Spotlight
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Spotlight
Trying to get an idea of the right size. I have an F26 and want to purchase a new spotlight to install this offseason. Trying to figure how much candlepower I need. Is there a formula for candlepower to distance? Any help would be great.
John
Hi John,
I have a 100,000 CP Jabsco remote controlled spot light mounted on top of the radar arch on the roof of my F-26. I use this primarily for spotting unlit channel markers which normally have reflective tape so their easy to find. Although this spotlight works well for this, it's not good for distance or for spotting things floating in the water unless their close. If I were to replace this unit, I would probably choose a 500,000 CP unit.
Bright spot lights are good however you have to look at how you plan on using them. If you plan on only turning it on occasionally, keep on mind that the brighter the light, the longer it will take for your night vision to recover when you turn it off again.
Hope this helps,
I have a 100,000 CP Jabsco remote controlled spot light mounted on top of the radar arch on the roof of my F-26. I use this primarily for spotting unlit channel markers which normally have reflective tape so their easy to find. Although this spotlight works well for this, it's not good for distance or for spotting things floating in the water unless their close. If I were to replace this unit, I would probably choose a 500,000 CP unit.
Bright spot lights are good however you have to look at how you plan on using them. If you plan on only turning it on occasionally, keep on mind that the brighter the light, the longer it will take for your night vision to recover when you turn it off again.
Hope this helps,
Paul
"Cruise Control" 1978 F-26HT
"No Control" 2012 9' Grand RIB
"Cruise Control" 1978 F-26HT
"No Control" 2012 9' Grand RIB
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careful on where you mount them also. My F26 came with a nice remotely controlled spotlight mounted on the very bow. The problem with it is tthat it reflects off the deck and railing right nrear it and half blinds you. That is it behind the dog.


MY CURRENT FLEET
2003 KEY WEST 2020 WA
1978 14' ASHCRAFT SKIFF

2003 KEY WEST 2020 WA
1978 14' ASHCRAFT SKIFF

I have 2 sets of nice Halogen docking lights that install in the hull. Tis keeps them form blinding you. I have a set for the F32, as well as my 26, but haven't gotten around to cutting the holes (plus cutting holes inthe hull always makes mer nervous).
On my 26, we often leave offshore 2 hours before daylight, so its nice to have light to get out the jetties and see shrimpers, long-liners, other fishermen and 12 miles of can buoys. I currently have a large halogen spreader light frame, which I removed the inside/bulb from. I put a large size (like for a pickup truck) old-style Halogen dual-filament (hi/low beam) automotive sealed beam bulb in there with both filaments lit. I mounted this below my bow pulpit, so I get NO glare when driving. Its brighter than s**t - and NO water gets into the bulb. If it ever burns out (6 years and cunting), I just go to Auto-Zone and get a new bulb and connect it up.
Its eerie when you stuff a big wave at 5am, and that light makes all the water in front of the boat look like a huge green wall!
Anyway - got to get the dock lights installed someday.
On my 26, we often leave offshore 2 hours before daylight, so its nice to have light to get out the jetties and see shrimpers, long-liners, other fishermen and 12 miles of can buoys. I currently have a large halogen spreader light frame, which I removed the inside/bulb from. I put a large size (like for a pickup truck) old-style Halogen dual-filament (hi/low beam) automotive sealed beam bulb in there with both filaments lit. I mounted this below my bow pulpit, so I get NO glare when driving. Its brighter than s**t - and NO water gets into the bulb. If it ever burns out (6 years and cunting), I just go to Auto-Zone and get a new bulb and connect it up.
Its eerie when you stuff a big wave at 5am, and that light makes all the water in front of the boat look like a huge green wall!
Anyway - got to get the dock lights installed someday.
Captain Ross, 2009 Trojan Boater of the Year
"Viva Mahia" F32 Cummins 6BTA diesels,
"Mack Attack" Chaparral 244 Fish, SeaPro 180, McKee 14, Montauk-17

"Viva Mahia" F32 Cummins 6BTA diesels,
"Mack Attack" Chaparral 244 Fish, SeaPro 180, McKee 14, Montauk-17

- RWS
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we use a handheld spotlight WHEN NECESSARY.
Easier to point quickly.
Easier to use to check for crab trap floating markers.
low maintenance.
RWS
Easier to point quickly.
Easier to use to check for crab trap floating markers.
low maintenance.
RWS
1983 10 Meter SOLD after 21 years of adventures
Yanmar diesels
Solid Glass Hull
Woodless Stringers
Full Hull Liner
Survived Andrew Cat 5,Eye of Charley Cat 4, & Irma Cat 2
Trojan International Website: http://trojanboat.com/
WEBSITE & SITELOCK TOTALLY SELF FUNDED
Yanmar diesels
Solid Glass Hull
Woodless Stringers
Full Hull Liner
Survived Andrew Cat 5,Eye of Charley Cat 4, & Irma Cat 2
Trojan International Website: http://trojanboat.com/
WEBSITE & SITELOCK TOTALLY SELF FUNDED
RWS wrote:we use a handheld spotlight WHEN NECESSARY.
Easier to point quickly.
Easier to use to check for crab trap floating markers.
low maintenance.
RWS
We also have a backup handheld, 10 million candlepower, that has a 20' 12v lead. It's the size of a 25lb. turkey. Have only had to use it twice during nasty fog. It really cuts through it!!!!!!
When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat.
Ronald Reagan
1987 F36 Tri-Cabin
Twin 270 Crusaders
"Special K"
Upper Bay, Chesapeake Bay
http://www.photobucket.com/albums/ff424/rbcool/
Ronald Reagan
1987 F36 Tri-Cabin
Twin 270 Crusaders
"Special K"
Upper Bay, Chesapeake Bay
http://www.photobucket.com/albums/ff424/rbcool/
John, I agree with Paul. I have a 100,000 cp Jabsco unit, but it's mounted on the forward end of my homemade anchor platform so I have no issues with reflection off the deck. I also agree about the handheld. I have a plug in job that can be quickly used. I was originally going to mount the light on my hardtop but glad I didn't. That would have made for a lot of deck bounce-back. I think the 100,000 unit is fine for spotting markers and shoreline, but the 500,000 models would really be better. Maybe Santa will help me out????
Randy P
1977 F-26 HT
"Blue Heron"
1977 F-26 HT
"Blue Heron"
It is much beautiful if the spot light we are using is the led light?Penthea wrote:Yeah, it is a big help if you had a spotlight in your boat. It is much beautiful if the spot light we are using is the led light. The light focus is much brighter than other light bulb using in spot light.
pleeeease ....
Captain Ross, 2009 Trojan Boater of the Year
"Viva Mahia" F32 Cummins 6BTA diesels,
"Mack Attack" Chaparral 244 Fish, SeaPro 180, McKee 14, Montauk-17

"Viva Mahia" F32 Cummins 6BTA diesels,
"Mack Attack" Chaparral 244 Fish, SeaPro 180, McKee 14, Montauk-17

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- Ultimate User
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- Joined: Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:45 pm
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...(Spoken like APU the owner of the Quickie Mart on the Simpson's) !!!! "Penthea wrote:Yeah, it is a big help if you had a spotlight in your boat. It is much beautiful if the spot light we are using is the led light. The light focus is much brighter than other light bulb using in spot light.
Seriously thiugh, the super bright leds are amazing. I bought an led diving light that runs on 4 "C" batteries that is amazing. The beam stays so much more focused and uses so my less power.
And now if you to please purchase a visit to my online internet website sales webpage for to look at the wondrous listings that are on selling their!
MY CURRENT FLEET
2003 KEY WEST 2020 WA
1978 14' ASHCRAFT SKIFF

2003 KEY WEST 2020 WA
1978 14' ASHCRAFT SKIFF

- prowlersfish
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I also have the 100,000 cp Jabsco remote light on my F-26. Unfortunately it came with the boat mounted on the cabin top. One flick of the switch and it lights up the whole deck. If I ever redo the deck, it will be moved! Personally I use a surefire tactical shooting light. Very small, but can pick up channel markers very easily