Let’s Talk About Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″
The Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″ isn’t just another boat accessory; it’s a crucial piece of safety equipment designed for power-driven vessels under 20 meters. Manufactured by Perko, a trusted name in marine hardware, this light aims to improve visibility while preserving night vision, something that’s always been a struggle for me during late-night fishing trips. With its reduced glare globe design and specific compatibility with Perko bases, this navigation light promised to be a welcome addition to my boat.
I’ve spent years battling subpar navigation lights that either failed to cut through the darkness or blinded me with excessive glare. After numerous close calls with other boaters during pre-dawn excursions, I decided to invest in a higher-quality solution, leading me to the Perko light.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the solid construction and thoughtful design of the Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″. The polymer top and collar felt robust, and the fluted lens appeared well-made, hinting at the reduced glare feature. The aluminum tube had a reassuring heft, suggesting durability that would withstand the harsh marine environment. Compared to the flimsy, generic lights I’d used previously, the Perko felt like a significant upgrade.
I considered several other options, including LED alternatives, but the Perko stood out due to its specifically designed reduced glare globe and compatibility with my existing Perko base. Other lights seemed to focus solely on brightness, often at the expense of night vision, whereas the Perko struck me as a more balanced solution. My initial impression was excitement mixed with cautious optimism; the light looked promising, and I was eager to see how it would perform on the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″ to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″ was during a nighttime fishing trip in the Chesapeake Bay. I needed to navigate through a busy channel with considerable boat traffic, making clear visibility essential.
The light performed admirably in the salty, humid conditions. The reduced glare design was immediately noticeable; it provided excellent all-around visibility without compromising my night vision, a massive improvement over my previous lights. It was incredibly easy to use, as it simply locked into my existing Perko base without any modifications needed. There were no major issues, although I did notice a very slight flicker initially, which disappeared after a few minutes of use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of frequent use, the Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″ has proven to be incredibly reliable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite regular exposure to saltwater and sun.
Cleaning is a breeze; a quick rinse with fresh water after each trip keeps it looking like new. Compared to previous lights that corroded and failed within a season, the Perko light has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and consistent performance. This thing has given me so much confidence in rough conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″
Specifications
- The Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″ features a 36-inch pole length. This height provides adequate visibility without being excessively tall or cumbersome.
- It has a 0° pole rake with a locking collar design. This ensures a secure fit and proper vertical alignment when mounted on compatible Perko bases.
- The light includes a clear fluted lens with a frosted top. This combination helps to diffuse the light, reducing glare and improving visibility in various conditions.
- It uses a 12-volt bulb (included). This makes it compatible with most boat electrical systems and offers sufficient brightness for navigation.
- The locking collar is designed to fit Perko figures 1045, 1046, 1047, 1059, and 1060 bases. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of existing Perko mounting hardware.
These specifications are critical for safe navigation. The pole length provides adequate visibility to other vessels, and the reduced glare design prevents the light from blinding the operator, crucial for maintaining situational awareness at night.
Performance & Functionality
The Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″ performs its primary function exceptionally well: providing reliable all-around visibility for safe navigation. The reduced glare design truly makes a difference, enhancing visibility in dark conditions and reducing eye strain during extended nighttime use.
Its strength lies in its balanced approach to brightness and glare reduction. The only improvement I could suggest would be offering an LED bulb option for increased energy efficiency. The Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″ definitely meets and exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″ is designed with both functionality and durability in mind. The polymer top and collar are lightweight yet robust, and the aluminum tube provides a sturdy base.
The locking collar mechanism is easy to use and ensures a secure fit. The light is user-friendly with no learning curve; it simply locks into the compatible base and is ready to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″ is built to withstand the harsh marine environment. Its corrosion-resistant materials ensure a long lifespan with minimal maintenance.
Routine cleaning involves rinsing with fresh water to remove salt and debris. With proper care, this light should last for many years.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″ doesn’t come with extensive accessories or customization options beyond bulb replacement. The main customization aspect is selecting the appropriate Perko base for your boat, ensuring a secure and compatible fit.
The light is designed to work seamlessly with various Perko mounting bases, allowing for flexibility in installation. Upgrading to an LED bulb is also possible, though care must be taken to ensure compatibility with the fixture.
Pros and Cons of Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″
Pros
- Excellent Reduced Glare Design: Significantly improves night vision while providing adequate visibility.
- Durable Construction: Built with corrosion-resistant materials for long-lasting performance in marine environments.
- Easy to Install: Compatible with existing Perko bases for a quick and straightforward setup.
- Reliable Performance: Provides consistent illumination for safe navigation.
- Improved Safety: Increases visibility and reduces eye strain for safer nighttime boating.
Cons
- Incandescent Bulb: Uses an incandescent bulb, which is less energy-efficient than LED alternatives.
- Limited Customization: Lacks extensive customization options beyond bulb replacement and base selection.
Who Should Buy Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″?
The Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″ is perfect for boat owners who prioritize safety and clear visibility during nighttime navigation. It’s ideally suited for recreational boaters, anglers, and anyone operating power-driven vessels under 20 meters in length.
Those looking for a high-intensity, ultra-bright light might want to explore LED options. A compatible Perko base is a must-have.
Conclusion on Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″
Overall, the Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″ is a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a reliable and effective navigation light. The reduced glare design is a standout feature, significantly improving nighttime visibility and reducing eye strain.
At $55.99, the price is justified by the light’s durable construction, reliable performance, and enhanced safety features. I would wholeheartedly recommend this navigation light to any boat owner looking to improve their nighttime boating experience. Upgrade your boat with the Perko Coastal Series Reduced Glare All-Round Navigation Pole Light – 36″ and experience the difference it makes!