While the varnish dries and I rest my back:
One of the things on the list for this year was install a proper spreader
light instead of the automotive fog light I put up when time and money
were
short the year we bought the boat.
I inquired here, Googled, and looked at some candidates that almost made
the
cut but finally decided I couldn't do better than what I have. On a
larger
boat with larger airfoil spreaders, certainly, but the original fog light
still looked best.
http://home.maine.rr.com/rlma/SpreaderLight.jpg
I want something very compact that puts out a lot of light. I don't do
much
night sail handling so it is primarily and emergency device. The set was
originally just $11.00 so I bought two sets (four lights) figuring the
Chinese casings would need to be replaced often. So far, I'm on my first
one after 3 seasons although I've bent and replaced a couple of brackets.
I
drilled a hole in the glass lens so that any rain water could drain out in
the not-designed-for vertical position. $5.50 for the light I decided I
liked best. That doesn't happen often in boating. I was prepared to pay
up to 100 bucks for "real" one.
The only real drawback from a compulsively proper standpoint is that the
case is grounded. There are two wires on the bulb and I ran the ground
all
the way back to the common mast connector. Since the mast is tied to
ground
through the shrouds there isn't much risk. The light is hardly ever on
anyway.
--
Roger Long
