Getting my spotlight installed

[wincrasher]

I'm taking my R-27 in to get the spotlight installed.

Hauling down to my dealer on Saturday. Pick it up the following Saturday.

My understanding is that it will go on the upper platform above the radar dome. Not sure how the wiring will run. Ranger did tell me they would discuss it with my dealer and explain the proper installation. My hope is that the power is run down to the designated breaker on the panel. Not sure how they get a wire down there without tearing the interior completely apart. Where is the proper spot for the control panel?

 

[knotflying]

Mine is installed on the starboard side in the wood face above the helm. I wouldn't doubt there is a hole there for it already.

 

[wincrasher]

There is no hole. This item is no longer a standard item on the 8.5' beam boats. The circuit breaker panel still does have a breaker labeled "search light" though.

 

[SnugTug]

Might be a good time to add a small oscillating fan at the helm. If they are working up there and down to the panel, you could get the wire run for a hard wired fan as well. This is on my project list - just haven't figured out where to grab power. I've been using a battery operated clip on fan.

 

[wincrasher]

Mine has fans that blow down from the ceiling (they are in boxes in the floor of the overhead bin). I believe these are intended as de-foggers of some kind. If you have these on your boat, you could easily get your power from them.

 

[SnugTug]

Mine has fans that blow down from the ceiling (they are in boxes in the floor of the overhead bin). I believe these are intended as de-foggers of some kind. If you have these on your boat, you could easily get your power from them.

I am sure that you are right - now the only difference between doing it and not doing it -- is doing it. Maybe this weekend.

 

[wincrasher]

Towed her down to Charleston today to leave it with my dealer to install the spotlight. Glad I got an early start. The winds picked up on the way back.

Did much better this time - I had raised my ball 3", so for start I was alot more level. I also didn't use the tow-haul mode, but I did engage my exhaust brake. I got a solid 10.5 mpg using the cruise control on 68 mph. This was a good speed, at least today as I was keeping with traffic, which was busy, but I didn't have to pass very many along the way.

Lots of thumbs up from people along the way. You just don't see Ranger Tugs in these parts.

 

[wincrasher]

Behold!

They put the control on the upper cabinet as recommended by Ranger.

I don't think it looks too big. I've yet to test at night, but I don't think it's casting any light on the deck.

It was quite the ordeal going down to Charleston to pick it up. Had bad wrecks each way - one had us sitting on the interstate at a dead stop for over an hour. Windy as all get-out. Only could manage 9 mpg.

Very happy with the job my dealer (Longshore Boats) did and the support from Ranger Tugs. In the end, besides my time and the cost of fuel, was $0. That was a happy surprise.

 

[SnugTug]

Looks nice and clean install. Good luck.