Boat Lights: The Most Boring (But Essential) Topic in Boating
Boat lights are probably the most boring topic I could think of, but they are an issue I have dealt with several times during my boating/fishing adventures. In most places, you are legally required to have operational boat lights. Of course, they seem to only fail when you need them.
In most of my cases, the failures have happened in the early morning hours before a fishing tournament when no stores are open. Understandably, tournament directors will only let you leave to go fishing with your lights properly functioning.
Early in my fishing career, I found my bow light wasn’t working, and it was the wee hours of the morning. I panicked, knowing I wouldn’t be allowed to fish without it operational. Of course, I didn’t have a spare or a replacement bulb. “Who carries that stuff?”
I did, however, have a small flashlight and some duct tape. I maneuvered the flashlight in place to shine through the red and green lenses and taped it down. What a mess to clean up when the duct tape melts onto your fiberglass and chrome trim pieces. On the way home, I purchased a couple of bulbs to fix it and to have a spare on hand. As fate would have it, I still have that spare bulb to this day – I never had to use it.
Most recently, years since I have had an issue with any of my boat lights, it happened again. This time my stern light wasn’t coming on. I was in line to launch my boat for a tournament that cost nearly a month’s salary, and I couldn’t afford to miss out. I’d become complacent over time and didn’t have a spare stern light bulb.
I went into panic mode and now understand that this is when I do my best work. I tore the boat apart, looking for a safe, realistic, and workable solution.
There were zip ties, tape, and several different flashlights spread out, as I was trying to decide how to fabricate a working stern light. I carry a box of tools and random parts and spotted a small tail light for a trailer. I can’t even remember when or why I had this trailer light.
Immediately, I tore open the casing around the light. It was the same style but a much smaller bulb. I plug it into place, and BINGO! It worked!! I now have several spare bulbs in my random box of tools and parts.
These small items aren’t a big deal— until they are.
How often do you find that your stern light is not working just before you need it? If you are like me, it’s not often you power up your boat to check that all your boat lights, switches, and other functions are fully operational when the boat is sitting in the shop, your garage, or other workplaces, and you have time and tools to fix it. You will most likely discover these problems when you can least afford them.
I strongly encourage you to carry a few spare replacement bulbs in the boat with you and keep the “creative solutions” for projects around the house. In case my lovely wife is reading this article – only kidding, dear.
About the Author
This article was written by Cody Ryan Greaney, a Texas State University graduate. In college, he was the live personality for a local radio station giving local news and weather reports daily. After graduation, Cody Ryan went to fulfilling his passion by hitting the bass fishing circuits and guiding hunts. With knowledge in the marketing industry and a passion for the professional angling world, Cody Ryan has promoted sponsors through fishing tournaments, outreach programs, and large events.
Cody Ryan currently hosts the #1 Outdoor Radio Show in Texas with his father, TJ. When he is not on air, Cody Ryan is chasing bass in various tournaments across the lower US. Cody Ryan is one of two organizers of the Dell Children’s Medical Center Fishing Event, named the leading event the hospital has put on for young patients. In conjunction with the multiple youth events he participates in, Cody Ryan was awarded the Pass It on Award in 2013.
Cody Ryan has been guiding bass fishing trips and hunting trips across the state for more than 12 years. His passion for the outdoors is evident. He’s not afraid to thank the Lord each day for allowing him to live the life he leads.
Cody is married to the love of his life, Nicole, and together have a daughter, Saylor.
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