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Old 05-06-2014, 12:24   #1
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Spreader Light Placements

I picked up 2 27watt led 60 degree utility lights. I need to install these and I'm not sure where to put them. I think I would prefer just down from spreaders on both sides of mast.

Any opinions on where best to put them?

I've also thought of just installing one on front of mast for foredeck only.

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Old 05-06-2014, 12:36   #2
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Re: Spreader light placements

They're called "spreader lights" because you mount them on the spreaders

Getting them away from the mast helps to distribute the light better.

I have a foredeck floodlight and LED spreader lights, but I have to say, that I practically never use them for anything. Good for lighting up your sails if you're afraid a ship doesn't see you, but even that use is pretty much obsolete after AIS.
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Old 05-06-2014, 13:06   #3
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Re: Spreader Light Placements

KETCHGOULD:

Middle of each lower spreader on the main mast.

Ann
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Old 05-06-2014, 13:12   #4
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Re: Spreader Light Placements

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Middle of each lower spreader on the main mast.
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Old 05-06-2014, 13:24   #5
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Re: Spreader Light Placements

I keep my spreader lights near the center of my spreaders; however, I do angle one forward to mid deck and one to the center aft.
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Old 05-06-2014, 13:41   #6
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Re: Spreader Light Placements

There isn't a whole lot of consistency, but having the lights within easy reach of the mast will make servicing the lights easier.

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Old 05-06-2014, 14:32   #7
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Re: Spreader Light Placements

I've had little luck with spreader lights. I find a simple downward pointing deck light beneath the steaming light suffices, while a decent headlamp does the rest for going forward. Spreader lights clicked on when underway tend to screw with one's night vision, and spreader lights at dock are too dim; if I'm on shore power, I'd would just bring out an AC work light on an extension cord. If you desire them, however, I would consider 12 gauge (tinned) wire. The incandescent ones suck power and you'll want as little resistance as you can get.
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Old 05-06-2014, 17:14   #8
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Re: Spreader Light Placements

Spreader lights do what they do. If you're on deck, you need to see what's there to do what's to do. Otherwise, what the heck are you doing there?

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Old 05-06-2014, 21:35   #9
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Re: Spreader Light Placements

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There isn't a whole lot of consistency, but having the lights within easy reach of the mast will make servicing the lights easier.

A radar reflector in the catch rain position. Wow. May I use that photo to show folks how it is done?
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Old 05-06-2014, 21:41   #10
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Re: Spreader Light Placements

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A radar reflector in the catch rain position. Wow. May I use that photo to show folks how it is done?
Definitely you may. (Have no need for reflector, having a steel boat.)
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Old 05-06-2014, 21:48   #11
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Re: Spreader Light Placements

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I keep my spreader lights near the center of my spreaders; however, I do angle one forward to mid deck and one to the center aft.
Wouldn't the aft-faced light tend to blind the helmsman? I'd consider having the two spreader lights to be on two different circuits. If deck lighting was a priority and the boat had two masts, wouldn't having lights on both masts' spreader (on different circuits) be desirable?
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Old 05-06-2014, 21:58   #12
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Re: Spreader Light Placements

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Wouldn't the aft-faced light tend to blind the helmsman?
Deck lights should never be turned on underway at night. They might be used if anchoring at night.

Head lights with red lens are my night lights. I also carry a small mag lite with a red lens.
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Old 05-06-2014, 22:04   #13
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Re: Spreader Light Placements

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Deck lights should never be turned on underway at night. They might be used if anchoring at night.
Not handy for sail changes and reefing when it's really dark?
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Old 05-06-2014, 22:48   #14
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Quote:
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Not handy for sail changes and reefing when it's really dark?
Ruin your night vision with them. Headlamps turned way down work much better for this kind of work.

Theoretical discussion for me since I reef from the cockpit, and don't change sails at all.

I guess I might one day use my spreader lights for some really involved work on deck which couldn't wait til morning. Important and involved enough that you don't mind sacrificing night vision.

So far never had such a case.
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Old 06-06-2014, 02:51   #15
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Re: Spreader Light Placements

Used to have a very small bulb in the single deck light under the masthead light. It was great, just enough light to work but still kept some night vision. Maybe the same concept for spreader lights would be good, a bright set for major work when night vision isnt an issue, and a very dim set for when night vision is an issue. Prehaps even a dimmer switch?


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