Full Trident Running Lights under $20

Cheap and easy/ removable running lights for those nights, foggy days or really early mornings. No additional wiring needed and the lights (LED) have a run life of 200+ hours on their batteries.

Here is the gear list-

Life Gear Red/Green lights - 2 @ $2.38 Raleys grocery store (Clearance Summer Sale)
Life Gear Clear light 1@ $ 5.95 REI Multicolor

Home Depot
3/4 PVC 45 deg elbow $0.48
1/2" Female threaded adapter $0.41
3/4 x 1/2 Male adapter $0.64
1" PVC Coupler $0.48
1/2 PVC schedule 40 pipe (10') $1.65
3/4 PVC Schedule 40 pipe - Free left over scraps

Ace hardware
1/2 snap rings 4 @$0.25
3/4" snap ring 1@ $0.35

S-carabiner 3@ $1.25

Grand total $19.47

The multicolor Life Gear light trick is to unscrew it take the light guts out flip it and re-insert it to allow the flash light portion to now be the glow light portion. As see in the first picture below.

that's awesome nice clean setup good job

I actually have some experience using those same lights on a kayak and unfortunately, they are not waterproof.  I even sealed around the threads, lens, and over the button with Lexel to prevent leaks, but in the end they succumbed to water intrusion.  I also had some that were not used for kayaking and they definitely did not last 200 hours on those 3 AG-13 batteries.

I actually have some experience using those same lights on a kayak and unfortunately, they are not waterproof.  I even sealed around the threads, lens, and over the button with Lexel to prevent leaks, but in the end they succumbed to water intrusion.  I also had some that were not used for kayaking and they definitely did not last 200 hours on those 3 AG-13 batteries.

I haven't had a problem with mine, maybe you had a bad batch. Mine all have rubber o-rings in them. Even if  I get 1/2 of the 200hrs stated I say it was money well spent especially if I don't get run over. You could also try the full waterproof version if your still having problems

Having lights on your kayak is smart and well worth the price you spent.  My lights also had O-rings in them and they looked identical to yours.  I hope yours work better for you than mine did for me.

Update:  I just saw the picture you posted of the waterproof version.  A good solution for sure.  Is it still pretty cheap to buy?

Abdiver, thanks for posting - nice idea; looks good. 

Question:  Does the coupler hold the light firm in the rod holder?  Also, does the light friction fit into the 1/2" PVC?

Abdiver, thanks for posting - nice idea; looks good. 

Question:  Does the coupler hold the light firm in the rod holder?  Also, does the light friction fit into the 1/2" PVC?

Yep the coupler fits in there just perfect and prevents any side to side movement. If you note in picture 3 I notched the bottom the smaller PVC similar to what the rod holder extension have to keep the mount from rotating.

Please keep in mind that true navigation lights have a "directionality" associated with them.    In your install, the fact that the red and green lights can be seen from any angle will be confusing on the water.

-Allen

what about colored chem lights? I have red, green and white in my dry bag. I haven't used them but if so I'd attach the white to a rod and hang the red and green just over the bow/side? Do the regs say they have to 'electric' lights as in are chem lights some how NOT allowed?

Nice job on the light bro. Thanks for sharing.

Jedmo

Abdiver to avoid confusion of being able to see both lights at the same time, couldn't you hang the light slightly over the edge of the hull.  Maybe run the line through a side mounted pad eye? That way green and red would only be seen from the correct side.  I love your idea and am going to see if I can get some eco lights at Raley's or REI today.  One question, you have to turn the lights on before you get in the water correct?, or am I missing something?  I am thinking about doing some night striper fishing here in Isleton/Walnut Grove and know how some of these morons drive their boats up the river so the more lights the better.

If your running these light sticks and they are getting dim, I found replacement batteries at the 99 cent store (Arden and Watt in Sacramento).  They are the Sunbeam Alkaline batteries model AG13 1.5V.  $1.00 for a four pack.  Almost got run down by a PB last night as I have been getting off the water right at dark.  The replacement battery at Radio Shack was $5.99 for one.