Let’s Talk About Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount
Navigating waterways at night demands reliable lighting, and the Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount promises to be just that. This compact, portable light from Scotty aims to provide essential visibility for kayaks, small boats, or even land-based emergencies. Boasting a suction cup mount, LED technology, and a detachable C-Light, it’s designed for versatility and safety, but does it live up to the hype?
My need for a dependable, easily deployable light source for my kayak fishing trips drew me to this product. Often, I’m launching before dawn or returning after dusk, and a fixed navigation light isn’t always practical or feasible on smaller vessels. The promise of a suction cup mount and bright LED output piqued my interest as I was seeking a non-permanent lighting solution.
Upon unboxing, I was initially impressed by the light’s compact size and sturdy construction. The suction cup felt robust, and the included C-Light seemed like a practical addition. My first impression was positive; the Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount seemed well-built and thoughtfully designed for its intended purpose.
I considered other options like the YakAttack VISICarbon Pro and the Nite Ize SeeEm Mini Spoke Lights. I chose the Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount primarily for its self-contained design and the added safety of the detachable C-Light. Unlike the spoke lights, it offers a dedicated, elevated light source, and unlike the YakAttack, it seemed more streamlined for kayak use. I was cautiously optimistic; the Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount looked promising, but real-world performance would be the true test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount was during a pre-dawn kayak fishing trip on a local lake. The air was crisp, and a light fog hung over the water, making visibility crucial. I mounted the light on the kayak’s deck using the suction cup, which adhered surprisingly well to the textured plastic.
The Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount proved easy to activate with a simple twist. The 20-lumen white LED provided adequate visibility in the low-light conditions. I did find myself wishing for a slightly brighter beam, but it was sufficient for signaling my position to other boaters.
The only issue I encountered was the suction cup occasionally losing its grip in choppy water. Re-attaching it was simple, but required keeping an eye on the light’s stability throughout the trip. Despite this minor issue, the initial performance was satisfactory.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount on various kayaking and small boating adventures, I’ve gained a better understanding of its durability. The light itself has held up well, showing no signs of damage despite exposure to saltwater and occasional bumps. The suction cup, however, is showing slight wear, with some minor cracking around the edges.
Cleaning the Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount is straightforward. A quick rinse with fresh water removes any salt residue or grime. The C-Light also remains fully functional, and the battery life has been impressive, lasting well beyond the advertised 30 hours.
Compared to other temporary lighting solutions I’ve used, the Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount is a significant upgrade in terms of ease of use and reliability. While the suction cup isn’t perfect, the overall design and functionality have proven to be worthwhile.
Breaking Down the Features of Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount
Specifications
The Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount features a compact design and is manufactured by Scotty. It has a black color and uses LED bulb type. It is powered by two AA batteries (not included), and has an overall length of 11 inches.
The Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount runs on two AA batteries, offering a balance between power and availability. The 11-inch length provides ample height for visibility without being cumbersome. Its compact size and 20 Lumen LED are adequate for close-range signaling and navigation in low-light conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount performs its primary function of providing visibility reasonably well. The 20-lumen LED is bright enough for most near-shore or calm-water situations. The twist ON/OFF activation is simple and intuitive, even with wet hands.
However, the light could benefit from a brighter output for increased visibility in more challenging conditions. The suction cup mount is the main point of concern. A stronger or more adaptable mounting system would greatly improve the light’s overall reliability.
The Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount mostly meets expectations as a simple, portable safety light. It falls slightly short in terms of brightness and mounting security.
Design & Ergonomics
The Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount is constructed from impact-resistant plastic, making it durable enough for typical marine environments. Its lightweight design is a plus for kayaks and small boats. The twist ON/OFF mechanism is also simple and effective.
However, the overall design could be improved with a more robust suction cup and a slightly larger reflector to maximize light output. The C-Light detaches easily and is a valuable addition, but the main light could benefit from a more refined aesthetic. There’s virtually no learning curve and use is intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount is built to last, thanks to its impact-resistant construction. The LED bulb should provide long-lasting performance. Regular cleaning with fresh water is sufficient for maintenance.
However, the longevity of the suction cup is a potential weak point, as it may require replacement over time. Overall, the Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount is designed for durability and ease of maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount comes with a detachable ACR fully sealed LED C-Light. There are no additional customization options directly available from Scotty. However, the C-Light can be attached to life jackets, backpacks, or pockets, adding to its versatility.
The light is also compatible with third-party suction cup mounts if you prefer a different mounting system. Although not designed for extensive modification, the included C-Light and potential for alternative mounting options provide some flexibility.
Pros and Cons of Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount
Pros
- Portable and easy to deploy: The suction cup mount allows for quick attachment and removal.
- Detachable ACR C-Light: Enhances safety and versatility.
- Simple twist ON/OFF activation: User-friendly, even with wet hands.
- Impact-resistant construction: Built to withstand marine environments.
- USCG/SOLAS Approved: Meets safety standards for peace of mind.
Cons
- Suction cup mount can lose grip in choppy water.
- 20-lumen output may be insufficient in challenging conditions.
Who Should Buy Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount?
The Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount is perfect for kayak anglers, casual boaters, and anyone needing a portable, non-permanent safety light. It’s also ideal for campers and those who want a reliable light source for emergencies. Anyone needing a brighter light source or a more secure mounting system should skip this product.
A must-have accessory would be a spare suction cup or a tether to prevent loss if the suction fails. Consider also adding a more powerful AA battery for slightly improved brightness.
Conclusion on Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount
The Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount offers a good balance of portability, ease of use, and essential safety features. While the suction cup mount and light output could be improved, the overall design and added C-Light make it a worthwhile investment. At $59.99, the price is justified for its intended purpose.
I would personally recommend the Scotty 835 LED Sea-Light w/Suction Cup Mount to anyone seeking a reliable, portable safety light for kayaking or small boating. Don’t get caught in the dark; add this light to your gear and enjoy peace of mind on the water.