Steaming light that is strong

redthunder · 23 April 2012, 11:31

I have a steaming light up on a pole behind the Radar. It wobbles even on flat water. Went out in a sea yesterday and it lasted 1 hour then the weld failed. Any ideas on what to use or any good sturdy designs that anyone has used. Picture attached of light before it failed. Pity they dont make radars with the light in the Top!!

Rokraider · 23 April 2012, 15:39

It looks as though you are using it as a flagpole as well? If so the flag flapping about on it will speed up its demise for sure.

ashbypower · 23 April 2012, 15:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rokraider

It looks as though you are using it as a flagpole as well? If so the flag flapping about on it will speed up its demise for sure.

+1 on that, does not appear to be ideal !

captnjack · 23 April 2012, 17:03

Weld a similar height SS light pole onto the port side of that A-frame. Opposite the radio aerial.

(crappy welds are just crappy though, get it done right)

redthunder · 24 April 2012, 07:52

Even with no flag it wobbles. I was thinking may be a vertical pole on the opposite side to the VHF arial. This would take the bend and weakness out ? Otherwise thinking of getting a light similar to the ones found on a echomax and sticking it to the top of the radome ?

longjohn · 24 April 2012, 09:53

I use one of these - battery powered and very strong magnetic attachment

Force 4 LED Navilight - White - Only £49.95 - Force 4 Chandlery

Ribochet · 24 April 2012, 10:24

The problem you have identified is well known , especially with "off the shelf" fittings.

[QUOTE=redthunder;458191]Even with no flag it wobbles. /QUOTE]

I run a similar rig and set up and my all round nav light also wobbles.

However my "pole" was custom made by Redbay and has done over 100hrs without a problem.

Was yours made by Redbay? - if so the weld should not have failed -therefore send it back to Gary to get sorted. Otherwise get a heavy duty fitting made to overcome the problem.

willk · 24 April 2012, 12:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ribochet

Was yours made by Redbay? - if so the weld should not have failed -therefore send it back to Gary to get sorted

And don't forget to tell him that you were using it as a flagpole in "a bit of a sea"

He enjoys a good laugh

redthunder · 25 April 2012, 06:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by longjohn

I use one of these - battery powered and very strong magnetic attachment

Force 4 LED Navilight - White - Only £49.95 - Force 4 Chandlery

Thats a great idea I think I'm going down that route. I might see if it will fix to an old go pro camera sucker then sucker it to the radar!!

Thanks

longjohn · 25 April 2012, 10:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by redthunder

Thats a great idea I think I'm going down that route. I might see if it will fix to an old go pro camera sucker then sucker it to the radar!!

Thanks

The magnetic base is nice and flat - I would trust Silkaflex more than suckers - suckers always eventually loose suction and usually at the most inopportune moments!

CJL · 25 April 2012, 16:32

Can you not just mount two white stern lights below the radar. (Obviously one facing forward and one facing backwards!)

Chris

redthunder · 26 April 2012, 08:46

Another possibilty is changing my Echomax for one with a light on it. It leaves a very small blind spot? I do not do commercial trips in the dark? Thoughts?

redthunder · 26 April 2012, 08:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rokraider

It looks as though you are using it as a flagpole as well? If so the flag flapping about on it will speed up its demise for sure.

The pole has hoops for a flag on it.

Ribochet · 26 April 2012, 09:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by redthunder

The pole has hoops for a flag on it.

So has mine