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Which way does your spot/search light point?

Discussion of radars, GPS, autopilots, stereos and TV's. Also iPad and other mobile navigation devices.
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Low Flyer
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Which way does your spot/search light point?

Postby Low Flyer » April 20th, 2017, 11:21 pm

My father taught me years ago to point the spot light back toward the helm when not in use. He said that you will never accidentally leave it on and drain the battery if you can see the lens.
I can not tell you how many times that I leave the dock at noon on Sunday or Monday and see spot/search lights on.

While those boats are plugged into shore power it is not a question of running down the battery as much as reducing the life span of those expensive bulbs.

About half the boats on the docks point out while the other half point in.. Thoughts?
"Water Wings II"
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Re: Which way does your spot/search light point?

Postby g36 » April 21st, 2017, 6:35 am

I also turn mine around so I can see it for the same reasons . Oh I also go so fast I. Don't want any bugs flying in and breaking the lens :-D
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Re: Which way does your spot/search light point?

Postby bud37 » April 21st, 2017, 7:39 am

Good question, I have wondered the same thing....now ours is pointed back only because it gets left that way after turning it around to check it, how many actually use their spotlight??....... :beergood:
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Re: Which way does your spot/search light point?

Postby km1125 » April 21st, 2017, 10:44 am

Mine is pointed ahead and just below the horizon, so I just need to sweep left or right to light up what I'm trying to see. I have a toggle for spot/flood that's easy to see if it is on
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Re: Which way does your spot/search light point?

Postby waybomb » April 21st, 2017, 12:12 pm

I kill all the dc power when I leave.
So, no issue here.
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Re: Which way does your spot/search light point?

Postby CaptBob » April 21st, 2017, 2:49 pm

I keep mine turned around facing me. I never thought about that I could check to make sure it was off, I don't use it as a head light, just to light up something I can't identify. The main reason I keep it turned around so that the bugs don't collect on/in it while cruising. When we were in East Tennessee, there were seasonal mayfly swarms that could dman near stop a boat from going through them. Fish sure loved them though!
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Re: Which way does your spot/search light point?

Postby feeez » April 21st, 2017, 6:53 pm

bud37 wrote:Source of the post Good question, I have wondered the same thing....now ours is pointed back only because it gets left that way after turning it around to check it, how many actually use their spotlight??....... :beergood:

Pointed back..... used it once to shine on my buddies boat to annoy him..... never underway.... don't go out at night I will join you in that :beergood:
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Re: Which way does your spot/search light point?

Postby Lyndon670 » April 21st, 2017, 8:49 pm

The main reason I keep it turned around so that the bugs don't collect on/in it while cruising


Nailed it.

Flying our Police Helicopter, same thing. Keep it pointed away from the flight path so it doesn't bug up. On my 506, always pointed at the bridge, out of the direction of travel.
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Re: Which way does your spot/search light point?

Postby Tennessee River Rat » April 26th, 2017, 3:32 pm

I don't go fast enough at night to worry about bugs. But I have mine headed forward so that if I am in a panic mode and want to see if trash is in front of me at night or a small boat when I turn it on the light it is not shining in my face blinding me for the next 30 seconds or so, which could be too late to change course.
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Re: Which way does your spot/search light point?

Postby RGrew176 » April 27th, 2017, 3:59 am

Mine is pointed forward also. If you need it now that way it's immediately available.
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