette lighter connection in the cockpit - by no means an optimal solution! I'd really appreciate input from you guys as to what could best suit these needs. Specifically, the light will be:
- high powered (1000+ lumens)
- waterproof to a reasonable standard
- weight is not a factor, although preferably the light will be portable if we need to abandon to life raft or use up at the bow of the boat
- able to provide a fairly focussed beam searching for targets up to 500m away
- battery life should be minimum 4 hours, although not a key factor above that

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
___X_This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).


2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!

____I don't know yet
____Up to $25.
____Up to $50.
____Up to $100.
____Up to $200.
____Up to $300.
__X__Essentially unlimited.


3) Format:

__X__I am not sure, please help me decide.
____I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
____I want a self-contained headlamp.
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source.
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle)
____I want a lantern/area light.
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source).
____Other ____________________________________________


4) Size:

____MICRO - Keychain size.
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
____SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
____MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
_X___I don't know/I don't care.


5) Emitter/Light source:

____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
_X___I don't know.


6) Manufacturer:

__X__I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source).


7) What power source do you want to use?

____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
_X___I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
__X__I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources.

7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light)
____I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
____I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall)
____I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
_X___I don't care


8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).

____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
____I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
____I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
____I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
__X__I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).

____SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.


9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.

____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
____Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
____Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
__X__Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
____Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.

9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
____30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
__X__150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)

10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).

____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
____90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
__X__3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).




11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.

____Not Important (A "night-stand" light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
__X__Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't know.


12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):

__X__Any size switch will do.
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________________.


13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ...---... emergency pattern)
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
____I don't care.
__X__I don't know.


14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don't care.
__X__I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.

15) Water resistance
____None needed
____IPX4 (Splash resistant)
__X__IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)

16) Storage conditions
____In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
____Emergency kit (long standby periods)
____Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
_X___Other______sailboat___________________________________ ____


17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.

____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments

You might also want to look into lights that are water activated. I'm not up to date on this type of light but others will chime in. A person keeps them attaches to themselves an if the light gets submerged it turns on. Making it easier to locate the man overboard.

Have a look at the Streamlight ProTac HL 5-X.

It looks like runtime is going to be the liniting factor here.
Some lights with give you full output for around an hour, some will step down the output atomatocally after a few minutes to preserve the batteries.
I would assume you'd prefer the former.
With a runtime of only 1 hour, but sustained output the Malkodd Hound Dog Super is my suggestion. 1500 or so lumens and throws out to 1500 feet. It's going to be built to last and will prove a very rugged tool. Beware of the flimsier more impressive lights as I don't think they will survive in your boat.
As Dave says, Streamlight are worth a look too.
For better runtime a light running 26650 cells would be the thing, but I don't see that the quality manufacturers have adopted them yet. I could be wrong, often am
P

By the way, whatever you get, make sure that you use a lubricant on the threads and O ring regularly to protect against corrosion.
P

acebeam k75. fenix tk75, and you also may want to have more than 1, 90% of the lights i lost happened on boats during fishing, SAR for overboard member may be more stressful, people make more mistakes under stress, having lights on lanyards\wrist bands is not a bad idea too.

STREAMLIGHT Waypoint Rechargeable Handheld Spotlight
WEST MARINE Waterproof 1760-Lumen Rechargeable LED Spotlight

I want one of those Waypoints. How exciting is that?
P

LeanBurn said:

STREAMLIGHT Waypoint Rechargeable Handheld Spotlight
WEST MARINE Waterproof 1760-Lumen Rechargeable LED Spotlight
HELLA MARINE Twin Beam Hand Held Search Light Black Housing 12V

Click to expand...

For the size of those spotlights, might as well get the Astrolux FT03, which is much brighter and throws farther. Or even better wait for the Emisar D1Sv2, which is just around the corner. Will have several times the throw intensity of these spotlights and is rumored to have built-in USB charging.

But how will they survive in salty damp conditions? They are hardly built for extreme use, which that Streamlight is.
P

In simplest terms, in consideration of the critical criteria of operation in the harsh conditions associated with marine SAR crossing the ocean in a sailboat, the consequences and purpose of dealing with life of the OP family if needed, we'd be steering the OP down the wrong path if we didn't suggest at least a dedicated search light specifically designed for use in the marine sector, purpose built, not something that 'could' be used.

The specified large budget eludes to the importance the OP is placing on a light(s) and I would advise the OP to get more than one light of whatever is decided on (think 2 is 1, 1 is none).

Hopefully there is someone here on CPF that have experience in the field that can chime in, until then we can at best get the OP pointed in the right direction and then have him also consult with experienced maybe even professionals in the marine SAR sector.

you are overthinking it, it is not outside mounted light, not subjected to salt spray 24\7, as long as it is waterproof, it will be fine,
read that article,
https://www.sailingtoday.co.uk/gear/new-gear/best-sailing-torches/

no special lights required, OTC lights do just fine for sailing. the article rather old, a lot happened in flashlight world since then, but it'll give you an idea

Thanks Leanburn for bringing in some sensible ideas.
P

peter yetman said:

But how will they survive in salty damp conditions? They are hardly built for extreme use, which that Streamlight is.
P

Click to expand...

Anodized aluminum, which all of these flashlights are made of, is perfectly suitable for the OP's use case. I've designed marine facilities in the past and anodized aluminum is one of the common materials for marine applications. Also this light is not going to be left sitting outside getting soaked with salt water on a continuous basis.

I think it makes more sense to buy multiple lights than rely on just one. If you lose one or it fails, you have backups. The Acebeam K75 and W30 are the farthest reaching production flashlights available at the moment so they are great for seeing into the distance or for signaling. Acebeam is also very high quality. Skylumen also sells modded lights that are even more powerful but at a cost. If you want to buy cheaper lights, the Astrolux FT03 and upcoming Emisar D1Sv2 is unbeatable.

LeanBurn said:

....Hopefully there is someone here on CPF that have experience in the field that can chime in, until then we can at best get the OP pointed in the right direction and then have him also consult with experienced maybe even professionals in the marine SAR sector.

Click to expand...

No need to "reinvent the wheel" (or sail, for that matter) ... searching the "Recommend" forum with the terms "boating" and/or "sailing" reveals dozens of relevant threads

LeanBurn said:

In simplest terms, in consideration of the critical criteria of operation in the harsh conditions associated with marine SAR crossing the ocean in a sailboat, the consequences and purpose of dealing with life of the OP family if needed, we'd be steering the OP down the wrong path if we didn't suggest at least a dedicated search light specifically designed for use in the marine sector, purpose built, not something that 'could' be used.

The specified large budget eludes to the importance the OP is placing on a light(s) and I would advise the OP to get more than one light of whatever is decided on (think 2 is 1, 1 is none).

Hopefully there is someone here on CPF that have experience in the field that can chime in, until then we can at best get the OP pointed in the right direction and then have him also consult with experienced maybe even professionals in the marine SAR sector.

Click to expand...

Very good advice there!


Personally I would look for a light with a big reflector and a single LED for maximum beam distance - multiple LEDs may put out more lumens but lumens are not all that relevant. Beam distance or throw is what is needed. I would also look for something rugged and reliable form a manufacture that is well known for making mission critical products that lives may depend on. Something that can stand up to getting wet constantly, tossing around in rough seas and preferably will float if dropped overboard. A momentary switch for signaling is also a plus.

I would stay away from aluminum flashlights with glass lens – aluminum will corrode around salt water (particularly un-anodized portions) and glass is libel to crack or shatter.

I would think that the Streamlight Waypoint would be well worth considering, though I don't own one myself.


Getting at least 2 lights is a good idea so that you have a backup and can use one while the other is charging.

I don't have much actual open water searchlight experience but knowing the performance of 10,000 to 60,000 Lumen, tightly focused Short Arc lights on dry land where significant amounts of light are reflected making spotting objects possible suggests to me that a great majority of the Lumens from 1,000-5,000 Lumen LED lights are not going to be reflected but will be swallowed by the sea's dark water not allowing much of anything to be spotted. Especially much beyond a couple hundred feet. I think you're going to need a minimum of 10,000 tightly focused Lumens to minimally accomplish your goal. I have the Enderman-built CFT-90 LED equipped Syniosbeam which produces about 5,000 Lumens IIRC in a 1-degree beam. I took it to the beach one night and it did a great job of lighting up the sea but for only about 500 feet or so. It would not have been very useful at 1,000', let alone 1,500 feet. On land, its a completely different story. It's useful for spotting at 1,000 to 1,500 feet and beyond. The Syniosbeam uses a single, tiny LED and an 11" reflector. I just don't think the 1,000 - 2,000 Lumen, small reflector, relatively wide beam lights mentioned above are going to match the OP's requirements. Dark water swallows an awful lot of light.

Thanks so much to everyone who responded - your input is very much appreciated. This forum is great! Comments relating to the marine environment are accurate, in so much that it will be salty and damp but the torch is unlikely to be submerged for any length of time.

My current thinking based on your thoughts is to go for 2 x Acebeam K75, although any further input would be helpful.

Just another point about flashlight specs. When Acebeam and other mfg's give a mcd and resulting yardage spec, be aware that at the distance quoted, the flashlight will put only 1/4 Lux on a target at that distance. 1/4 Lux is completely useless at those distances.

All flashlights throw distance ratings follow ANSI standards. Acebeam is almost always over conservative with their throw ratings. Actual measured throw is usually higher than what they spec. However their lumen ratings are often higher than what we actually measure.

I also noticed on the news that HK police use alot of Acebeam flashlights during the riots so this brand must be pretty good. I think Olight is even more reliable than Acebeam though but they dont have any groundbreaking throwers.

Another option to consider is the recent Acebeam W10vn II. Vinh is selling it on this forum and at his Skylumen.com shop a modded version that throws 1,600m but even the stock version he measures at 1,500m. It is extremely compact and this kind of performance is previously unimaginable for a light of this size. I have one on order from Skylumen. Cant wait to test this light.

w10 as well as w30 would be a bad choice for the purpose, they have very tight hotpot and almost 0 spill, there are plenty of videos on you tube by different people in different situations, including over water, it would be very helpful to watch how those lights do in real world, as opposed to paper numbers