We wanted to give you an exclusive look at an article from our current issue. Kayak Angler contributor Cory Byrnes shares step-by-step instructions for installing navigation, cockpit and underwater lights on your kayak.
— Kayak Angler Magazine
DIY Kayak Lighting In One Day
Install a full kayak lighting system for safety and comfort
By Cory Byrnes
The Coast Guard requires paddle or pedal drive kayaks to display a white 360-degree navigation light after dark. Motorized kayaks fall under the same requirements as small motorboats: a white anchor light in the stern and red and green navigation lights in the bow. For most kayak anglers, Coast Guard lighting requirements are just the beginning.
To improve visibility and provide lights for rigging, I installed cockpit lights in my Jackson Big Rig kayak. To draw more fish to my kayak and further increase low-light visibility, I dangle a submersible light below the boat (check local restrictions on fishing lights). In total, I installed seven lights to my kayak. Connecting the batteries, controlling the power and managing the wires required a lot of planning and some special skills. Here’s how I installed a full array of lights on my kayak.
Tools
• Phillips screwdriver
• Drill
• 1/16” and 1/8” drill bit
• Heat gun
• Wire crimp
• Fish tape
Materials
• Red and green LED utility strip light
• LED flex light with mounting track
• Marine-grade butt connectors
• Shrink wrap
• Submersible green light
• Kayak flag with battery-operated light
• Marine-grade silicon
• Two-pin wire connector
• 12-gauge (AWG) wire
8 Easy Steps For Putting It Together
1) Lay out the bow lights with red on the port and green on the starboard side of the bow.
2) Use the 1/16” drill bit to predrill fastener holes for the bow lights. Use the 1/8” drill bit to drill a hole for the wire.
3) Place the red light on the port side and the green on the starboard side.
4) Cut 12 AWG wire to reach from the battery to the lights.
5) Connect the wires using heat-shrink butt connectors. Use a soldering iron to heat the shrink wrap and seal out water.
6) To provide light in the cockpit and storage well…
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