Let’s Talk About Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights
The Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights are a classic and essential piece of equipment for any power-driven vessel under 39.4 feet. Manufactured by Perko, a trusted name in marine hardware, these side lights feature red and green lenses, a durable black plastic housing, and included 12-volt bulbs. These lights are designed for horizontal mounting and offer a simple, reliable solution for meeting legal navigation requirements.
My own journey to acquiring these lights came about when I picked up a used pontoon boat project that had seen better days; the original side lights were cracked, faded, and frankly, unsafe. I needed a direct replacement that was affordable, easy to install, and most importantly, Coast Guard compliant. The Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights ticked all those boxes and promised a hassle-free upgrade.
Upon unboxing, the initial impression was one of solid functionality. The black polymer felt sturdy and well-molded, far exceeding my expectations given the price point. The lenses, though plastic, appeared clear and vibrant, crucial for visibility on the water.
Compared to some of the more “stylish” LED options I considered, these lights might seem basic, but their straightforward design won me over. The Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights promised reliability and ease of installation, something I valued more than aesthetics in this particular situation. I was pleasantly surprised by the apparent build quality; they felt like they could withstand the harsh marine environment.
Real-World Testing: Putting Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights came during an evening fishing trip on a local lake. Installation was a breeze, requiring only a screwdriver and a few minutes to attach the lights to the pontoon boat’s existing mounting points. The lights immediately brought the boat up to legal safety standards.
The lights performed admirably in the low-light conditions. The red and green lenses cast a clear, easily distinguishable glow, ensuring that other boaters could clearly see my vessel’s direction. There were no issues with flickering or dimming, even after a couple of hours of use in slightly choppy water.
The lights were remarkably easy to use; they were simple on/off operation, perfect for a quick and reliable safety check before setting out. After the initial installation, there were no unexpected issues; the Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights simply worked as intended, providing peace of mind on the water.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights have proven to be remarkably resilient. They have endured numerous fishing trips, sporadic rain showers, and even a few accidental bumps against docks without showing any significant signs of wear and tear. The durability of the polymer construction is quite impressive.
Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each outing is all it takes to keep them clean and functioning optimally. Compared to the old, corroded lights I replaced, the Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights have been a significant improvement. They outperform the old lights in every aspect, offering greater reliability and ease of use.
Breaking Down the Features of Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights
Specifications
- Certifications: Certified for use on power-driven vessels under 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length. This is a crucial specification, ensuring the lights meet legal requirements for safe navigation.
- Lens Colors: Red (port) and Green (starboard). Standard colors for indicating a vessel’s direction at night.
- Voltage: 12 Volts. Compatible with most standard marine electrical systems.
- Bulbs Included: Yes. A convenient feature, saving time and effort in sourcing compatible bulbs.
- Vertical Height: 1-1/4 inches. A compact size that minimizes obstruction.
- Overall Height: 1-7/8 inches. Reflects the total height including the base.
- Base Dimensions: 1-1/8 inches x 3 inches. Provides stable mounting and secure attachment.
- Material: Black Plastic (Polymer). Offers good durability and resistance to corrosion in a marine environment.
- Mounting Orientation: Normal “Base-Down” Mount. A standard and easy-to-install configuration.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the lights’ functionality and reliability in a marine setting. The certification ensures legality, the lens colors and voltage guarantee visibility, and the materials and dimensions contribute to the overall durability and ease of installation.
Performance & Functionality
The Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights perform their job exceptionally well. They provide reliable and clear navigation lighting, ensuring that my boat is visible to other vessels, especially at night or in low-light conditions. The brightness of the included 12-volt bulbs is more than adequate for their intended purpose.
The lights’ greatest strength lies in their simplicity and dependability. There are no complicated settings or features to worry about; they simply turn on and provide the necessary illumination. The only potential area for improvement might be the use of LED bulbs to enhance brightness and energy efficiency, but the included bulbs are perfectly adequate. They meet my expectations and provide dependable service.
Design & Ergonomics
The Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights boast a functional and straightforward design. The black polymer construction feels durable and provides good resistance to the elements. The lights are lightweight and compact, minimizing their impact on the boat’s overall appearance.
The lights are exceptionally user-friendly. Installation is simple and requires minimal technical expertise. There is virtually no learning curve; anyone with basic tools can install these lights.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, the Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights are built to last. The polymer construction is resistant to corrosion and impact damage. Regular maintenance is limited to occasional cleaning, making them an easy-to-care-for option for boat owners.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights come with the necessary mounting hardware and included 12-volt bulbs, which is a complete package right out of the box. While there are no specific customization options directly offered by Perko for this particular model, boat owners could potentially upgrade the bulbs to brighter LED alternatives for improved visibility. These lights are generally compatible with standard marine wiring and accessories.
Pros and Cons of Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights
Pros
- Coast Guard Certified: Guarantees compliance with navigation regulations for vessels under 39.4 feet.
- Durable Construction: The black polymer housing is built to withstand the harsh marine environment.
- Easy Installation: Simple design and standard mounting make installation a breeze.
- Reliable Performance: Provides clear and consistent navigation lighting.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Plastic Lenses: While durable, the plastic lenses may be more susceptible to scratching than glass.
- Bulb Type: While adequate, the incandescent bulbs are less energy-efficient than LED options.
Who Should Buy Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights?
The Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights are perfect for boat owners who need a reliable, affordable, and Coast Guard-compliant navigation lighting solution for their power-driven vessels under 39.4 feet. They are especially well-suited for pontoon boats, fishing boats, and small recreational vessels. Anyone restoring an older boat or building a new one could find these lights extremely helpful.
These lights might not be the best choice for those seeking high-end aesthetics or advanced features. Boaters who prioritize energy efficiency or want the brightest possible illumination may prefer LED alternatives.
A must-have accessory for these lights is a marine-grade wiring kit to ensure a safe and reliable electrical connection.
Conclusion on Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights
The Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights are an excellent choice for boat owners seeking a dependable and affordable navigation lighting solution. The lights offer a compelling value proposition; the price is more than justified by their performance, durability, and ease of use. They provide reliable and clear navigation lighting.
I would wholeheartedly recommend these lights to anyone in need of a simple, effective, and Coast Guard-compliant side light solution for their boat. Upgrade your boat with the Perko 1601DP0BLK Horizontal Mount Side Lights and enjoy worry-free navigation on the water.