Perko 0883 Series Solar-Ray Deck Control Searchlight, High Pedestal, 8 in Base Diameter

Overview

The Perko Deck Control Solar-Ray Searchlight is an incandescent searchlight with deck control, an 8-inch base, and high pedestal heights matched to 10, 12, and 14-inch reflector sizes. In this high pedestal configuration, overall height is 44 inches for the 10-inch reflector, 46 inches for the 12-inch reflector, and 49 inches for the 14-inch reflector.

This range is meant for exposed deck, cabin-top, pilothouse, and foredeck mounting where the light head needs enough height to clear rails, pulpit hardware, canvas, or other deck gear. The yoke knob locks the vertical aim and the base knob locks horizontal rotation, so adjustment is made directly at the fixture rather than from a remote station.

Finish and size are the main buying decisions. Polished chrome gives the light a traditional bright-metal look, while the white PERKO-KOTE finish keeps the fixture visually quieter on white decks and cabin tops. Bulbs are not included, so the bulb, socket, and vessel voltage setup should be checked before final installation.

Key features

• Deck-control Solar-Ray searchlight for direct manual aiming at the fixture.
• High pedestal version uses an 8-inch base and overall heights of 44, 46, or 49 inches depending on reflector size.
• Available with 10, 12, or 14-inch nominal reflectors to suit the space available on the mounting surface.
• Polished chrome and PERKO-KOTE white powder-coated finishes support different deck and cabin-top layouts.
• Nominal drum length and weight scale by size: 13 inches and 28 lb for 10-inch, 15 inches and 38 lb for 12-inch, and 17 inches and 45 lb for 14-inch.
• Yoke knob locks vertical position and base knob locks horizontal rotation after the beam is set.
• Bulbs are ordered separately, which allows the correct bulb, socket, and voltage configuration to be matched to the vessel.

Variants

This product family varies by finish, nominal reflector size, and overall height. The polished chrome and white versions share the same high pedestal format and 8-inch base, while reflector size changes the height, drum length, weight, and the space needed around the light head.

The 10-inch versions are the most compact at 44 inches overall height, the 12-inch versions step up to 46 inches, and the 14-inch versions reach 49 inches. The finish choice is mainly a visual and maintenance preference: chrome stands out against deck hardware, while white blends more naturally with many cabin tops and pilothouse roofs.

Installation and setup

The high pedestal models use the 8-inch base template. The fixture is placed over the prepared mounting surface and through-bolted with 5/16-inch machine screws, which are not supplied. Check access below the mounting area before drilling so backing plates, washers, and wiring can be handled properly.

Electrical wiring should follow applicable marine standards and be handled by a qualified marine electrician. The supply wire passes through the searchlight base and the gland nut is tightened at the base, so the cable route and service access need to be planned before the light is set in place.

Electrical and bulb selection

Bulb selection matters because the bulb and reflector need to match, and a change in bulb type may also require the corresponding socket and support stand. The bulb listings for this searchlight family include 12V, 24V, 32V, 120V, and 230V choices, but not every bulb applies to every size.

For a refit, confirm the current vessel voltage, desired beam range, and socket arrangement before ordering bulbs or replacement parts. This is especially important on older boats where previous owners may have changed the light, wiring, or socket over time.

Use on board

This searchlight fits boats where a crew member can access the fixture directly, such as workboats, commercial decks, larger cruisers, sportfishing boats, and sailboats with cabin-top or foredeck mounting space. It is useful for checking channel markers, moorings, floating debris, dock edges, and gear on deck during night operations.