gam47
New Member
Posts: 1
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Post by gam47 on Apr 3, 2020 12:32:30 GMT -5
Hello all,
Just purchased a 2020 28 express and was considering installing a search light with a remote control in the bow area. Has anyone performed this install and is this area already wired for this type of install. Just need a 12 volt 5 amp feed.
Thanks, Gary M.
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Post by Rich on Apr 7, 2020 9:55:05 GMT -5
If you are interested, here is my opinion, I have a boat with a remote control search light and almost never use it now.
I used to try to use it, but it has limited use. I then had a more experienced friend that came with me on a night ride and showed me how much more useful a hand held spot light is than trying to use the remote controled light on my bow.
Here are some points:
Boat mounted remote:
Is slow to move and aim at something, like when trying to see a NAVAID, etc. Especially when under way.
It is slightly useful more like a parking lights, remaining mostly in a fixed position, but you have to be careful not to use it only when close to a dock, as you don't want to cause issues for other boaters by blinding them, or washing out your reg/green nav lights.
Hand held spotlight used with an 'instant on' trigger or push button:
Is very easy to aim, quick to aim and find targets, etc.
With an instant on switch, it preserves your night vision if you are careful not to let it shine on your boat at all.
With an instant on switch, you won't blind other boaters or screw up their ability to see your reg/green nav lights.
I find the instant on handheld spot light much more useful than I thought it would be and now I almost never use my built in remote spot/flood light. In fact, I keep two on board, one as a backup in case I get a failure. I plug mine into the dash power port so I don't have to worry about dead batteries.
So for the price, and usability, I'll suggest getting a nice handheld spot that can work connected to your boat power, or check the batteries regularly if you get a battery powered unit.
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Post by tc33obx on Apr 7, 2020 10:17:06 GMT -5
I 100% Agree with Rich. I was going to answer this way when you first posted, but I assumed you really were looking for a remote light up front. The only advantage I see to a remote light on the very front is for docking, or finding the entrance to your docks. I use the front light for that since it doesn't reflect light on the front of the boat limiting your view like a hand held does aimed forward. However a hand held works much better in almost all other cases. When trying to find markers/bouy's at night or looking for other boats when coming into an anchorage at night, etc.
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Post by sgilbert on Apr 7, 2020 10:27:13 GMT -5
I'll third the opinions! 99.9% useless, especially in waves more that 1 inch!
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krause
Junior Member
Posts: 10
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Post by krause on Jun 16, 2020 21:12:22 GMT -5
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Post by gofast24 on Jun 17, 2020 8:32:05 GMT -5
I like the hand held, suggest a Li-Ion battery powered)searchlight option (we have a similar one)! We have never used our bow mounted remote controlled searchlight since buying the vessel. But it still works fine after 20 years, just turn it on to see if it still works  PS: Rich = Thanks for your input as usual! |
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