Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

My (new) Cig 28SS needs an adidtional runing light to be legal and I don't like the options I've found.

Originally the boat has red/green where they need to be, a transom light, anda short mast with 360 degree light on the windshield. The windshield has been replaced so the mast light is not installed. I could reinstall the mast but it'd be right in line of vision and ahead of the helm which I think is a VERY BAD idea.

I was thinking about a 360 degree light on a removable stalk above the transom. I've run boats with this arrangmeent and it works well for visibility and meets the inland waterway requirements.

Here's my problem - the stuff on the market is CRAP! Perko and such hardware is so flimsy comapred to the original that I can't bring myself to buy it. Can anyone please point me towards some quality hardware that is at least somewhat like the high quality vintage stuff on my boat? Thanks!

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

Have you looked at those aftermarket automatic pop up 360 lights? I know the Tigers have them on the deck infront of the cabin door and alot of the westcoast companies put them in their boats. If you wanted to add a little something else you can put those pop up front running lights in the bow too. Sweet little ad ons :cool: I think REX marine sells both styles.

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

You need one of those neat electically telescopic stern lights like they use on Outerlimits and Baja boats

http://www.unifiedmarine.com/cgi-bin...log_index.html

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

Outerlimits and Baja in the same sentence? eeewwww!

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

Slow your roll..... :rolleyes: :D

That's what I was talking about...The telescoping lights, then you add the bow lights that are flush until you turn them on and then they pop up automatically. Nice.

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

Contact Will Smith at Phantom boats. I know he is installing these on his new 38s.
(941) 232-4026
(941) 351-3760

[email protected]

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

Thanks guys, but I think your missing my intent here. This is a 1976 boat, not a modern, curvy, euro design, no teak, 14 drinkholder for every passenger kinda boat.

I'm looking for a quality stern light that is in keeping with the style from that era of boat. I'd be real interested is someone had some old stuff laying around that might work.

The only stuff I've seen is thin cast potmetal this or stamped sheetmetal that with plastic covers and self tapping screws that look like rejects from Korean kids toys. Who makes classically styled decent quality lighting?

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

I dont do a lot of running at night, so whenever I have to I still use mine on the windshield DO NOT PUT IT BACK THERE!!! It blinds you...you can not see crap with that thing on.

I would reccomend an electric telescoping ster light in place of the round stubby one on the transom, that would be a perfect place for it.

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

For my vintage boat I fabricated a tall (about 5 ft) mast out of aluminum tubing & had it anodized, Perko light with a shield on top, a mil spec Amphenol connector on bottom with a tubular brace on windshield, the socket on the deck. Removable and puts it high enough so you can barely see it when it is on. I have also used the telescoping light and love them.

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

Here are the rules that would apply to your boat:

BOATS UNDER 12 METERS (39.4')

Powerboats-Separate or combination red and green sidelights, 112.5°, visible 1 n.m., placed above hull at least 1 meter (3.3') below masthead light. Masthead: white, 225°, visible 2 n.m., at least 1 meter above side lights. White stern light, 135°, visible 2 n.m. OR, one all-round (360°) white light (should also have sidelights).

Not 100% legal since the masthead light won't be 1 meter higher than your side lights, but you could mount a 225° masthead light on the bow and a 135° on the stern. That way the light won't shine in your eyes like a 360° light will while underway.

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

I've thought about the 225 degree masthead light on the windsheild but wonder if the reflection off the white deck would still hinder vision. And that's important to me here since we have a lot of amateur a**es on Lake Travis that think nothing of running without lights, sitting dead in the water with no lights, or not yeilding ROW to the priviledged vessel even when underway. It's very sketchy out here at night.

I'm thinking a 36" 360 degree retractable mounted on the gunwhale at the stern. So, who makes a HIGH QUALITY light that doesn't look like it was made out of melted down Yugo's?

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

Contact Trick Marine/Fred for the telescoping light. He is handling them now. I believe he can get them with LED bulbs too.
Due

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

Your running light has to be higher than the highest point on the boat. Mine is on the stern and pulls out. It is not a hassle and is used only in the channel, on the open water I take it out and leave the transome light on.

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

Here is the company that made some of the lighting hardware for my 87 Cig.
http://www.wilcox-crittenden.com/index.asp?bid=

Here is some other places to look at
http://www.attwoodmarine.com/
http://www.perko.com/
http://www.aquasignal.net/

Cordell

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

I just installed an electric retractable on the cat. Removed the old one from the bow and installed in the firewall forward in the engine compartment.

Eddie Marine for about 153 bucks. I beleive it telescpes to 36-48 inches.

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

John, Perko still makes the old-style 1209 nav light. It's the same style base that's on my 1970 Donzi. Very retro-styled, pretty well built. I think they are still chrome plated brass like the originals. The only difference is that now the pole is removable instead of telescoping like mine. Look at any old Donzi/Formula etc, that's typically what come on them.

Here's what they look like...


http://www.cyber-marine.com/bridges/61211.html

Jim

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

what if you have an arch. mines under the arch.

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

I thought Coast Guard rules state that the all around light was necessary. Didn't think you could get away with just a transom light when running at night.

Re: Desparate for ideas on running lights!
 

My understanding is that:

all around is not required when underway. Just a 180 (or 270 maybe) light 3 feet above the red/green PLUS a 130 degree transom light.

As far as telescoping lights (the vintage style ones, not the new modern ones) I can't find any that are attractive. I tried to find one for my whaler. Ended up using the old base and telescoping pole with a new teleflex top on it.