Craig's Sea Kayaker article recently covers "rules of the road" vessel regulations in a very down to earth manner from the paddler's perspective. I purchased a flashlight that fits in my PFD pocket sleeve that is just the right size for the fit and is easily pulled free for collision/recognition use, etc. It has a momentary on switch on the butt end and is about 100 lumens. Does anyone else carry a SureFire or similar quality light for these purposes? Small, with powerful light-making capabilities, the only down side is cost. There are a lot of good alternatives that meet minimum arbitrary demands, but just don't have the lumen output at that price range. Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Doug wrote >Does anyone else carry a SureFire or similar quality >light for these purposes? G'Day Doug, I used to carry a 'waterproof' PFD strobe that ran off a couple of AA cells and was claimed to be visible to 3km. The same company made a "constant" light of similar size and shape and with the same claimed visibility. Nearly all our trips have us in the water at some point so the major problem with them and with other lights was water leakage. I've had to throw away three so far. These days I keep a strobe in my emergency bag in the day hatch, but I'd much rather carry it as you do. It would be good to hear more about the quality of your light and your experiences with its care maintenance and durability. I imagine your trips would put it though some quite tough testing. All the best, PeterO *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> I used to carry a 'waterproof' PFD strobe that ran off a couple of AA > cells and was claimed to be visible to 3km. The same company made a > "constant" light of similar size and shape and with the same claimed > visibility. > > Nearly all our trips have us in the water at some point so the major > problem with them and with other lights was water leakage. I've had to > throw away three so far. >From the description it could be Aquastrobe by Princeton Tec and Sport Flare by the same company. I think they run one one AA, not two. Did you mean those? Used to be a decent company in outdoor lights, too bad to hear about leaks. Incidentally, I've been thinking of getting Aquastrobe. Now using ACR C-light, 2AA, leaks don't seem to be a problem, but I'm not impressed with a visibility. ACR use Fresnel lens, which is supposed to focus most of the light in narrow horizontal 360 degrees "slice", but this only works when the "stick" is strictly vertical. Otherwise, you hardly see it from a few yards (because the "slice" of light is so narrow). Besides, strobe stands out better in the dark than a steady light (yeah, I know, vessel light should not be a strobe, but I'm going to use it in emergencies only, and not for routine navigation in busy channels). Btw, if my memory doesn't fail me, some vessels do use a strobe. Our city Sea Bus (small passenger ferry) is flashing a strobe in the night. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On Sat, Jan 3, 2009 at 12:12 PM, Alex M <al.m_at_3web.net> wrote: > Besides, strobe stands out better in the dark than a steady light (yeah, I > know, vessel light should not be a strobe, but I'm going to use it in > emergencies only, and not for routine navigation in busy channels). Btw, if > my memory doesn't fail me, some vessels do use a strobe. Our city Sea Bus > (small passenger ferry) is flashing a strobe in the night. > We tested "strobes" versus steady lights years ago and found that a strobe may show up better but it's more difficult to "home in on" in the dark than a steady light. This is especially true in a seaway. We found that a strobe might only be "on" when it's hidden in a wave trough. The other problem is that the intensity of a strobe to night-adjusted eyes was a serious problem; especially as we got closer to the "victim". A strobe of sufficient intensity would probably be good for day use, however. A steady light - even a steady incandescent with one "D" battery - was much better at night. Every time the "victim" was visible in the waves so was the light. It was plenty bright enough to see from a 1/4 mile away and didn't blind us as we got closer. If your Sea Bus operates on a lake or a river (waters not designated as under Federal authority) it could be legal to use a strobe. However, ColRegs strictly forbid it except under distress. Actually, under the International Rules, it's not even recommended for distress use: *"Rule 36 - Signals to Attraction Attention* If necessary to attract the attention of another vessel, any vessel may make light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any signal authorized elsewhere in these Rules, or may direct the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger, in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel. *Any light to attract the attention of another vessel shall be such that it cannot be mistaken for any aid to navigation. For the purpose of this Rule the use of high intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobe lights, shall be avoided. *[Intl]" However, for inland Rules: "*Rule 37 Inland Only* A high intensity white light flashing at regular intervals from 50 to 70 times per minute." (from http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/rules/Rule3637.htm* )* Craig Jungers Moses Lake, WA *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
My current "pocket PFD" light you ask about Peter isn't designed specifically for a saltwater environment. While doing research I discovered than many of the "Special Forces" type small, high-lumen output lights are typically aluminum construction and therefore subject to maintenance needs after saltwater exposure. They are also not rated for deep submersion. However, they are used regularly for marine infiltration/exfiltration. So, like all my aluminum-content gear, I rinse it in fresh water after use. I've had a few Mag Lites "corrode" over the years. It isn't a rust issue, obviously, but the thread and switch housings tend to go if left to their own devices (pardon the pun) and things sieze up. As for O-ring seals, all my gear with O-rings get some routine care, aluminum or plastic housings. My favorite light for many years with 100% reliability was the four-cell UNDERWATER KINETICS MINI Q40 DIVE LIGHT pre-2004 upgrade in yellow. The light output is three times brighter than many flashlights much larger with polycarbonate construction, waterproof, and shares AA batteries in common with all my electronic gear (2008 and prior). It is now my backup light, kept in my day-locker hatch. http://www.divesports.com/Underwater-Kinetics-Mini-Q40-Dive-Light-p/uk-14010.htm My newer PFD instantly-accessible flashlight with tailcap switch is the INOVA T1-MP aircraft-grade aluminum model. I prefer the Surefire brand but the INOVA was the right price, and at 4.56 X 1.00" and 3.65 ounces, a perfect fit for the PFD narrow strap sleeve-pocket. With 200 foot range, 2-mile visibility and 4 hour burn time the INOVA T1 met my operational requirements as a light source for warning approaching vessels. I'd originally spec'ed out the T2, but fell in love with the smaller T1 as at the time I was on a lightweight weenie trip. (I was down to160 pounds, actually listening to Kirk anout his feather-light Surfskiis; my Nordkapp was being decommissioned, and I was even buying lightweight bikes and gear. I'm now 215 again - and on a heavy winter bike, oh well...). The INOVA was a big change for me away from my od AAA's and typical AA powered items. It uses 2 lithium 123A'a which I get cheap. http://www.brightguy.com/products/Inova_T1_MP_LED_Flashlight.php My PFD is river kayakers lifevest in theory (an ASTRAL AQUAVEST) and isn't rigged with pockets the same way as a touring vest, but as my "creek game" is always almost "on" in constricted marine waterways and open ocean, the whitewater PFD works best for me: low profile, pull-over, hand-warming fleece compartment (hols PENTAX W30 scratch-free), hydration bladder compatible (meaning I can insert my SeaSeat in the back pouch), with quick-release belt and fantastic 5-point adjustable shoulder straps; plus it has the daisychain shoulder loops for said tethering of flashlights, etc. http://www.desperate-measures.co.uk/product.aspx?prodid=934 I got one before they were discontinued. Lower on each shoulderstrap are narrow sleeves, right over where my nipples are when I'm wearing it. The left sleeve fits the INOVA T1 perfectly in the Cordura sleeve. In the right sleeve (pocket) fits my GREATLAND RESCUE LAZER, giving me excellent signaling options dual-abreast, as it were. In the right zippered side pocket I have the ASTRAL Spectra-line and carabineer towline. In the pouch under that I have a PELICAN MityLite 1900 with red lens cover, on lanyard. It's an on-body backup light and also allows map reading and has advantages for other clandestine activities. On the shoulder-strap lash-down tap I have a black bodied PRINCETON TEC ultra-compact Aqua Strobe attached to a deployable lanyard which allows the strobe to be easily freed (but secure in surf) and sits at waterlevel when deployed. I moved away from shoulder mounted strobes and difficult to reach back-shoulder located strobe mounting options. http://www.simplyscuba.com/ProductDetails.aspx?StockID=5980 The left side of the ASTRAL Aquavest has another medium-sized pocket sleeve in which I keep a special short-lanyard, fairly simple SOG multitool. It is a small, stainless steel model with a multiple-angled plier head the fold back into the multitool body, making for a compact unit. It doesn't have the legendary SOG compound leverage assist, but typically I don't cut through BC Ferries' fences when exfiltrating. SOG is military-quality all the way. I wont go into the knives I carry. http://www.multitool.org/sog-tools/medium-tools/sog-paratool.html My SOG Paratool fits in a waterproof flat-bag with the lanyard and a one hand brass latch to release the tool and bag for rapid deployment. On the back of the QR belt I have a Northwater pigtail set-up. My chore flashlight and reading-in-tent flashlight of choice is the PRINCETON TEC 4-Mode EOS headlamp with a 2 to 60 hour burn time, 1 meter depth rating, and lightweight at 2.4 ounces. It goes with me everywhere and in my bailout bag. I do want to eventually get a high-lumen output shore-duty flashlight and one than can power-up to daylight a landing zone (kayak landing zone, that is). SeaKayaker mag did a review sometime ago on some reasonable units: http://www.seakayakermag.com/2006/Oct06/Gear_Reviews01.htm Not powerful enough for me though. I still want a really, really high output flashlight. Prices approach $1000.00 or more in the 1000 lumen range. I may end up with a Mag-Lite again -- with attendant maintenance issues. You can get conversion kits for $200.00 to $300.00 which make these cheap lights into really good, bad badboys, such as this example of a conversion posibilities: http://www.blackbearflashlights.com/ Don't believe me (don't think the conversion is a badboy)? You gotta check this out : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79Aw8nH9IrM My preacher always tells me to move toward the light. Now, if I can just get my wife onboard for the budget part. I've spent $2000.00 on lights already in the last two years (cycling included). Doug Lloyd > Doug wrote >>Does anyone else carry a SureFire or similar quality >light for these >>purposes? > > G'Day Doug, > > I used to carry a 'waterproof' PFD strobe that ran off a couple of AA > cells and was claimed to be visible to 3km. The same company made a > "constant" light of similar size and shape and with the same claimed > visibility. > Nearly all our trips have us in the water at some point so the major > problem with them and with other lights was water leakage. I've had to > throw away three so far. > > These days I keep a strobe in my emergency bag in the day hatch, but I'd > much rather carry it as you do. > > It would be good to hear more about the quality of your light and your > experiences with its care maintenance and durability. I imagine your trips > would put it though some quite tough testing. > > All the best, PeterO [demime 1.01e removed an attachment of type image/gif which had a name of clear1x1.gif] *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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