Bowfishing Lights: How to Run Silent on Battery (& Ditch the Generator)

Despite today's generators running quieter and quieter, the ability to run completely silent (on batteries) with your bowfishing lights is a topic many bowfishermen are considering. There are many pro's and con's to making this switch, and we'll take you through the in's and out's of making this decision.

The primary objective in terms of lighting when bowfishing is to maximize brightness in the right color temperature (cool white for clear water or warm white for muddy water - more on that here) in order to maximize visibility in any water condition and ultimately see more fish. 

Why does color temperature matter? To put it simple - lower kelvin wavelengths ( warm white colors) do not reflect off the suspended solids (mud, sediment, etc.) in the water column and higher kelvin wavelengths (cool white colors) travel further and allow you to see more in clearer water where there are minimal suspended solids. If you can adjust these to the type of water clarity (or suspended solids) you are experiencing, then you are able to maximize the distance you can visibly see in the water. This similar tactic applies to turning on your "brights" and "fog" lights on your car. 

Our #1 selling bowfishing light for customers who want to run on battery are our Swamp Eye Silent Series Bowfishing Lights. They are color adjustable as we mentioned above, and they are engineered to put light where you need it most - allowing them to have an effective light output equivalent to lights more than double their wattage.

How to Switch to Battery Power for Bowfishing Lights

Switching to battery-powered bowfishing lights may seem like a big transition, but with the right approach and equipment, it can be a seamless upgrade. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the switch:

1. Assess Your Power Needs

The first step is to determine how much power you’ll need to run your bowfishing lights. Start by considering:

• The number of lights: How many lights do you plan on using? This can be determined based on the size of your boat and how much illumination you ultimately desire. Our most common light setup is 4x Swamp Eye Silent Series on smaller boats (16 ft and below) and 6x-8x Swamp Eye Silent Series on Larger Boats (18-22 ft). We sell the Swamp Eye Silent Series Light individually or in bowfishing light kits. If you need more guidance, feel free to reach us at 979-472-9360 or contact us here.  
• The power consumption of each light: when running on battery, keeping your wattage low is critical to increase run time. Our Swamp Eye Silent Series Bowfishing Lights draw 70 watts each. This is crucial because it will help you calculate how much battery capacity you’ll need.
• The duration of your fishing trips: How long do you plan to bowfish at night? Do you pan to do 24 hour tournaments? Fun fish? You’ll have to determine your battery capacity required based on how many lights you have. 

2. Choose the Right Battery

Once you’ve assessed your power needs, it’s time to select a battery that fits. For bowfishing lights, deep-cycle batteries are the best option. Here’s why:

• Deep-cycle batteries are designed to provide a steady amount of power over a long period. Unlike regular car batteries, which provide short bursts of high power, deep-cycle batteries are ideal for applications where sustained power is needed.
• Battery type options: You’ll have a few different battery options to choose from:
  • Lead-acid batteries: These are affordable but heavier and less efficient than newer options.
  • Lithium-ion batteries: More expensive but lighter, longer-lasting, and more efficient. They also charge faster and can withstand more charge cycles than lead-acid batteries.
  For extended use, lithium-ion batteries are highly recommended due to their longer lifespan and quicker recharge times.

3. Determine the Battery Capacity (Amp-Hours)

The capacity of a battery is measured in amp-hours (Ah), which indicates how much power the battery can supply over time. For instance:

• A 100Ah battery can supply 1 amp of current for 100 hours or 10 amps for 10 hours.

• You can calculate your required battery capacity by using the formula:

  $$\text{Required Battery Capacity (Ah)}=\frac{\text{Total Wattage of Lights}\times \text{Hours of Use}}{\text{Battery Voltage (12V or 24V)}}$$

  This formula will give you an estimate of the battery capacity needed to run your lights for the desired amount of time.

  • Example: 6x Swamp Eye Silent Series Lights (70 watts each, 12/24V DC compatible)
    
    Running on 24 Volt DC: Amperage = 70 Watts / 24 Volts = 2.9 amps (each light)
    
    6x Swamp Eye Silent Series x 2.9 amps each = 17.4 amps total draw
    
    Required Battery Capacity (Ah) = 6 Lights x 70W / 24V x 10 hours run time = 175 Amp Hours. (In order to get 10 hour run time, you need 175 amp hours of battery capacity)
    
    Calculation based on Conventional Deep Cycle Battery (120 Amp Hours) = 120 Amp hours / 17.4 total amp draw ~ 6.9 hour run time. (A typical commercially available 120 amp hour deep cycle battery will get you approximately 6.9-7 hours of run time)

4. Choose the Right Battery Charger

When switching to battery power, don’t forget about the charger. You’ll need a charger that matches the type and voltage of your battery.

• Lead-acid batteries require a different charger than lithium-ion batteries, so it’s important to ensure compatibility. 
• For lithium-ion batteries, invest in a smart charger that’s designed to safely charge and monitor the battery’s health, preventing overcharging and overheating.
• We sell Powermax Converters, which are both lead-acid and lithium compatible. 

5. Install Your Lights and Battery System

Once you have your battery and charger sorted, it’s time to install your lighting system. Here’s what to do:

• Mount your lights: Position your bowfishing lights where they’ll provide optimal visibility. Lights such as the Swamp Eye Silent Series have a wide flood which will help you avoid dark spots on corners and make mounting a breeze.
• Wiring your lights to the battery: If your lights are designed for DC (direct current), they will typically run off a 12V or 24V battery system. You’ll need to use marine-grade wiring to safely connect the battery to the lights, ensuring that everything is securely mounted and water-resistant. Our lights come standard with a plug and play building block wire harness, making wiring a breeze. 
  • For safety, use fuses or circuit breakers between the battery and your lights to prevent overcurrent issues.
  • Be sure to use waterproof connectors to prevent damage from splashes and moisture, especially if you’re fishing in salty or brackish waters.
• Here's a complete tutorial on How to Wire Bowfishing Lights to Battery.

6. Test Your Setup

Before heading out on a big bowfishing trip, test your entire setup to make sure everything is working properly. Check the following:

• Battery performance: Ensure that the battery powers the lights for the expected amount of time. If you have a battery load tester, test your battery to ensure it has good capacity under load. A battery on its way out can show a proper voltage until a load is put on it, where the voltage drops immediately. 
• Light intensity: Verify that the lights are located in ideal spots and in a manner to avoid dark spots and shadows. This can be avoided with purpose-built bowfishing lights.
• Wiring and connections: Double-check that all wires are properly connected and that the battery is securely mounted.

7. Maintain Your Battery and Lights

Battery-powered setups require minimal maintenance, but it’s still important to take care of your equipment:

• Keep your battery charged: Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, last longer when kept at a partial charge (typically 40-80%). Don’t let them completely drain if possible.
• Store your battery properly: If you're storing your battery for an extended period, keep it in a cool, dry place, and check the charge level regularly.
• Inspect wiring and connections: Ensure that wires remain tight and corrosion-free. Regularly inspect the lights for any signs of damage.

8. Consider Backup Power Options

If you're worried about running out of power during a long fishing session, consider adding a power converter and generator to your setup. This combination can power your bowfishing lights (and even be sized to power your trolling motor), extending the amount of time you can fish without worrying about recharging batteries. 

Not sure what size power converter and generator you need? Contact us!

Final Thoughts

Switching to battery-powered bowfishing lights offers a lot of advantages in terms of quiet operation and portability, but it does require some investment and planning. By carefully choosing your battery system, lights, and accessories, you can make the transition smoothly and enjoy a more efficient, quieter bowfishing experience. Whether you're upgrading your existing setup or starting from scratch, a well-designed battery-powered system such as the Swamp Eye Silent Series Bowfishing Lights can enhance your quiet time on the water while ensuring you see more fish.