Qualities Your Boat’s Searchlight Should Have

One of the things that most people take for granted or don’t think about on a boat is a searchlight. They either don’t have one or never user the one they have. Of course, if they never use their watercraft at night, then it is understandable. But nighttime boating is a marvelous, joyful thing. You get to spend time on the water and look up at the stars without the light pollution caused by cities. There is also a lot less traffic. However, many people don’t use their boats at night because they are worried about lack of light and have never considered getting one.

If you spend an evening on the water, then getting your boat back to shore or finding the dock mooring can be a little challenging in the dark. Obviously, a light would be very helpful. Or if you are cruising around by starlight, then you can use a searchlight to help find channel markers or buoys.

Searchlights aren’t just for nighttime floats though. They are imperative if you are planning a long voyage, or even a weekend trip. If you were to get stuck in a thick patch of fog, you could set the light on a broad beam and continue to slowly navigate. They are also perfect for signaling other boats if you are in danger and your radio is out. You can concentrate the beam and use it to send an SOS signal, though some models have an automated SOS feature.

If you are considering buying a searchlight for your boat, then you should make sure it has some of the following semi-basic qualities:

1. Remote control
2. At least 360 degrees of rotation
3. At least 90 degrees of tilt
4. A controllable beam concentration
5. Waterproof
6. Weatherproof
7. Saltwater resistance

Most quality searchlights have most of those qualities, but you should always check the model you plan on buying. A remote control is very helpful because it allows you to control your searchlight while remaining at the helm. The rotation and tilt need to give you the ability to point light in every direction around your boat. You should also have control over the concentration of the beam so that you can use it in fog or to see far off. The light housing also needs to be able to withstand the wind and the waves. It needs to withstand the corrosive qualities of saltwater.

If you aren’t considering a searchlight for your boat, then perhaps you should. They are wonderful safety tools and emergency signals. It would be a shame to find yourself in need of one without a single one in sight.