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Dinghy / kayak auto dusk to dawn all-round light

Product Description & Requirements

The dinghy / kayak all-round light is an essential piece of navigation / safety equipment for vessels operated at night. A quick observation of what operators of these craft use at night will make it apparent that the existing products available are poor. Mounting the lights can be difficult, and typically the operator wishes to be able to remove them when not in use. In some cases it may be desired to have a light on the craft that automatically turns on/off at dusk/dawn because the vessel is unattended and trailing in the water and exposed to other water traffic.

The ultimate dingly all-round light would be one that that has the following features:

Solar charging of internal battery that will produce all-round light throughout the evening (14 hours minimum).
Automatic on/off mode based on ambient lighting, or user option to turn off.
A pole mount that telescops to a height greater than all of the occupants of the dinghy to insure 360 deg visibility (minimum 4 ft extended height).
The pole accommodates a variety of mounting options for rigid and inflatable dinks / kayaks, and it can be adapted to fit into popular and sturdy existing light mounts. Popular mounts are marine 1) two-pin OEM bases, 2) portable light clip base (5/8" dia), and 3) fishing pole holder (1-5/8" dia).
Weather proof for salt / wet environments.

Product Proposal

Begin with the Solar Marine Lite by LAKE LITE. Utilize the telescoping pole and standard pole base mount from the SeaSense Telescopic Stern Light. Rework the telescoping pole light to accept the Solar Marine Lite. (possibly use the LAKE LITE 6" Solar Marine Light Pole mount to assist in the adaption). Finalize with common two-pin OEM plug-in pole base. Approximate prototype parts cost: $167.00 ($120+21+17+9).

Related Products

Existing products that incorporate some of the product requirements.

The Solar Marine Lite by LAKE LITE is a self contained all-round light that uses a small solar panel to charge the internal battery during the day. The brightness is 10 Lumens (0.5 to 0.8 nm range), has a 30 hour run time (constant on mode), and is salt water rated. Although not documented clearly, this light will turn on and off automatically based on ambient light conditions. IP 68 rated. 111 mm (4.4") high x 131 mm (5.2") wide. Weight is 1 kg (2.2 lbs). $120

West marine makes a Luci Outdoor Inflatable Solar Lantern. Although not intended to be used as a navigation light, it is popular for boaters to rig this light up with a custom pole on their dinghy. The $20 light lasts 4 to 18 hours depending on the brightness setting. It does not have an automatic dusk/dawn on/off feature.

West Marine has a telescoping all-round LED nav light. The 3/4" diameter aluminum pole fits most popular bases (Perco, Attwood,..) and it extends from 29 to 50 inches. The light requires external 12VDC power and has no solar panel. $48. West Marine comment to buyer: "The pole light should fit all bases since approximately 1995 when both Perko and Attwood moved to universal light conductor points. Prior to that each brand was unique and one would not fit the other."

SolLight makes a RailLight Mini Solar LED Light (and other similar models) that lasts (only) up to 8 hours. The NiMH battery lasts up to 1000 cycles. $30.

Other products:

SeaSense Telescopic Stern Light Telescops from 26 to 48 inches. $21/ea

Perko 1400DP6CHR 48" Light Pol $33/ea (NOT telescoping)

Innovative Lighting 560-2813-7 LED Battery Navigation Bow Light

Standard plug-in bases for pole light mounts:

West marine make three replacement pole light bases that fit most two-pin OEM bases. Two of them have a 0 degree rake:

West Marine Replacement Pole Light Plastic Base Model # 15761620 | Mfg # C24020WM ; $9/ea

West Marine Replacement Pole Light Base, Black Nylon with Stainless Cover

Fits Perko 1330 1630 & Seachoice 50-05591 50-05611 $18/ea

Perko 0 Degree Round Stern Light Base; Attwood Plug-In Light Base;

Telescoping Poles:

Mr Long Arm Twist-Lok Short Telescoping Pole 2 ft collapsed, 4 ft extended; Model 9224; 1" & 7/8" dia; nylar universal threaded end; $10/ea

Unger 4 ft two section telescopic pole ($16; Model #960370)

GoScope® Boost Plus telescoping pole ; 17.5 to 40 inch; durable in saltwater; magnesium and polycarbonate; model GS-BOOSTPLUS; $20/ea

YakAttack VISICarbon Pro kayak light + flag that fits fish pole mount. :$90/ea

Shoreline Marine Propel LED Kayak Stern Light with Strobe

AMRP-1400DP6CHR * 48" Perko Universal Replacement Stern Navigation Light 3/4" dia; $42 (NOT telescoping)

Testrite hin-walled telescopic aluminum tubing assemblies

Broom Handle Threads

Many telescoping poles are available that utilize a broomstick handle thread. Although the thread is not particularly advantageous to this product application, the thread is a related consideration given it's popularity. I could find no standards, but research by other people has concluded that threads that will fit most existing products.

One source suggests two standards are common in the USA. Both standards are based on a 3/4" dowel (0.75 inch or 19mm). One standard has a pitch of 5 threads per inch, and the other has 4 threads per inch.

Another source suggested most of the threads in use are closest to a 3/4-5 ACME. However, it is also reported that the 3/4-5 ACME thread does not tighten up well unless the major diamter is reduced by 0.02 inch and a 5 degree taper is added. The supplier Micro100 makes a tool which can fit inside the bore and create the 0.7500-5-ACME-4G thread in plastic or aluminum, but not steel. Specifications:

Allowance,--

Minor Diameter Min,0.5500

Minor Diameter Max,0.5600

Pitch Diameter Min,0.6500

Pitch Diameter Max,0.6562

Major Diameter Min,0.7700

Major Diameter Max (Ref),0.7900

Flat At Root,0.0690

Thread Height (Basic),0.1100

Pitch,0.2000

Lead,0.2000

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