Let’s Talk About Perko 12V Bi-Color Light
The Perko 12V Bi-Color Light is a seemingly simple piece of boating equipment from Perko, but it’s absolutely essential for safe navigation at night or in low-visibility conditions. This light is designed to be mounted on the bow of power-driven vessels under 20 meters (65.6 feet) in length, clearly indicating the boat’s direction of travel to other vessels. I’ve spent countless hours on the water, and I can attest that having reliable navigation lights isn’t just about following the rules; it’s about peace of mind and, frankly, staying alive.
My own need for a reliable bi-color light stemmed from a near-miss situation a few years back. I was returning to shore after a late-evening fishing trip, and my old bow light failed without warning. Navigating in the dark with other boats around became incredibly stressful and dangerous, prompting me to prioritize finding a dependable replacement that wouldn’t let me down.
Upon unboxing the Perko 12V Bi-Color Light, my initial impression was positive, but reserved. The black polymer housing felt sturdy enough, though not exceptionally premium. The red and green lenses were clear and well-defined, and the overall size seemed appropriate for my 18-foot center console.
I considered a few alternatives before settling on the Perko. I looked at an LED option from Attwood, which boasted lower power consumption, but it was almost twice the price. There was also a similar polymer light from SeaSense, which was cheaper, but reviews mentioned flimsy construction. Ultimately, I chose the Perko because it seemed to strike a good balance between affordability, established brand reputation, and basic functionality.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The light felt solid enough and had the features I needed without unnecessary frills. I wasn’t blown away, but I was hopeful it would prove reliable on the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Perko 12V Bi-Color Light to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test of the Perko 12V Bi-Color Light was on a weekend fishing trip to the Chesapeake Bay. I installed it on the bow of my boat, wired it to my existing navigation light switch, and hit the water just before dusk. The conditions were fairly calm, but there was a light chop and a bit of spray.
The light performed exactly as expected right out of the gate. Both the red and green lenses were clearly visible from a distance, easily meeting the 2 nautical mile visibility requirement. I also appreciated the gold-plated contacts, which gave me confidence that I wouldn’t have corrosion issues down the line.
One slight annoyance was the brightness of the included 12V bulb. It was adequate, but not overwhelmingly bright. I later swapped it out for a slightly brighter LED bulb that fit the same socket.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Perko 12V Bi-Color Light has proven to be a reliable workhorse. It’s been exposed to salt spray, direct sunlight, and the occasional splash of fish blood, and it still looks and performs like new. There are no signs of cracking or fading in the polymer housing, and the lenses remain clear and bright.
Maintenance has been minimal. I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after each trip to remove any salt buildup. The gold-plated contacts are still corrosion-free, which is a huge plus.
Compared to the cheap, unbranded bow light it replaced, the Perko is a massive improvement. It’s far more durable, noticeably brighter, and provides a much greater sense of security when navigating in low-light conditions. It hasn’t set any records, but it’s a solid, dependable piece of equipment.
Breaking Down the Features of Perko 12V Bi-Color Light
Specifications
- The Perko 12V Bi-Color Light is designed for use on power-driven vessels under 20 meters (65.6 feet) in length. This means it covers a large range of recreational and small commercial boats.
- It features a black polymer housing with separate red and green lenses. The polymer construction is a compromise between weight and durability, while the distinct lenses clearly indicate port and starboard sides.
- Visibility is rated at 2 nautical miles. This meets legal requirements and provides sufficient visibility for safe navigation in most conditions.
- The light includes a 12V bulb. While functional, consider upgrading to an LED bulb for increased brightness and lower power consumption.
- It has gold-plated contacts to resist corrosion. This is an important feature, especially in saltwater environments.
- The vertical height is 13/16″, the length is 3-1/2″, and the width is 2-1/4″. These dimensions are compact enough to fit on most bows without being obtrusive.
Performance & Functionality
The Perko 12V Bi-Color Light performs its core function admirably: clearly indicating a vessel’s direction of travel. The red and green lenses are easily distinguishable, even from a distance. The gold-plated contacts ensure consistent electrical conductivity, minimizing the risk of light failure due to corrosion.
Its main strength is its simplicity and reliability. It’s a basic, no-frills light that does what it’s supposed to do, day in and day out. One area for potential improvement would be offering a brighter standard bulb or pre-installing an LED option.
It definitely meets expectations. It is a simple, reliable, and affordable navigation light.
Design & Ergonomics
The Perko boasts a simple, functional design. The black polymer housing is lightweight and unobtrusive.
The light is easy to install with basic wiring skills. There’s no real learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction should provide reasonable durability, especially compared to cheaper plastic alternatives. The gold-plated contacts are a definite plus for longevity.
Maintenance is straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth after each use is usually sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Perko 12V Bi-Color Light comes with a 12V bulb. However, there are few accessories or customization options directly from Perko.
The most common “upgrade” would be swapping out the standard bulb for a brighter LED equivalent. The light should be compatible with any standard 12V bulb designed for marine navigation lights.
Pros and Cons of Perko 12V Bi-Color Light
Pros
- Affordable price point: Offers great value for basic functionality.
- Reliable performance: Consistently provides clear visibility.
- Gold-plated contacts: Minimizes corrosion and ensures long-term electrical conductivity.
- Durable polymer housing: Withstands exposure to marine elements.
- Easy installation: Simple wiring, no specialized tools required.
Cons
- Standard bulb could be brighter: Consider upgrading to LED for enhanced visibility.
- Basic design: Lacks any advanced features or aesthetics.
Who Should Buy Perko 12V Bi-Color Light?
The Perko 12V Bi-Color Light is perfect for boat owners seeking a reliable and affordable navigation light for vessels under 20 meters. It’s ideal for recreational boaters, fishermen, and anyone who needs a basic, dependable bow light without breaking the bank.
Those looking for high-end aesthetics, integrated LED lighting, or advanced features like automatic dimming might want to skip this product. For this simple but effective light, I would recommend upgrading to a brighter 12V LED bulb right away.
Conclusion on Perko 12V Bi-Color Light
The Perko 12V Bi-Color Light is a solid, dependable, and affordable choice for anyone needing a basic bow navigation light. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of more expensive options, it performs its essential function reliably and is built to withstand the rigors of the marine environment.
The price is definitely justified for the level of quality and reliability you receive. For less than $50, you get a light that will keep you safe and legal on the water for years to come.
I would absolutely recommend the Perko 12V Bi-Color Light to any boat owner looking for a simple, reliable, and cost-effective navigation solution. Don’t risk your safety with a cheap, unreliable light. Invest in the Perko, and enjoy peace of mind on the water.