Handheld spotlights are useful equipment for sailing in low light. Waterproof spotlights are used for maintenance, rescue, navigation, and rigging in inclement weather.
This post will go over seven of the best handheld spotlights for boating. We’ll also go over what to look for when buying a spotlight, as well as battery kinds, light measuring units, and the advantages of having one on board.
What is the handheld spotlight for boating?
A handheld spotlight for boating is essentially a glorified flashlight. Its form, how you hold it, and how you manage the light are what set it apart.
Handheld marine spotlights include a pistol-style grip with controls in place of a trigger. This is due to the ease with which a setup like this may be aimed and controlled. Furthermore, handheld spotlights have an advantage over regular flashlights due to their exact point ability.
Another feature that distinguishes them is brightness. A typical Maglite flashlight, for example, generates around 14 lumens of light, which is sufficient for inside and limited outdoor use. A normal handheld maritime spotlight emits 1,500 lumens or more, enough to light up an entire building.
Why do you need a handheld board spotlight?
So, are there any compelling reasons to use a handheld board spotlight? One of the most helpful things a sailor may have been was a portable marine flashlight. These lights can be used for navigation, maintenance, rescue, and even communication.
#1. Rescue & repair
In a rough sea, high-powered marine spotlights can pinpoint the position of tangled rope high up on the mast or the reflective strip of a life jacket. They may be used to scan the water for obstructions like driftwood or rocks, and the strobe feature can alert rescuers to your precise location.
#2. Communication and Distress Signals
Spotlights are sometimes utilized for signaling. Everyone understands the morse code signal for “SOS,” and skilled sailors can communicate with other vessels effectively using lights. Most marine spotlights feature a momentary switch function that allows you to send out morse code messages to neighboring vessels.
Types of handheld spotlight bulb
LEDs, incandescent bulbs, and noble gas bulbs are among the bulb types typically used in handheld spotlights.
LEDs: For a variety of reasons, LEDs are the most widely utilized light source in portable spotlights. Because these light kinds do not generate excessive heat, there is no wasted energy, allowing the spotlight to run for an extended amount of time. LEDs lack a glass filament that is easily broken, making these spotlight ideal for camping, trekking, or fishing.
Incandescent bulbs: used to be the go-to option for portable spotlights, but the efficiency and durability of LEDs have largely supplanted these bulbs over the years. However, some customers like the yellow light generated by these bulbs, or perhaps they prefer the lower initial cost of the device.
Noble gas bulbs are simply incandescent bulbs loaded with xenon, halogen, and krypton gas to help extend the life of the filament and generate more visible light without requiring additional energy, boosting energy efficiency and light output. These bulbs are seldom used in handheld spotlights because they are extremely brittle; nonetheless, they are brighter than both incandescent and LED bulbs on average.
Review 7 best handheld spotlight for boating
#1. Energizer LED Spotlight IPX4 Water Resistant
It’s not just inconvenient; it’s also dangerous to have an emergency pack stocked with untrustworthy items. However, with this Energizer LED portable spotlight, the light may be kept independently from a brand-new set of six AA batteries, giving customers peace of mind that the spotlight will operate when they need it, power or no power. The lightweight flashlight weighs about one pound and features a robust, durable body.
The spotlight has two light settings: high and low, with a maximum brightness of 600 lumens and a runtime of roughly 6 hours. With a concentrated beam of light, the light may reach up to 425 meters when set to high. While this portable flashlight is not suitable for boating, it does have a basic water-resistance rating and can withstand splashing and mild to moderate rains.
#2. BUYSIGHT Rechargeable Spotlights Handheld
Another handheld spotlight from BUYSIGHT is meant to make your sailing experience as easy as possible. The sturdy but lightweight design makes it a pleasure to use. Despite its small weight, it is remarkably resilient. It’s not going to break easily.
It’s apparent how bright this device can get with a total capacity of 6000 lumens. However, you may choose between three brightness settings based on your preferences.
It also has a rechargeable battery, making it a cost-effective alternative. If you choose this model, you won’t have to bother about battery replacement. The 9000mAH battery capacity ensures that it will not run out of power as soon as you start your boat ride.
#3. CSNDICE 35W LED Rechargeable Handheld spotlights
You may use this handheld spotlight for up to 8 hours on high and receive 6,000 lumens of light that can extend up to 2,600 feet, or you can save the energy and use it for up to 24 hours on low and get 1,000 lumens of light. Even on low, the spotlight can be seen from over 1,300 feet away. When the battery runs out, just connect it to a nearby power outlet or the vehicle’s AC output.
The flashlight is designed to float if dropped in water, however, it is susceptible to long-term water damage if the charging outlet cover is not securely closed. It weighs under one pound and has a shoulder strap for hands-free carrying. While it takes around 4 hours to completely charge, it may be used as an emergency power bank for recharging phones, tablets, and other USB devices once charged.
#4. Mo.tools Rechargeable handheld LED spotlight
Using a 6000-lumen (max) ultra-high-brightness Cree LED light, it can generate a bright concentrated spot beam over the length of nearly two football fields (2600 ft/ 800 m), making it a long-distance spotlight flashlight. Three functions with adjustable settings are available: Strobe/ Strong floodlight/ Medium floodlight.
The rechargeable spotlight has four brilliant LED CREEs on the side, and the top thread mount design allows users to utilize the portable searchlight on ordinary tripods as an external light. When you need to keep a close eye on anything while working, reading, or camping, our Mo.tools spotlight flashlight is the ideal option. There are three adjustable settings: strong/ low/ red and blue light strobe.
Our big flashlight features three long-lasting 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and an Emergency Power Bank-Battery capacity of up to 10000mAh, allowing for up to 24 hours of lighting time. In emergency scenarios, our emergency spotlights can also be used as mobile power for smartphones or mobile devices, adding a lot of convenience to your outdoor trip. You may charge your phone, MP3, and other electric digital items.
The Mo.tools flashlight is built of a strong military-grade ABS + aluminum alloy material that is drop resistant and has fall protection at high altitudes to minimize damage. Its tough aluminum shell and shock-resistance can withstand harsh handling. The device may be utilized in tough environmental circumstances due to its sealed design and water resistance. It may also be used as a car searchlight, a floodlight, a camping lantern, and a yacht searchlight.
#5. TONGNAN Rechargeable LED Handheld spotlight
The portable spotlight is constructed of high-quality aluminum alloy and ABS. Slip-resistant, explosion-proof, and shockproof. Our searchlights have been tested to satisfy the industry requirement of 1000 battery cycles and 100,000 hours lamp life. IPX4 waterproofing protects it from water splashes in all directions. It is ideal for use in outdoor locations and in extreme weather situations. Furthermore, the 7000 lumens (maximum) CREE LED bulb can generate a strong, concentrated light beam with an illuminating range of about 2600 feet/800 meters. The battery has a lifespan of more than 50,000 hours. There are six different adaptive settings: main light high/low/flash, multi-function sidelight with white light, and emergency flash, which allow you to use it as a camping light and warning light in hazy weather.
Furthermore, this flashlight is powered by a 6,600 mAh battery and can be lighted for up to 30 hours in low light mode. Car searchlights, floodlights, camping and hunting lights, blackout home lights, yachts, and maritime searchlights are all possible applications. Intelligent multiple protection functions, flashlight terminal output function, and the ability to charge mobile phones, MP3 players, iPads, and other electronic digital items.
Besides, you may transport our searchlight in a number of methods. The shoulder strap may be used for work, and the hand strap is easily attached to the bag. It has a screw hole at the bottom. To free your hands, mount the light on a tripod or bicycle rack.
#6. Cybbo Led Rechargeable Spotlight
This Cybbo rechargeable spotlight features one main beam and a sidelight that may be used as an emergency red and blue light or as a floodlight. A flashlight comes with batteries and a charger.
Although it is not waterproof, rain or water splashes will not harm it. This flashlight is water-resistant to IPX4 standards. The red and blue lights also function as a power bank, allowing you to charge mobile devices. Spotlight features a 6000 lumens (maximum) L2 LED bulb that creates a brilliant concentrated beam with a lighting distance range of more than 2600 ft / 800 m. Our powerful flashlight is powered by three rechargeable 18650 lithium-ion batteries (10,000 MAH) that can be recharged over 1,000 times. Our emergency spotlight may also be used as an emergency power supply for your smartphone or mobile device, providing you with a plethora of benefits for outdoor travel. The Cybbo Powerful Spotlight has an adjustable tripod and a harness for hands-free use. Our high-power ultra-bright flashlight is built of strong, impact-resistant military-grade ABS material and aluminum alloy, which prevents the system from dropping and bumping while in operation. It is excellent illumination equipment for trekking, camping, sailing, or hunting boat searchlight.
#7. Cybbo Rechargeable Spotlight Super Bright
This handheld spotlight is powered by a battery with a maximum capacity of up to 9600 mah and has an illumination time of more than 30 hours in low light mode. It may be utilized as automobile spotlights, headlights, camping lights, hunting lights, interior lights, yacht and boat lights, and so on. Multiple intelligent protection functions, an output function at the end of the flashlight, and the ability to charge mobile phones, MP3, iPad Mac, and other electronic digital items Furthermore, it offers an ultra-long-distance light with a range of 2600 feet, as well as High/Low brightness mode switching, allowing you to utilize it as a long-distance tactical flashlight, an external rechargeable boat light, and a handy weather light.
The rechargeable flashlight also functions as a camping light and a replacement battery can be used with a strap and includes a screw hole on the bottom that allows you to quickly connect the spotlight to a tripod or bike rack to keep your hands free. A great helper in situations such as boating, marine, fishing, hunting, outdoor camping, car maintenance, and rescue. IPX4 is rainproof, suited for outdoor use in inclement weather.
Ergonomic handle design allows for easy control in the hand or with a folding tripod.
Pros and cons of using handheld boat spotlight
#1. Pros
Aside from assisting you in navigating through dark seas, possessing a boat spotlight has several additional safety benefits. A boat spotlight will assist you in the following ways:
– Locate any impediments, such as rocks, on your path.
– Make both you and your boat visible at night, reducing the likelihood of boat collisions.
– Locate your boat’s equipment or other stuff.
– Navigate the boat with ease
– Check to see whether your fishing rod is properly attached
– Signal for assistance or aid when needed
#2. Cons
Although there are many conveniences to use, besides that, handheld boat spotlights still have some disadvantages such as
– Not high durability
– Some may find it to be a little heavy
– Not water-resistant
Things to consider when choosing the best handheld spotlight for boating
Consider the following key aspects when purchasing a product: size and weight, brightness, beam distance, waterproof & durability, lenses & reflectors, rechargeable or disposable battery, and kind of controls. Understanding the product’s features will help you decide which option is the ideal handheld spotlight for your needs.
#1. Weight & size
These handheld gadgets are designed to be carried in your hand or packed into a bag or backpack. Most handheld spotlights are lightweight and small in order to achieve this goal. The usual handheld spotlight weighs between 1 and 4 pounds and is small enough to be handled and operated with one hand.
Users may notice weight variations between goods designed for high brightness levels and those designed for water resistance. Because of the lens, reflector, bulb, and power supply, high-intensity spotlights generally weigh more. Despite their bigger size, handheld spotlights built for sailing weigh less. The large size is only to assist the spotlight float if it is thrown into the water.
#2. Brightness
Lumens are used to measure the brightness of a handheld spotlight. A lumen is the amount of light generated by a single lighted candle at a distance of one foot. The brightness of a spotlight varies depending on the product, with possibilities ranging from 500 lumens to over 6,000. Higher brightness spotlights make it easier to view items close by, but it also increases the apparent range of the spotlight, which is referred to as the beam throw.
A handheld spotlight should generate 500 to 1,000 lumens and have a beam throw of at least 500 feet with no obstructions when used on camping, hiking, or fishing expeditions. This guarantees that the light can enlighten the surrounding region while also signaling for assistance in the event of an emergency.
#3. Beam distance
Another aspect to consider while selecting a maritime spotlight is beam distance. Most sailors consider a beam distance of 350 to 500 yards to be good, and anything greater than 500 yards to be exceptional.
A common Maglite flashlight has a beam distance of around 100 yards. Keep in mind that beam distance is often measured with the lens focused for range, thus such large beam ranges may not always be possible.
#4. Waterproof & durability
Don’t squander your time or money on a delicate product that will shatter the first time it is dropped. Handheld spotlights are designed for use on busy construction sites, as well as camping, hiking, boating, fishing, and emergency circumstances, such as when a car breaks down on the side of the road. Because of the variety of applications, it is important to select a robust product that can endure a few bumps and bangs without breaking.
Consider whether the portable spotlight is water-resistant. These goods frequently include an IP rating, which can aid in determining water resistance.
IPX0: This address is not protected.
IPX1: Water droplet resistance.
IPX2: Water resistance while dripping vertically.
IPX3: Resistant to light splashes from a single direction.
IPX4: Resistant to light splashes from all directions.
IPX5: Resistant to water sprays from any direction.
IPX6: Resistant to strong water sprays from all directions.
IPX7: Waterproof and submersible in water up to 6 feet deep.
IPX8: Waterproof and submersible in water up to 6 feet deep.
#5. Lenses & Reflectors
A handheld spotlight’s lens is generally constructed of clear glass or plastic, which protects the bulb while allowing light to travel through unimpeded. Some spotlights, on the other hand, may come with a colored lens that alters the look of light for signaling reasons, night-vision uses, or simply to have some fun around the campfire. Yellow, red, green, and blue are common lens colors.
While the bulb produces the light, it is the reflector that raises the total lumens by diverting and concentrating the light into a strong beam. Reflectors generally have a smooth texture for a tight, crisp beam of light or an orange-peel texture that reflects the light out over a large region, providing a broad beam suitable for camping.
#6. Battery life
One of the primary reasons for having a portable spotlight is to swiftly create light in areas where there is no access to power. This implies that the light source in portable spotlights is powered by either disposable or rechargeable batteries.
Disposable batteries are an excellent choice for inclusion in an emergency kit since they can be stored apart from any electrical equipment, preventing the stored energy from being depleted. They generally last longer than rechargeable spotlights; nevertheless, having to walk or drive to the shop to get batteries when the spotlight runs out of power might be inconvenient.
Because the gadget may be connected to an outlet at home, a generator, or a power bank while camping, or it can even take power from the AC outlet in the car or truck, rechargeable batteries are the most frequent option for a portable spotlight. The main disadvantage of these portable spotlights is that they often run out of juice faster than disposable batteries.
#7. Controls & Lighting Modes
Handheld spotlights often feature relatively simple controls for switching between various popular illumination settings. The spotlight will include a dial, a set of buttons, or a trigger control that allows you to change the lighting mode by squeezing the trigger. With each squeeze of the trigger, the lighting mode changes, increasing or reducing the amount of light generated. High, low, and SOS are the standard illumination settings for a portable spotlight.
High mode consumes the greatest energy in order to generate the device’s brightest light. Because of the large amount of energy required for this setting, it usually has the shortest runtime.
Low mode saves energy and may frequently last up to five times as long. The spotlight, on the other hand, produces much less light and has a shorter beam throw.
In the event of an emergency, the SOS mode is designed to signal for assistance. The spotlight generates the same amount of light as when it is set to high, however, the light is intermittent. This strobe pattern flashes a bright white light and, depending on the product, may also include red or blue lights.
***Refer to more: Best Outdoor Lights For Coastal Areas: Top 6 Expert’s Picks
Care and maintenance
Rechargeable flashlights, like any other mechanical equipment, should be kept in a dry, cold place. Keep your flashlight in a secure area that is easily accessible in the case of an emergency or power loss.
It is recommended to remove the lithium-ion batteries from your flashlight before storing it, especially if it will be in storage for an extended length of time. When lithium-ion batteries are kept inside a flashlight in a temperature-changing environment, such as a car, the battery can steadily drain considerably quicker than while left alone, even when not in use. If your light’s battery discharges fast, even when it is not in use, it is an indication that something is wrong with the light itself.
When storing your battery, a decent rule of thumb is to keep it at approximately 40% charge. This reduces the age-related capacity loss while maintaining the battery in excellent working order and allows for self-discharge.
Furthermore, it is usually a good idea to clean your lamp once in a while to maintain its durability.
Wipe down the housing of your flashlight with an alcohol pad or any sort of grease-cutting solution to clean it. If your flashlight has grooves, you may want to use a bristle brush or hard toothbrush to clean any grease or filth. Most of our rechargeable flashlights are IP66 or higher certified, so their waterproof shell allows them to be wiped off with soapy water or a fast rinse in the sink without causing any damage to the light.
Wipe away any dirt or grime that has accumulated on the interior of the lamp where the battery connects with a cotton swab. Just make certain that no cotton strands or pieces remain.
***Refer to more: 6 Common Problems With LED Lighting & How To Fix Them
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many lumens do you need for a boat spotlight?
A spotlight with as few as 500 lumens is more than enough to illuminate an average-sized backyard. More lumens, at least 2,000, are recommended for long-distance visibility when hunting or camping.
How bright is a good spotlight?
Look for a handheld spotlight with 500 to 1,500 lumens for broad outdoor use away from ambient lights, such as on a camping or hiking trip.
What should I look for in the spotlight?
As we mentioned above, you should consider the following key aspects when purchasing a product: size & weight, brightness, beam distance, waterproof & durability, lenses & reflectors, rechargeable or disposable battery, and kind of controls. Understanding the product features will help you decide which is the ideal portable stage light for your needs.
It is dependent on the product. Some spotlights are designed to be waterproof, even when immersed, but others may be damaged in severe rain.
One lumen is the amount of light generated by a lighted birthday candle positioned approximately one foot away. With this as a starting point, it’s easy to grasp that 1,000 lumens is exactly 1,000 times the brightness of a single lighted candle.
Conclusion
We hope you found recommendations about the best handheld spotlight for boating. Finally, lighting is frequently a personal and artistic decision, and the best test is a visual test.
If you have a huge project, it is usually a good idea to start by purchasing one or two LED spotlights to test and ensure that the color and brightness are what you anticipate.
If everything seems good, you may go ahead and buy the remainder!
