how about something like this?

Traxstech: Traxstech Rail Clamp Mount (Choose Size)

 

Hard to be too specific without pictures but I've been experimenting with Azek PVC lumber for some rail mounts. Make a rectangle about 2x2", hole saw a 1" hole in the middle and cut it in half. Corrosion and maintenance free with stainless hardware to clamp the two halves around the rail and mount to whatever you want.

Also, as an alternative I just bought plastic u bolts from McMaster sized for my 1" rails.

Another simple thing to consider would be UV resistant zip ties.

 

might want to mount light on some starboard. then use clamps to match diameter of tubing of your bowpulpit. would be secure and demountable.

 

So far Art's suggestion looks least intrusive, but most expensive. I would even consider makinging an under puplpit shelf or bracket out of a couple of thin pieces of teak glued up (and then varnished) to prevent cracking, but I don't want clamps on the rail-so unsightly. I would like it to mount on the underside of the pulpit to be free from lines ripping the light off. Starboard assembly might work too, but somehow starboard seems so...insubstantial. think of this as a design contest, or a low buck challenge. Free sail on Casco Bay in a plastic classic to the winner.

 

The primary goal should be a permanent, fixed, unmovable mount - to avoid the light being bumped or moved. Your light must face directly ahead, if it is bumped it could move, limiting safety and visibility as viewed from ahead by any oncoming vessels.

You could have a permanent bracket in stainless bent/welded to be bolted on (drill and tap) the bottom of the bow rail. Once mounted you can fasten the light with the two existing holes to the bracket. If you want to remove it have two stainless steel studs tacked into the holes from the inside and use stainless wing nuts to fasten plus a 2 prong plug for power.

 

I made my own out of a piece of aluminum angle and using U bolts to attach it to the pulpit.
I couldn't find a mounting bracket that didn't look like a cheap POS, and I didn't like the idea of mounting a new $300 LED light in a very exposed location with a cheap POS.
I ordered a piece of aluminum angle- Online Metal Store | Small Quantity Metal Orders | Metal Cutting, Sales & Shipping | Buy Steel, Aluminum, Copper, Brass, Stainless | Metal Product Guides at OnlineMetals.com. They have just about any dimensions you want. I got a 12" length of 1/4" thick angle that is about 3' X 4" on the sides. I cut about a 4" piece (whatever the width of the light is) of it with an angle grinder; drilled holes to mount the light, then mounted it on the pulpit with U bolts. It is WAY better than anything I've found pre-made, looks good and will withstand a significant impact. I even fabricated a little aluminum guard to which goes down the front of the light for more protection. Can't remember the total cost, but less than $30, which isn't bad considering they want $25-30 for the cheap POS ones.

 

Jim,
Pics would be very helpful. Some HDPE or Boat board could be used to make a permanent solution but hard for me to really direct you without some more info. Is your boat a Vanguard?

 

Use some "Clipper" clips with a SS "L" bracket. The clips can be held in place by drilling a small center hole and tapping the underside of the rail. Cut the L bracket short on the end you bolt the clip to. Attach the light to the other side of the L bracket.

Which model light?

Hamiltons sells the Clippers back by the boat hooks. They no longer sell L brackets but WM and Maine hardware do. An online source would be Mcmaster.

BTW, if it were me, I would have Cumberland Ironworks meet me at the Public pier and weld on a small SS plate to the bottom of the rail. That is where the plate is on my Caliber that holds my Bi-color light.

 

GEdagget, yes it is a Vanguard-can't believe I've lived aboard for years-I think Fred Flintstone owned it before me. old, slow antiquated but lovely to look at and fun to sail. Rugosa, I do want a durable mount, but welding is too expensive right now, plus I'm on a mooring. Tim, I can't quite envision your solution and I'm not sure how rugged it would be-do just the clips hold the lamp in place? you can sail Casco Bay anytime you want so no prize for you but if you get over to Falmouth look me up right up alongside Sturdivant and I'll offer you a Gearys. . Sorry, have not learned to post pictures yet.

 

No need to weld at your mooring if you have something made up that can be bolted on, you would only need to drill into the railing to tap for bolts.

 

Is this your bow configuration?

 

I found that one of these clamps (with the square plate) lined up pretty closely to the two holes in the bottom of my Aqua Signal LED bi-color light:
Sea-Dog : Quality Marine, Industrial and Rigging Hardware

It just took a little filing to make it work.

Routing the electrical cable through the bow pulpit will be a bit more work.

 

Simplest method, IMHO, is two stainless hose clamps. The first fits around your light fixture. The second fits through the first one and around your bow pulpit or other railing fixture. Inexpensive, adjustable, durable (especially if you use two of each - four in all). Not terribly elegant but will do the trick.

 

I also have a new single sidelight to replace my separate lights and move them up a little.

The unit I got from Catalina Direct is topped by a separate plastic bracket that has a 1" horizontal opening for the pulpit tubing to run through. I haven't put it on yet, but I think there is as set screw that holds it in place on the rail. The bracket goes on the rail, then the light snaps onto the bracket so it looks like one piece.

The bracket is here:

http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=327

There is a link to the light from there as well.

Pricey, I know; but hey, boat bucks, amiright?

 

Bicycle headlamps come with a plastic platform with a resize able 1 inch tube clamp.

Available in Kmart etc for less than $10 you get the tube clamp for your nav lights plus a spare torch!