The Scanstrut Navlight is primarily aimed at sailors who use their dinghy or a small dinghy in the dark. A white all-round light is quick to fit and can be removed again after the trip. The advantage of the new design lies in the connection to the bracket: instead of exposed metal contacts, electricity is transmitted contactlessly between the base and the mast.
Removable mast, fixed power supply
‘Wireless’ here refers only to the transmission between the mount and the light. The base unit still requires a connection to the 12-volt on-board power supply. The Navlight is therefore neither a battery-powered light nor a freely positionable light for boats without a suitable power supply. Scanstrut specifies a 48-millimetre hole for installation.
According to [source], the white LED light comes from Scanstrut product description manufactured by Perko and is said to be visible from a distance of two nautical miles. Scanstrut offers masts measuring 600 and 1,200 millimetres in length. A cover protects the mount when the mast is removed, whilst a locking mechanism secures it during operation. Scanstrut specifies IPX6 for the housing and IPX4 for the cover. Whether the contactless connection is more reliable in the long term under on-board conditions than a well-maintained plug connection cannot be assessed without practical testing.
When is a white rotating beacon sufficient?
According to Rule 23 of the Collision Prevention Rules A motorised vessel under seven metres in length with a maximum speed of seven knots may carry a single white all-round light. Side lights must also be fitted where possible. For faster or larger motorboats, this single light is not sufficient as a navigation light. For a dinghy, however, this type of lighting would be sufficient.
Different regulations apply to small sailing boats. On German maritime waterways, the following applies: Section 10 of the Maritime Waterways Regulations for sailing vessels under twelve metres in length that are unable to carry the standard lights, at least one white all-round light is required. Whether the Navlight is suitable for your own boat therefore depends on the type of propulsion, the area in which you sail and the possibility of fitting additional lights. Anyone preparing for a night-time voyage should Check the navigation lights and other lighting before setting sail, not just at dusk. You can also find tips on correct lighting in our Premium Guides.
Scanstrut cites several standards for the product, including ABYC C-5 and the KVR. This alone does not imply that the product is universally suitable for every sailing area. The product page does not list a price for Germany or a firm date for local availability. The contactless mounting is a clear advantage for dinghy lights that are regularly removed.
Book recommendation
Yacht Logbook Hans Donat’s book covers the use of lights at sea, as well as sound signals and navigational marks. It thus addresses the question of which lights a dinghy must display when under sail or under motor power, in accordance with the relevant traffic regulations. This compact cockpit handbook also covers the basics of navigation and provides guidance on radio communications and on-board electrical systems. The index tabs make it easy to find a topic whilst out at sea.
Would you opt for a contactless power connection for a detachable dinghy light? Please share your experiences in the comments.
Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik
