South Bay Navigation Lights

[Randal Scholl]

I want to install some navigation lights and was planning a small 12v battery and built-in bases/lights. Curious what else you guys have installed before I cut into the hull.

Thanks!

 

[Randal Scholl]

NVM - search function provided helpful results. New battery powered LED lights with surface mount bases look like the ticket.

 

[Capt Rich Geminski]

Raise the bow light 3/4" for clearance. Steve had one posted.

 

[Steve Sanford]

Good morning, Randall~


I've put these "portable" LED nav lights on both a South Bay and on my own Sneakbox.


View attachment sm NL 01.JPG



On the South Bay, I used the threaded machine screws that hold the suction cups on - but was nervous about suction cups - in wind, seas and freezing weather. I think the threads are metric. (the South Bay lights and Sneakbox light are different styles of mounting.)


Up forward, I made an elevated base.



View attachment sm N - Bow light installed.jpg




I used a bit of gas line hose to cover the screw (to protect against puncturing kneecaps, waders, decoy bags....).


View attachment sm Nav lights 10.jpg



Aft, I mounted the light right on the outboard. The machine screw is "glued" into the cowling with 3M 5200.


View attachment sm N - Stern light bolt.JPG



Here it is - ready for the black of night.....


View attachment sm N - Stern light installed.jpg



On my Sneakbox, I used this "improved" design. These short shafts have pins to hold them in their suction cups.


I passed on the suction cup on the bow.


View attachment sm NL 03.JPG



A rubber bottle stopper keep the socket clean and dry.


View attachment sm NL 05.JPG



On the stern, I fastened the suction cup to the cowling. Note how the clip keeps the shaft in the rubber socket.



View attachment sm NL 02.JPG



Hope this helps!


SJS

 

[Randal Scholl]

Perfect Steve, thanks. I will be doing something similar.

 

[RD Nelle]

Randall,
I too have had great result with the system that Steve suggested. Simple and dependable. On the bow of my 12 ft sneak boat, I went with the rubber mount that Steve shows in picture of the stern motor mount. I wish I had done something else. It difficult to find the hole to secure the light in the dark and a snow encrusted bow. I mounted the bow nav light in the horizontal position, but I like the vertical mount that Steve shows. Mounted that way it would provide better visibility, which of course is the idea. I also like the stern light above my head so it is not blocked by my body when motoring. That is easy to do with an extension rod.

 

[Randal Scholl]

Thanks RD - frozen mounting holes are something I had not considered.

 

[Huntindave McCann]

I also like the stern light above my head so it is not blocked by my body when motoring. That is easy to do with an extension rod.

An extension rod for the stern light is probably needed to meet to CG requirement that the stern light be a minimum of 1 meter in height above the bow light. An extension which places the light above the operator's head, not only has the advantage noted above, but also gets the light out of the eyes of the operator.

 

[Steve Sanford]

Randy~


As with oarlock sockets, those rubber plugs keep out the water, snow and ice. Probably worth keeping a couple extras in the tool kit.



All the best,


SJS

 

[RD Nelle]

Thanks Dave for the 1 meter regulation clarification. I almost guessed at 1 yard as my wife rushed me out to Costco, but I would have come up a little short. Hum.... Maybe I better check my stern extension rod length?

 

[Dave Diefenderfer]

I followed Dave's lead and extended my nav light to about 6ft. Above my head when setting decoys, keeps me safe from idiots tearing around in the dark, and lights up the area around me to see where my decoys are.

 

[Bill Ferrar]

I use the portable lights on my southbay. In addition I wear 2 headlights. one in front and one in the back.
It is visible 360 no matter how I turn my head.
Keep in mind it may not be legal but it works for me.