night lights

[Brad100]

OK, another stupid question (I guess):

In addition to running lights, do any of you have forward facing lights on your boat so that you can see where you're going at night? If so, recommend type please. I would attach it to the front of my T-Top.

Thanks

[phishy]

personally im somewhat anal about any lights at all when im running at night. I definitely recommend getting a radar if you plan on doing any night running. I personally feel any lights detract from my night vision. Its dangerous no matter what if you might run into drift wood or something. Its a chance you take. I always have at least 2 sets of eyes open during crossings, and take it slow.

[Carnivore]

I will be running the KC stainless lights on my boat once it is done. 500,000 CP a piece but that is me. Radar is awesome for letting you know what is around ya and I highly recommend it but it won't see drift wood or logs or like several party boats found this year it doesn't see telephone poles. Slow down and us what ever helps you see but in even light fog running lights just kill any vision at all.

[Joey805]

Oh my boat, I had flood lights on the back and off to the sides but never in the front. Usually fog and dampness made it hard to see at all with any forward facing lights.

When traveling at night, don't go any faster than you can see and have good electronics you can trust.

[grantar2]

You also have to be concerned with what lights mean at night. Depending on how you set them you might confuse shipping.

The lights should be mounted in the bow like headlights. They illuminate the water ahead without impacting your night vision.

Bow Docking Lights
Number: 60760
Description:
These are mounted flush to the hull, just below the gunwale, where they illuminate dock pilings or water obstructions without causing a blinding glare to the operator. Installation includes cutting away hull foam and re-glassing cavity. Sold in pairs for boats 19' and up (excluding 19' Justice and 21' Impact). Housing of light is black. BRUNSWICK

Amazon.com: Innovative Lighting Stainless Steel Docking Lights, pair: Sports & Outdoors

Docking / Hull / Backup Lights - Stainless Steel Welcome to Innovative Lighting

Product Description:
316 Stainless Steel

Features:

• 12-Volt DC Systems
• 50-Watt Halogen Lamp
• Draws 4 Amps Each
• Sealed Built-in Rear Heat Sink
• Thermal Insulated Wires
• Pyrex Optical Lens
• Spring Loaded Lamp Assembly
• Removable Screw On/Off Lens
• Water Tight Gaskets Included
• Patent #D472654

[sourcreamnjive]

I never used them when I had my boat!

[cisurfer]

we come home late at night all the time, but we dont use lights out front, i agree with mitch, it takes away from nightvision.
Lights set up facing out the back like Joeys.

We just keep an eye on our radar and gps plotter

[Brad100]

Thanks guys... you've convince me to go verrrrryyyyyyy slow if I'm out at night. Gonna haveta consider radar sooner or later.
Brad

[Carnivore]

Just remember that radar only tells you what is above the water.

[cisurfer]

we come back at night about as fast as we can after a long day... 10 kts