Customer Reviews

Aqua Signal LED Portable Stern Light (Suction Cup Mount)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

So I ordered four of these in total, for two kayaks: two white stern lights (these lights), and two red/green bow lights. I spent the next couple of days trying to figure out how to mount the lights before they actually arrived. My reasoning was that there was no way I'd be lucky enough for these suction cup mounts to actually stick to our plastic kayaks. Surely that would only work on the fiberglass models. So with expectations firmly in check, I came up with a couple of decent, but not perfect, temporary solutions involving the deck rigging and maybe a carabiner or two.

Well, then they arrived. I put the batteries in one and turned it on. It's bright! Good! Now how to mount it on the kayak... In my garage, I stuck one on to the Old Town kayak. Much to my surprise, the force of suction was so strong that I couldn't just pull it off! I had to peel the suction cup base up a little to kill the vacuum. Then I tried it on the Necky kayak with the same results! This is great -- they stay on with such force that I have no problem using them without rigging or anything else. Both of my kayaks are hanging sideways on the garage wall, and the suction cups will hold indefinitely with the lights hanging sideways, parallel to the ground! I have added an image of the light doing just that. Note that the light can be mounted either horizontally or vertically - there are two sets of screw threads to attach the suction cup to, one on the bottom of the light and one on the side.

The lights have proven their seaworthiness. They are waterproof. The manufacturer claim is that they float. I have no reason to doubt that claim, but guess what? They don't come off the kayak unless I want them to, so I don't know! Ha!

With 4 AA's, they're sure to last a good long time, too. I'd recommend getting alkalines or lithiums (GASP! I never thought I'd say that) over rechargeables, only because with infrequent use, the NiMH batteries tend to self-discharge over time, and you'll have to keep recharging them before every outing. If you don't mind doing that, then it's cool, but I already have to charge my GPS batteries, walkie batteries, camera batteries, flashlight batteries, etc., so I'll stick with the alkalines so I don't have to recharge an additional 16 batteries (remember, 4 lights!) every week or so.

Lastly, if you're going to have these out in the sun a lot (why?), or if you'll be using them in saltwater, the manual recommends using a silicon spray protectant of some kind to keep it in good shape, and give it a thorough washing after use. Probably a good idea - salt water destroys everything. Oh, and take care with the top when installing the batteries. It only goes on one way, and there's a tab that fits into a groove in the base. Don't go trying to force anything or you might damage it.

Works much better than an older version that I had before. Very bright light and suction cup works well.

Let me start by saying I did not look at my kayak closely prior to ordering a suction cup model. The light works perfectly and is very durable and a nice design. Now, if I'd looked closer at my kayak I'd have known the surfaces are not really designed for a suction cup attachment. Off to the drawing board and I'm confident I can get this to work with a homemade attachment of sorts. I've used the light several times and the batteries last for quite a long time. And, it works well for loading the kayak on the car in the dark after I'm finished.

My advice: Don't be dumb like I was and assume the suction cup base will work. Otherwise I highly recommend this little light.

These lights were initially very bright & seemed durable, but on our very first paddle with them, BOTH of the two lights we purchased randomly turned off & back on several times, for no apparent reason, even after we (with dry hands) checked to make sure they were assembled correctly. It was more than a little scary finding ourselves in the middle of open water after dark with lights that wouldn't stay on since we share the water with much bigger boats. Very disappointing.

Very happy with this white stern light as well as the red/green bow light I bought at the same time. Really good quality, bright, strong suction cup.

I bought this to use on my kayak and it has worked very well. Construction seems very solid. I did buy a silicone protectant spray (as recommended in the instructions) to make sure the salt water doesn't damage it. When I was taking the kayak out of the water the other night, I didn't realize that I had bumped the light off. I figured it out about 10 minutes later and sprinted back to the beach and grabbed it. I can attest to the fact that these lights actually DO float!

This is a *really* bright stern light for a kayak. We use ours on Hobie Outbacks, using the bimini mounting bar to provide a smooth area for the suction cup - you could use a self-adhesive plate instead. They performed perfectly, and are good value for money, when compared to other similar items.

The only complaint, really, is that they are so bright, that when travelling in convoy, it is easy to get blinded by your convoy-mates!

I got a pair of those one for bow and one for stern. They are not terribly bright but O.K. I share the experience of not dependable of the other reviewer. Mine does not completely turn off. Even when I switch the light off there is still a light shimmer coming from the light therefore draining the battery. I think the other reviewer with the light coming on and off had also a switch issue.

I missed the 30 day window as I am not going out too often. I will update how the customer service experience with the manufacturer was. They give ten years warranty. Right now I just want one that works and turns off when I tell it to.

Just got this light....but cannot get it to work and there doesnt seem to be any help available online.... Nor does the light come with good instructions. Maybe its just me, but this is very frustrating.

Update...

I got it to work after fiddling around a bit and making sure the contacts lined up right with the batteries...

It shouldnt have been this hard.

Now, to actually use it on the water.....

I would have given it five stars if more of the light went out the sides, since this does "lose" some light out the top since there's no reflector. Otherwise, it is a good device. Strong suction cup and magnet holding power. Appears waterproof - didn't test.