With the days growing shorter, we've been coming in after dark on every voyage. We use AquaSignal removable running lights. I'm not happy with their reliability.
The stern light in particular is very flakey. The terminals on the lamp housing corrode and have to be cleaned regularly. Even then, it takes some twisting and tapping for the light to come on, and it can dim or go out unexpectedly under way. For all I know, the bow light is doing the same thing; we can't see it from the cockpit.
Anyone have experience with alternatives? I have a 12v system for an electric motor, and I'm thinking of wiring in another circuit for standard running lights on the cabin sides. Because the wiring in the stern is more awkward, I would prefer to just keep using a AA-cell-powered temporary light. But I would like to find something more reliable.
(I am guilty of sending snarkey messages to other sailors on my lake who operate without lights after dark. Now I feel as if I need to set the standard for safety compliance.)