Kayak lighting systems

[LadiMopar]

Hey everybody!

Looking for a little input on kayak lighting systems. 

 

I have a Feelfree Lure 10 in desert camo (mostly shades of brown) that is not that easy to see (even in broad daylight I'm told) and being out on the water long before sunrise is a concern on some bodies of water with higher boat traffic. So I currently have a couple of those portable battery (AAA batteries) operated lights which are not reliable, and really want to upgrade this year for safety if nothing else.

 

Right now I am leaning heavily towards the Yak Power system. Has anyone used these and if so how are they holding up? Do they give enough light? How is the battery usage?

 

If anyone is using another system I'd be interested to know the particulars so I can weigh the pros and cons to make an appropriate decision.

 

Many thanks in advance!

LM

[Choporoz]

My dealer threw in a Yak Attack visipole when I bought my Wildy just over three years ago.  They aren't exactly cheap, but I wouldn't hesitate to pay retail if I lost it.  The flag is fantastic on busy waters - and the light is perfect.  I've never had to replace the led module, nor the batteries...and I fish at night a lot.

[LadiMopar]

9 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

My dealer threw in a Yak Attack visipole when I bought my Wildy just over three years ago.  They aren't exactly cheap, but I wouldn't hesitate to pay retail if I lost it.  The flag is fantastic on busy waters - and the light is perfect.  I've never had to replace the led module, nor the batteries...and I fish at night a lot.

 

Thanks for this suggestion Choporoz, this would definitely be a cheaper choice than the Yak Power system which runs about $200 for their bow to stern system. Certainly easier to install as well. My Lure 10 comes with a track system so no modifications would need to be made.

 

I see it is collapsible which is a great feature, but am curious if you can use it at a shorter length? Lots of low hanging branches here in New England.

 

Thanks again for the info, very helpful to my decision process.

LM

[Darren.]

I would go with a pole lighting system like YakAttack's

or another brand. They're still pricey, and if you're a 

DIYer there are options out there for that, too.

 

In VA, your light needs to be visible for up to 2 nautical

miles, and store bought options usually pass this test.

 

Since I've begun my venture into saltwater, I may do

more night fishing, so I've been looking at these options,

as well. No decision made yet...

[Choporoz]

30 minutes ago, LadiMopar said:

 

I see it is collapsible which is a great feature, but am curious if you can use it at a shorter length? Lots of low hanging branches here in New England.

LM

It does fold up nicely.  To use it shorter would require some fancy jerry-rigging...like bending the last section down and duct-taping it to a lower portion of the pole.  Not something I've ever considered.  I've gone under trees and bridges and had to remove rods from holders, but I've never had the light/flag get caught up in anything. 

 

30 minutes ago, Darren. said:

In VA, your light needs to be visible for up to 2 nautical

miles, and store bought options usually pass this test.

 

Not disputing your comment; VA leaves a little room for interpretation - but, my read is that an all-around light required for boats, may not be necessary for kayaks.  Although a ready flashlight is, at a minimum.

 

https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/wog/equipment-regulations/#Navigation_Lights

"Unpowered Vessels

A vessel under oars and sailboats less than 7 meters (23 feet) in length may display those lights prescribed for a sailing vessel, but it they do not, they shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern (Figure 8) shining a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision."

[Darren.]

3 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

 

Not disputing your comment; VA leaves a little room for interpretation - but, my read is that an all-around light required for boats, may not be necessary for kayaks.  Although a ready flashlight is, at a minimum.

 

https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/wog/equipment-regulations/#Navigation_Lights

"Unpowered Vessels

A vessel under oars and sailboats less than 7 meters (23 feet) in length may display those lights prescribed for a sailing vessel, but it they do not, they shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern (Figure 8) shining a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision."

Yes, I've actually seen that. I was told if I had a head

lamp I'd be fine. So by the "letter of the law", yes.

 

Opinion:

In terms of the smart thing to do, no. At least not IMHO.

Kind of like how you only need a PFD in the kayak at all

times on the water, not on your person. That's freedom

that we are allowed, but the Darwin Awards are handed

out every year for a reason...

 

After being out on the water, even the coves and places

where boats come in (in daylight), I can't imagine going

out at night w/o having a 360º light. Yeah, that light

wouldn't save me from a drunk, passed out boater...

 

I know I am overly cautious...but hey, I wanna live! LOL

[LadiMopar]

8 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

t does fold up nicely.  To use it shorter would require some fancy jerry-rigging...like bending the last section down and duct-taping it to a lower portion of the pole.  Not something I've ever considered.  I've gone under trees and bridges and had to remove rods from holders, but I've never had the light/flag get caught up in anything. 

 

Good to know that getting hung up hasn't been an issue. This option is looking a little better than I originally thought it would. 

We are not required to have lights on "unpowered vessels less than 23 feet" with the exception of a flashlight in Massachusetts.

[Choporoz]

I agree with you completely, @Darren.  

 

My impulse to 'correct you' came much more from my anal need to point people to the actual state regs, instead of relying on what we tell them here on BR. 

 

@LadiMopar, I turn my light on at sunset (and put trebles away), and turn it off at sunrise.  Because the light is above and behind, it never interferes with night vision.  In fact the light goes straight out (and up), not down, so it doesn't affect me at all.  In addition, I wear a headlamp....all the light I've ever needed.  

   The flag is very comforting on busy rivers and Chesapeake traffic areas. 

[J Francho]

Get a VisiPole, and be done with it.

[LadiMopar]

3 hours ago, Choporoz said:

@LadiMopar, I turn my light on at sunset (and put trebles away), and turn it off at sunrise.  Because the light is above and behind, it never interferes with night vision.  In fact the light goes straight out (and up), not down, so it doesn't affect me at all.  In addition, I wear a headlamp....all the light I've ever needed.  

   The flag is very comforting on busy rivers and Chesapeake traffic areas. 

 

Thanks, this is really helpful. Don't figure I'd be out all night, but it's good to know I'd have less chance of being run over at O-dark-thirty. ?

[LadiMopar]

Okay guys, first I want to say thanks to all of you for your  valuable input, and secondly I want to say thanks for twisting my arm just hard enough to make me change my mind about the Yak Power system...a Visipole it is!

 

Now, should I get run down by a big bass boat (and I survive)  I'm going to expect all you guys to chip in for my medical expenses! ? 

(Just kidding)

 

?????? 

 

[J Francho]

It's the pleasure boaters you have to worry about...

[InFishingWeTrust]

I ran a 5 dollar lantern from walmart for my 360 light last season.