Removable lights: how to save time on the slipway ?
Like any road vehicle, the trailer is equipped with rear signal lights that highlight braking, reversing, changing direction and of course visibility at night.
Until now, most boat trailers have been fitted with a light plate (1.50m to 2.30m) that is attached by a system of sleds. However, as you know all too well, these light plates can be difficult to install, remove and store when at sea. Manoeuvring can be even more difficult on a wet, cold and sloping slipway. Not to mention that you have to disconnect and reconnect the wiring every time you put it in the water, which is not very advisable in a wet environment...
Various manufacturers have tried to find alternative solutions to the light plate:
- Sealed lights : these are lights based on automotive technology in the shape of a rectangle that can be completely submerged and continue to operate.
- Sliding lights : these are lights that move out of the launching lane to leave the boat. A system of pivoting pins allows them to be rotated and a light metal cable holds them in place while driving.
- Bluetooth lights : commercially available from garages and trailer dealers. These are magnetic lights that are attached to the side rails and the Bluetooth sensor is connected to the towing vehicle's cigarette lighter.
We decided to opt for a new (patented) technology: folding lights. All our Océane, Satellite, Rocca and Nautilus multi-rollers are equipped with them. This system is made up of independent blocks mounted on rails and locked by knobs, which allow each light to be raised along the frame without disconnecting them!
Once on the wedge, the light is folded so that it is horizontal to the frame and then folded back onto the mudguard. If your trailer is equipped with the Quickflex lashing system, your light will go right up to the Quickflex lashing system.
Once the light is folded, you can launch it without submerging it thanks to the tilting rear crossbar system. The best part? You haven't touched the harness once. There's no need to disconnect and reconnect because the light + plate assembly stays on the frame.
Time spent in the hold is reduced by several minutes, which is invaluable when you're in a hurry to go sailing!
