Bowfishing light question

[CRS]

I want to get some lights to mount on the bow rails of my boat for some nightime bowfishing.

Looking any input.  I can go the 12v route or 110 (generator).

I want them to be easy on/off as the boat gets used for fishing and running about.

It is a 18'6", 1993 Crestliner walleye fishing boat with open bow and casting deck up front.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Jerry Russell]

I just made the conversion to L.E.D. and it is the best move I have ever made. I LOVE the quiet and the chance to have normal conversation with clients and friends as we bowfish. I went with 10-27 watt fixtures and they do a good job.They will run on 12 or 24 volts. These are wide angle, 60 degree lights and I get 6+ hours out of a 29mh deep cycle battery.

I had the aluminum rail fabricated and it weighs less than 40 pounds including the lights. I can remove it from my boat in less than 1 minute as it is held in place with only two bolts to the versa-trac system. I hope this helps you.

 Here are some photos.

   

[Jerry Russell]

[Jerry Russell]

[stabow]

Now that's the way to go!!!!

[johnnyk71]

Fireboss, now THAT'S what I call ingenuity!

buddy of mine just went to 12-volt fog lights. we had no luck with a generator, as it was too loud and spooked fish. the handheld Q-Beam is kind of a bummer because one guy has to spot while the other guy shoots.

[CRS]

Thanks for posting, I was leaning towards LED.  I have two deep cycle batteries on board plus the main starter battery.

I like the quiet idea myself.  I already have standard round rails on the bow.  Should be easy to mount a bank on each side.  I could even get a separate deep cycle for each light bank to save the other two batteries for the electronic troller to prowl the water.

Are the 10-27 watt fixtures enough? too much? or perfect?  My lights will be higher off the water than yours since it is a designed to be more a bigger water fishing boat.

[stykbow67]

Man I like the looks of that set up, may try to make the switch to LEDs this year also! Thanks for the pics!

Steve

[ChuckC]

Can you share some of the costs and trials and errors it took to get to where you are ?  I have heard very good things, and very bad things about the LEDs for night bow fishing, what is your opinion(s) so far ?

BTW. . looks great !

ChuckC

[hardtimes]

Love your set up Fireboss!

[Stone Knife]

Originally posted by Fireboss:
I just made the conversion to L.E.D. and it is the best move I have ever made. I LOVE the quiet and the chance to have normal conversation with clients and friends as we bowfish. I went with 10-27 watt fixtures and they do a good job.They will run on 12 or 24 volts. These are wide angle, 60 degree lights and I get 6+ hours out of a 29mh deep cycle battery.

I had the aluminum rail fabricated and it weighs less than 40 pounds including the lights. I can remove it from my boat in less than 1 minute as it is held in place with only two bolts to the versa-trac system. I hope this helps you.

 Here are some photos.

     

What is the total cost of this light setup?

[Jerry Russell]

I paid $270 for the 10 lights.
$300 to have the aluminum rail fabricated
$75 for powder coating
$10 for the wire.

I wired everything internally and the entire rail and connections are waterproof to protect from salt water. A simple power cord runs to my battery and is removed when not in use to prevent deck clutter.

I would rate the light output at 80% of my previous halogen but I must say that I had about 200% of the light I really needed with the halogens. The output with the L.E.D lights is more than enough for me and bowfishing is part of what I do for a living.

The peace and quiet provided by the setup is heaven on earth. We actually passed a small cabin on the river while shooting a couple of nights ago and had a conversation with the occupants sitting on there deck. Never had that happen before and as a matter of fact, we used to get some pretty mean looks as we cruised by with that generator blaring away.

Here is the first fish taken with the new lights. My son 15 year old son had the honor.

I too had many folks say some negative things about L.E.D. lights when they heard that I was going this way. I found that most had never actually shot over L.E.D. lights or had shot over older style lights. L.E.D. light design has come a long way in the last couple of years.  

I can provide much more info for folks that want it. Just shoot me an email at [email protected]

Good luck to those thinking about running silent.

Jerry

   

[Jerry Russell]

Here are a few more detail photos...

 

[Jerry Russell]

[Jerry Russell]

[Centex]

Originally posted by Fireboss:
Here are a few more detail photos...

   

That is attention to detail, very nice.

[CRS]

Nice, on some the sights they list soft white and cool white LED's do you know what your's are?
Where did you buy them.  I can't seem to find any 27 watt for $27 EA.

I have a couple sons that are crazy about bowfishing, so I want to get the boat set up proper.

[Jerry Russell]

Try this:

 http://www.****.com/itm/8x-27W-LED-Work-Light-Lamp-Off-Road-Truck-Trailer-Tractor-Bowfishing-ATV-Boat-/321118737383?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ac42b13e7&vxp=mt r

Not exactly the deal I got but the same company and they may have other deals available.

Here is another site with some ideas:
 http://www.customfitzled.com/apps/webstore/

Not real sure if mine are soft or cool type lights. Each light has 9 bulbs.

 I have also given some thought to your rail mounting and thought you might want some ideas. This mount is from a drift master fishing rod holder available at cabelas and many other places. It could easily be adapted to your situation.

Good luck with this. It is a great sport and a wonderful way to spend time with your children.

Jerry  

[CRS]

Really appreciate all the info.

[toddster]

I made a light rail for my boat using 1 1/4" pvc and elbows.  I have 5 halogen's on one side two HPS 100 and one 100 MH. on other.  I have run a 3500 watt generator with a convertor for trolling motor for 7 years and works great.  But I fish in 24 hours tournaments, I run all day, take break as sunset's, charge batteries, then run all night will lights and trolling motor and batteries are still fully charged.