Remote Spotlight Direction When Not in Use

THJeff

Active Member
Jan 4, 2012
278
Lake St.Clair - Michigan
Boat Info
2000 410 Sundancer
Engines
CAT 3126 Diesels
Perhaps this is a silly question but I've been curious about it for years. I've noticed that most people aim the remote spotlight on their bow toward the helm when not in use. Is there a specific reason for this? I could see if we were on the road and wanted to prevent rocks from chipping the lens but but what on the water could harm it if it's facing forward. I've always kept mine forward so it's in the proper direction at night should I need to use it. Am I missing something obvious?
 
Not really.....its more of a personal choice. I face it towards the helm because I want to exercise the motor and gears when I actually use it. Other's may have a different reason.
 
I leave mind pointed forward. Mine is mounted so far back that when I turn it on it shines on the rail and blinds me. So it’s just about worthless.
 
Mine has a cover that hasn't been removed since I bought the boat. Ignorance is bliss! The survey said it works...I may never verify that :)

On my 340 I didn't use the spot light once in 3 seasons. I see others use the spot light to find markers in channels on occasion and I find it a bit annoying and moderately dangerous when other boats are around. Not only are they hunting with their spotlight to find the marker but they're also blinding every boat coming toward them in the process.

Perhaps they'd be useful when running up a river with no other boats around?
 
I've never used mine. I find it much easier to use a hand held, rechargeable, 1Million candlepower light. They're easy to point, you don't have to take your eyes off the helm long to just pick it up and use it.
 
I’ve read that traditionally many salt water boaters would turn them toward the helm to alleviate water hitting them, and in turn developing a salty crust which would cloud the light when in use of course. As others have said, I turn mine toward the helm mainly for checking before I leave. I’ve used mine on several occasions to keep an eye on the dock while docking in a slip at night, but nothing more.
 
Pointed to the helm...more aerodynamic.
 
Back and tilted down to keep water from seeping in and not draining out.

I've owned the boat 2 seasons and I think I spent more time troubleshooting the bad helm switch than I have spent actually using it. I mostly turn it on quick to illuminate channel entrances (occasionally there are kayakers or SUPs who stop in the channel at night) and illuminate my slip when docking.

My 13 year old is out of his mind to to use it after dark.
 
I keep mine pointed at the helm in case I accidentally turn it on, I will be aware and can turn it off.
I guess I'm +6. I only use mine to see if the person sitting in their car with their lights on at the pool parking lot across from my slip like lights shining in their eyes for no reason.:p
 
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I keep mine pointed at the helm in case I accidentally turn it on, I will be aware and can turn it off.
+7

Though if I am planning on cruising at night, I will power it up and turn it around so that it is facing forward for the cruise. If I would need it, I won't blind myself right off of the bat.
 

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