Perko 36″ All-Round Light Review

Let’s Talk About Perko 36″ All-Round Light

Navigating waterways in the dark requires more than just a good sense of direction. It demands reliable lighting to ensure visibility and safety for yourself and other boaters. That’s where the Perko 36″ All-Round Light comes into play, promising to be a dependable solution for inland navigation.

My aging sailboat’s stern light had finally given up the ghost, leaving me scrambling for a replacement before an upcoming night fishing trip. I needed something that was easy to install, met regulations, and wouldn’t break the bank, leading me to the Perko 36″ All-Round Light. Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed its simple, no-frills design; the black polymer top and collars contrasted nicely with the anodized pole. It felt sturdy enough for its intended purpose, though I wouldn’t exactly call it heavy-duty.

I considered a couple of similar lights from Attwood and Shoreline Marine. I ultimately chose the Perko 36″ All-Round Light because of Perko’s reputation for quality marine hardware and the promise of reduced glare, a feature I really wanted for improved night vision. Initial impressions were positive; it seemed like a practical and straightforward solution, but the real test would be on the water.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Perko 36″ All-Round Light to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Perko 36″ All-Round Light on my 22-foot sailboat during a night fishing trip in the calm waters of Lake Norman. Installation was a breeze; it simply plugged into my existing 2-pin base. The light emitted a clear, bright white light, fulfilling its purpose as an all-round navigation light.

I experienced a light drizzle during the trip; the Perko 36″ All-Round Light continued to perform flawlessly. I especially appreciated the reduced glare; it made it easier to see other boats and markers without being blinded by the light itself. There were no immediate issues after the first use; the Perko 36″ All-Round Light seemed like a solid and functional piece of equipment.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, including a few choppy outings, the Perko 36″ All-Round Light has held up reasonably well. There are no significant signs of wear and tear, although the anodized pole has developed a few minor scratches. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps it looking its best.

Compared to my previous stern light, the Perko 36″ All-Round Light is a noticeable improvement in terms of glare reduction. I feel more confident navigating at night knowing that I can see clearly and be seen by other boaters. It hasn’t blown me away, but it’s a dependable and functional light that serves its purpose effectively.

Breaking Down the Features of Perko 36″ All-Round Light

Specifications

The Perko 36″ All-Round Light features a 36-inch pole constructed from anodized aluminum, ensuring corrosion resistance in a marine environment. It uses a 12V bulb (included) to provide a clear, all-round white light visible from all directions. The light is designed with a clear fitted globe and a black polymer top and collars.

The 3/4″ diameter pole provides a good balance of strength and flexibility, while the 0-degree pole rake ensures that the light shines vertically upwards. It is designed to fit Perko Bases 1045 & 1047 (2-Pin), making it easy to install on boats with existing Perko wiring. The key specification here is the reduced glare design, intended to preserve night vision.

Performance & Functionality

The Perko 36″ All-Round Light performs its job admirably, providing a clear and visible all-round light for navigation. It is bright enough to be seen from a distance, but not so bright that it blinds the user. The key strength is its reduced glare design, making it easier to see other vessels and navigation markers.

The only potential weakness is the bulb itself; while it’s readily available, it’s a standard 12V bulb, not an LED. This means it’s less energy-efficient than an LED alternative and has a shorter lifespan. However, considering the price point, the included bulb is acceptable. It largely meets expectations for a basic navigation light.

Design & Ergonomics

The Perko 36″ All-Round Light features a simple and functional design. The materials used are durable enough for the marine environment. The light is lightweight and easy to handle, making installation a breeze.

There’s virtually no learning curve; it plugs in and turns on. It is user-friendly in the most basic sense.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Perko 36″ All-Round Light should last for several seasons of boating. The anodized aluminum pole is resistant to corrosion, and the black polymer components are UV stabilized. Regular cleaning with soap and water will help to maintain its appearance and functionality. Replacing the bulb is simple and straightforward, extending the overall lifespan of the light.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Perko 36″ All-Round Light comes as a complete unit, including the pole, globe, and 12V bulb. It does not offer many customization options beyond replacing the bulb with a brighter or more energy-efficient alternative. The main “accessory” would be a compatible Perko base (1045 or 1047), if one is not already installed.

It is compatible with most standard 2-pin marine wiring systems, making it relatively easy to integrate with existing boat electronics. There isn’t really any need for further customization beyond the base it plugs into.

Pros and Cons of Perko 36″ All-Round Light