Tobin Strickland, Special Correspondent
If you haven’t noticed lately, boats are being rigged much differently than years past. Everything from weight distribution, aesthetics and even functionality are now being considered by new boat builders and rigging shops. It’s taking boat rigging to a whole new level and it’s being called “boat customization” across the industry.
One of the latest trends is doing away with the need to hold a spotlight while running in the dark. I remember the last time I tried to hold a spotlight and drive a boat before daylight. Ever try holding a spotlight with one hand and driving with the other? Oh, and to make matters worse the hand holding the spotlight is being pounded by wind, and if you didn’t bring gloves, even a morning in the 60s and 70s with a little moisture can make you wish you had.
Then there’s the cord, seems like all the riggers in the past decided to put the cigarette lighter right next to the steering wheel. Not well thought out… or at least that was the conclusion I came to after turning the wheel a hard right as the wind was blowing my bow around toward the dock. Well, the cord quickly wrapped around the wheel, and I could only look up and shrug. Luckily, fishermen all over are great… after they quit laughing at you. The guy on the dock who witnessed this event had been there before.
Or worse yet, ever have a buddy hold the light while you drive? “OK, stop shinning the raccoons on the bank and let’s see what log or crab trap we might hit instead.” Seems the guy with the light has never driven a boat before and for some reason thinks you don’t need it.
Fast forward to today. The best boat riggers are boat owners and operators who thought through scenarios after being there themselves. The latest trend is doing away with your buddy holding the light and installing LED light bars on the front of the boat. Light bars come in all sizes from 6 to 40 inches long and draw very little power compared to halogens, yet they really pack a punch. Two 10-inch light bars, one on each side of the bow or elevated aluminum railing can really light up the night. The majority are sealed and built from aluminum and stainless steel materials for the marine environment.
I talked with Kenny at G-Spot Services in Spring, Texas. Kenny said the latest trends are toward making boats more safe as well as more enjoyable while on the water. Adding light bars will free up the driver to use both hands while navigating during low-light conditions, and the lights can be positioned where the driver needs them. He also talked about how adding light bars can extend your fishing times into low-light thresholds.
Just remember to slow down during low-light conditions and navigate as if other boats do not have sufficient navigational lighting
Tobin created TroutSupport.com – Tech Support for Speckled Trout and Redfish on the Gulf and Atlantic Coast.