Why would I want an underwater light ?

[jnsnwt]

I am getting all sorts of email ads for underwater lights and was wondering what their use is and why would I spend REALLY BIG bucks on them when I bet with a little effort you could have a DIY one built for less than $20. Here's an example http://shop.sailnet.com/ocean-3010th-un ... 46497.html
Thanks, John in Odessa, Tx

[Russ]

Minimum Advertised Price : $2,395.00
Maybe I should get a couple of them.

They are cool though

[dvideohd]

I can think of some good uses....

When you fall overboard at night (tinkle gone awry...) - then it's easier to see your boat sailing off in in the distance...

Possibly you like blue... and had some lowrider lights left over.....

it's too dark for fish to swim??

makes a better picture at night? (versus the watter being dark??)

It's useful to steer biting creatures toward your boat in times of dark... (Jaws??)

--jr

[c130king]

I don't know...I think $2395 is ridiculous. I say wait for the "Winter Blow Out Sail (I mean Sale)" when they are much more reasonably priced at 2-4-$4000...now that's a good deal...

[Divecoz]

There are cheaper units to be had .. NO Link tonight.. I think its Cool Factor more than anything..I have seen them on some very nice boats at anchor and they are very high on the cool factor..
Built one ....thru hull ....for $20? That , I would be carefull with...

[ROAD Soldier]

All that expensive malarkey is for show. Here is the go.

http://www.hydroglow.com/products.html

It really brings in the fish at night and is a lot cheaper.

[vizwhiz]

Um..beaching or at anchor at night in shallow water...to make sure there aren't rocks or oyster bars around? (the kind of oyster bars you find NOT attached to a dock or parking lot...)

Trying to dock the boat at night?

Fishing is definitely a good reason...you'll get all kinds of fish in there at night...

I like the cool factor too...

[Chinook]

I've got a small underwater light, which is equipped with about 15 feet of wire, and has alligator clips on the ends of the leads. I can lower it over the side and clip the leads to the house battery posts. No way can it compare to those ultra expensive high intensity lights you see on the mega yachts, but it is really fun to play with. You never know what might be attracted at night, particularly in warmer salt water locations. It really brings in the fish. It drives the needle fish crazy, so you have to watch out for them.

[Divecoz]

As long as your NOT wanting "thru Hull" I agree with the poster about DIY , for a lot cheaper.. $25 worth of LEDs and a 1.5" PVC Pipe cap some silicon caulk some decent extention cord and a cigar lighter end on it.... Lots of possibilities.. 2 ' of 1 1/2" PVC - 2 PVC caps some LEDS, play with the ballast and have a surface or with extra playinggggg a subsurface floater.. again for in or around $50.. Color LEDS come in all colors. I just added 6 to the interior of the wife's MGB for cool sexy factor..

Um..beaching or at anchor at night in shallow water...to make sure there aren't rocks or oyster bars around? (the kind of oyster bars you find NOT attached to a dock or parking lot...)

Trying to dock the boat at night?

Fishing is definitely a good reason...you'll get all kinds of fish in there at night...

I like the cool factor too...

[jnsnwt]

Thanks to all for your replies

I think the main value for me would be the "kewl" aspect. I really liked the idea of a portable set up that you could drop over the side for the grandkids to see what shows up.
But the pic of the powerboat with the jet enging wake effect is wayyy cool. LOL

This will have to be a DIY project as I have more time than money.

John in Odessa

[Divecoz]

Glad to accept you as a member of the club...

This will have to be a DIY project as I have more time than money.

John in Odessa

[Russ]

Well, I'm not punching any holes below the waterline for fun.

But I may take an old 12v Spa light and attach it to something. Probably fun to see what it attracts.


--Russ

[ROAD Soldier]

I have the 48" Hydro Glow and it gives a 30ft radius of light. If you think about using this to conduct underwater maintenance on your boat I wouldn't at least not in salt water. This thing does attract all kinds of fish including Sharks. In fact the way you fish it is fish the edges of the light because the bait fish mass in the light and when one swims close to the edge of darkness it gets ambushed by a predatory fish.

[Divecoz]

Cool Dude ! I didn't know thats how you worked them.. Fish The Edge's ..Any color preference???
Russ dont see why those floaties (solar lights ) for pools wouldn't do something too? Maybe if I have the time and I remember CRSS...I just might build a floating light stick this winter..

I have the 48" Hydro Glow and it gives a 30ft radius of light. If you think about using this to conduct underwater maintenance on your boat I wouldn't at least not in salt water. This thing does attract all kinds of fish including Sharks. In fact the way you fish it is fish the edges of the light because the bait fish mass in the light and when one swims close to the edge of darkness it gets ambushed by a predatory fish.

[Wetsocks]

Only $2395? Each? For a Wow, what a bargain!

Using a light at night to attract fish, to catch them, is cheating, imho.