Good masthead / steaming lights

[LookingForCruiser]

Hello all,

My boat is lacking masthead & steaming lights. So I'm searching the internet and seeing a gigantic variety of them. So, my question is, does anybody have recommendations on any particular brand/model of masthead & steaming lights?

Thanks in advance!

[noelex77]

Lopolight are expensive, but look the best built. They have done well magazine tests and they generally get + reviews. I intend to fit one when my mast needs new rigging.

[LookingForCruiser]

Yikes, yes, expensive. Also not USCG certified, which makes me nervous. Is that an issue? Most of the LED lights don't seem to be USCG certified...

[sailingdog]

I like the Aquasignal 25 steaming/foredeck light.

[LookingForCruiser]

So that would install on the mast somewhere midway, and the anchor light would be at the very top, yes ?

[sailingdog]

Yes, usually about the spreader level, or between the first and second spreaders on a multi-spreader rig. While the steaming light is often called a masthead light, but usually isn't anywhere near the masthead.

Originally Posted by LookingForCruiser

So that would install on the mast somewhere midway, and the anchor light would be at the very top, yes ?

[dgr]

I thought I liked that AquaSignal 25; then I took it out of the package. The deck light is totally open to the elements. There is no lense cover. What bothered me the most about this is that reflector is going to be useless pretty quickly.

Aqua Signal wasn't the only brand that did this. I think I looked at Forespar or Perko and it was the same design with the bulb unprotected.

I returned it and made the guys at Svendsens go upstairs and find a Hella 8505 combo light. It uses a sealed beam so the reflector gets replaced with the bulb change and is protected from the elements. You can get the small one (8505) with a 20W deck light for around $70 or the big one with a 55W deck light for about twice that.


forgot to mention: I like bilgewater's combo light. It looks durable and streamlined.

[LookingForCruiser]

Is my assumption that the steaming & foredeck light components are on separate circuits correct?

Since we're on the topic, I also need an all-around anchor light for the top of the mast - does anybody have opinions on what a good brand/model is for that ?

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by dgr

I thought I liked that AquaSignal 25; then I took it out of the package. The deck light is totally open to the elements. There is no lense cover. What bothered me the most about this is that reflector is going to be useless pretty quickly.

The reason the AquaSignal isn't sealed is there really isn't a need for it. It is too high up for spray to be an issue and rain generally doesn't fall up. The fixture works quite well.

Originally Posted by LookingForCruiser

Is my assumption that the steaming & foredeck light components are on separate circuits correct?

Since we're on the topic, I also need an all-around anchor light for the top of the mast - does anybody have opinions on what a good brand/model is for that ?

Yes, the fixture uses three wires, +12 VDC for each light and a common ground return.

For the mast top fixture, I'd go with an Orca Green Marine LED anchor light. While a bit more pricey than some other fixtures, it uses far less electricity. Also, it is USCG certified.

[jimq26]

quote - The reason the AquaSignal isn't sealed is there really isn't a need for it. It is too high up for spray to be an issue and rain generally doesn't fall up. The fixture works quite well.

I had one on my Shark 24. There was no way it needed a cover over the deck light as it was totally protected from any water by its design.
Come back into the dock late at night, flip on the deck light, and Bob's your uncle. Lit up the front deck for unloading the sails to be folded etc.

You seem to be fairly new to sailing and perhaps not totally aware of the lighting requirements. Here is a link that may assist - reviewlights