Best torch with bracket to always find in emergency

[tudorsailor]

I read this months articles YM about sinking. One article mentioned sinking due to being unable to find a torch in the dark. In a crisis a torch that is "usually" on the shelf above the chart table will not be there. Surely what I need is a torch that is kept in a bracket. However. very few torches come with brackets. What torch complete with bracket do forumites recommend?

Thanks

TudorDoc

 

[shmoo]

We have a heavy metal bardic* lamp of dubious origin, with non-slip mat glued to the base kept on the cabin sole beneath the bottom step. It’s ALWAYS there or I kill people.

It is never used for routine lamp duties. Only for 5 seconds or so coming in in the dark to find the main switch and emergencies. Shows red and green also if needed.


* Google or ebay for details

 

[whipper_snapper]

I have modified several AA maglites with this:
http://www.brighterlight.co.uk/index.htm?url=products/nite-ize/iqswitch.htm
(and also replaced the bulbs with LEDs from the same supplier)

Now easy to find in the dark

 

[Slow_boat]

Oh, the dreaded Bardic lamp. Can you still get those square batteries?

I have a torch in a spring clip by the companion way and the steamer-scarer is in the cockpit at night.

 

[shmoo]

[ QUOTE ]

Can you still get those square batteries?


[/ QUOTE ]
Yup, and they last a long time. In my experience its the so call "switches" that go on torches. Bardic lamp switches seem pretty reliable.

 

[Slow_boat]

About the only thing that will smash a windscreen in one hit, too. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[tudorsailor]

How long will the batteries last with just the LED flashing. How do you keep in one place?

Tudor Doc

 

[Guest]

The big 2 D cell Maglite has a kit that contains 2 clips

Ours is screwed to the bulkhead above the galley and everyone knows it should not be used to find sweets in the middle of the night.

http://www.maglite-torches.co.uk/index.asp?function=DISPLAYPRODUCT&productid=102

 

[whipper_snapper]

Effectively for ever. I have had them flashing for 6 months so far. And of course you can turn them off with the original maglite switch which is still functional but is normally left on in flash mode.

You can buy little plastic push clips from any chandlery that happen to hold the torch perfectly.

 

[Bejasus]

not in a bracket but hanging on a hook near the steps is one of these. Waterproof and serious kit but not cheap.
We also have one of its big brothers, a proper bit of divers kit, just in case one ever has to get under the boat in the dark. Again not cheap.

 

[boguing]

And to add the MagLite support - they have a lifetime warranty on all but the bulb. Took a getting on for 20 year old one in to my favourite toolshop to ask if it could be sent off for a new switch? Don't worry, Sir. Here's a new one. Fantastic. I now have five.

 

[mikemonty]

"Have a powerful torch available" they said:
So I bought a £16 3,500,000 candlepower B&Q special.
You can always find them in B&Q, theres a pile of bodies with blackened stumps where the heads used to be - people will look into them when switching them on.
Can charge off a 12v cig lighter socket (2 sealed 6v lead acids in series)
Don't have a bracket, but do have a strap and a stand.
Apart from dubious to no waterproofing seem about ideal to me.

Mike

 

[steve_cronin]

Maglite..

.. is always in my pocket.

There are other torches around the place, one next to the chart table, another in our sleeping cabin but the Minimaglite is ALWAYS in my pocket.

Steve Cronin

 

[pyrojames]

Yep. D cell maglite clipped just inside the companionway, AA cell maglite clipped over the chart table (may be used for sweets), and a 2nd D cell maglite in the dinghy bag.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Are Maglites sea-proof?

I inherited a Coleman Armor Light with the boat, which seems to have survived everything.

 

[Robin]

We too favour Maglites and have 2 largish ones with 2 x D cells mounted in plastic springy clips inside the locker on the end of our chart table. They are pretty well bullet proof but both of ours did 'fail' over last winter, traced to a little corrosion in the threads of the screwcap on the battery compartment, easily cleaned. We also have a small AA battery sized Maglite in the grab bag and another pocket one if needs be for walks in the dark ashore. We also have a cheapo waterproof headlamp from Homebase, about £6 I think that lives in a tray by the nav table and has really earned it's keep.

Best place to buy Maglites is Wal-Mart in the USA if you are over there, about half UK prices.

 

[whipper_snapper]

I suggested a modified AA Maglite with a flashing LED for use below. On my last boat we had one clipped above the chart table and one on the forward bulkhead. The flashing LEDs make them perfect to find in the dark, but I suspect it makes them less waterproof. They were for moving around below without disturbing sleeping crew. I would not carry one in my oilskins pocket, as they would be sitting in a pool of water (and slowly dissolving Werther's Originals) which would, I suspect, be terminal.

We also had two unmodified D-cell Maglites clipped strategically either side of the companionway. Clips which fit them perfectly are easy to find.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Just came across this while scanning Ebay

 

[ShipsWoofy]

another mag-light fan