How to make your own Lighted Mast

   We all want to be seen out on the water. And that's a good thing. Just because some jerk got his boater's safety course certificate and passed, doesn't mean he rules the water. Whether you fish or paddle, freshwater or saltwater, you need to be seen out on the water so you don't become the next casualty.

   In this article, I will show you a way to make a good lighted mast. And, it won't cost you a bundle. I will include the price of the parts, where I bought the parts, the tools used, and how to assemble it.

   An excellent version out there is the Yak Attack VisiCarbon Pro. I have an older version with a orange safety flag that measures 10" x 12". The newer VisiCarbon Pro's orange safety flag now measures 4" x 12" - which makes it look more like a sock flapping in the wind. I think they're a little overpriced at $60 - $70.

   Adding a U.S. Coast Guard-approved White Light to your Safety Mast - For use on the ocean or saltwater ponds at night. Can also be used on freshwater lakes and ponds too.

   This new idea is not as much as some models out there.

   Parts List:
   ( 1 ) Attwood Marine Portable LED Navigation Light Kit - $30
           Attwood Marine Portable LED Navigation Light Kit
   ( 1 ) ¾" Inside Diameter PVC Drinking Water Pipe, cut to 50" length - $3.40
           1" dia. Drinking Water Pipe - cut to 50" length

   ( 1 ) Package of Reflective Safety Tape (2 Red /2 White) - $3.00 ea.

           Red & White Reflective Safety Tape

   ( 2 ) ½" long Arrow Fastener Aluminum Pop Rivets (50 pk.) - $6.00

           ½" long Aluminum Pop Rivets

   To install the pop rivets, you will need this tool:

   ( 1 ) Arrow Fastener Professional Rivet Tool

           Professional Rivet Tool

    This version is legal, and almost half the price of the Yak Attack version above.

    

   Let's begin:

   1.) For this project, you will need a 50" pipe with a ¾" inside diameter, and dress it up with Red & White Reflective Tape as shown below. 

   * * * NOTE: The purpose of adding the safety tape is simple. Some people can't see at night very well, so they opt to use a hand held spotlight to see where they're going. By having reflective tape on your kayak, lighted mast, and paddle, you'll stand out a lot better to avoid a collision.

   I bought a 2" x 6" pkg. of red / white reflective tape. I covered the top mast portion with one piece of 2" x 2½" red reflective tape first. Then, I used two 2" x 2½" pieces of White Reflective Tape, one on top of the other, to make a 4" wide section of White Reflective Tape. Then, I finished the bottom section with 2" x 2½" Red Reflective Tape. So, it looks like this:

   2.) I got this L.E.D. Navigational Light Kit from Wal-Mart for $30. 

It includes three 8" post sections that screw together, and some hardware.

We will need just the top post portion (the one with the grey clip at the end) for the white light.

   3.) Using the post with the plastic light attachment at the top, 

I'm going to drill two holes for the ( 2 ) rivets through the safety mast and the light post at the same time.

   To hold the inside post in place, I wedged a small flat head screwdriver down the inside pipe.

   4.) Using a 1/8" drill bit, drill two holes. Just drill the hole into the mast and the light post - but NOT all the way through.

   The first hole was drilled 1" from the top, then drill a second hole roughly 4" under the first hole.

   5.) Next, I used ( 2 ) pop rivets that were 1/8" in diameter, and about a 1/2" long.

   This is what it should look like so far.

   6.) Because this is a different size pipe, it won't fit properly in your # 241 Scotty mount. So, we are going to grind off a little bit at the bottom.

   This Scotty Mount is attached to the side of my gear crate: No. 241 Scotty Mount

   Using a grinding disc pad that I attached to my drill, grind off the last 2" from the bottom.

   7.) The finished product - without the flag. You may have to push and twist the mast into the # 241 Scotty Mount for a snug fit.

   The reason I chose this particular kit is because the CREE LED lamp lasts a lot longer and is a lot brighter than the other older incandescent lamp kits on the market.

   It also can be seen from over a mile away!


   * NOTE: Starting in 2016, the US Coast Guard & your local Conservation Enforcement Officers have been doing random "spot checks" on kayakers that fish at night. The first offense may get you a warning, but the second offense, may result in a steep fine. Do yourself a favor and make yourself a lighted mast with a orange (or, red) safety flag. The project costs less than $50 to make - considering YOUR life is worth a whole lot more!