Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I grew up on the bayous, rivers and lakes in Texas and Louisiana and every commercial tug boat and large fishing boat had spot/search lights and they still do. in some instances they keep them on constantly depending on the situation and other times they just flash them on occaisonally to clear the area. You must have the light high enough so it doesn't blind you and at that height you won't mask your running lights.