Kayak Navigation Lights

[Ray]

Anyone know if there are marine navigation lights available for kayaks? I may just rig up some myself.

[Johnny P.]

how about just a strong headlamp Ray?

[Ray]

I have and use one, but I would really prefer the proper lights. Battery life is a problem too. I want something I can leave on for a couple hours.

Not to mention everyone makes fun of my headlamp!!!!

[ruge13]

Oh there you go, thats all Ray needs to hear is a reason to use his headlamp:p

Seriously though, yes there are. There sem to be two models, suctioncup and pole. The pole ones are anti fly fishing because they are in the way of your backcasts. I don;t know anything about the suction cups..

[bones]

Use a motorcycle battery.........small, light, and will keep a charge for a long time, re-chargable.

[Wes]

Navlight makes LED nav lights for yaks. With LEDs you get a long battery life and bulbs last forever. Seem like they would be ok if you could mount where you could reach the. I'm not sure how visible they are at a distance.

[notime]

Ray,

I purchased the suction cup version of the Scotty SEA-Light earlier this year from Cabela's ($20) and it works great. The suction cup sticks well and it has a small rope and clip that I attach to my bungie cords in case I knock it off the kayak with my paddle.

[Ray]

Thanks guys. I like the REI version. I think I'll check it out this weekend.

Ray

[Ray]

Thanks guys. I like the Scotty version. I think I'll check it out this weekend.

Ray

[G-Man]

I like checking out different kayak rigging ideas. I have even come up with a couple originals.

I like RT for local flyfishing advice. As for kayak rigging http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/ is a wealth of knowledge. Mostly SOT crew, but lot of kayak fishing experience over there.

I have always used a post type light described here. http://kfs.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=418607442&f=220603834&m=1256006673

Time will tell if its a problem fly casting. It's attached to a crate 12" behind my back. I tried some casting the other day with no issue, but we'll see. I probably don't cast right anyway...yet.

I like the post style cuz the light is always visable and does not effect my night vision.

I hope this is not a RT forum fopar to post a link to another site. KFS is a great site for kayak fishing. RT, SOL, and KFS forums cover it all for me.

Another lil tip I just learned is an LED headlamp. My buddy gave me one. So much lighter on the head and provides better close up light. I don't even notice it's on. I keep the normal headlamp handy for launching\landing. Example http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3629153154&category=16037

Geeze, I'm getting longwinded here. Rigging the kayak is half the fun, and yes a nav light is a good idea. :)

[Wes]

Homemade version.ARC C-light (http://www.wavelengthmagazine.com/1999/as99night.php)

[luke]

REI has a waterproof strobe- the pelican- that you can look at by clicking on the REI logo on this site...I put one between my shoulder blades and one clipped up front...gives you 360 degree protection with a 1/2 mile visibility....

luke

[bones]

Someone needs to research and develop the "Yakker's Beanie".....replace the propeller on top of the beanie with a bright halogen light.

Ray, sounds like this is your department.

Might make ya a million bucks...............I get half for the idea.

[ZenFisher]

Ray - I just recently bought the Tektite lights from KFS. They are bright, small and because they are led, batteries should last a long time. I made a pole for the stern light to get it above my head and off to to left (I cast righty). Haven't fly fished with it up yet, but if the line is going to hit the pole, that means it won't hit the back of my head
:p Had tried a homemade version of nav lights using trim/detail lights from auto parts store and an alarm backup battery, but thet weren't bright enough and I couldn't seal them up good enough. They only lasted 3-4 trips before they stopped working.

rob