Using a kayak light at night is important to prevent collisions with other watercraft. A light fitted a meter above the deck of the kayak will be more visible and able to be seen from a greater distance away than one at deck level. This project explains how to make and fit such a light to a kayak's deck using reused aluminium beverage cans and a repurposed spray bottle.

Supplies

Aluminium beverage cans

Cement

Three, 1/4 inch bolts and nuts.

Plastic create top

Plastic spray bottle

Bike light

Step 1: Making the Base

The base of the kayak light is fixed to the top from a plastic crate. To do this:
Drill three, 1/4 inch holes into the bottom of a empty aluminium beverage can.
Cut the can around at the middle and trim the edge with a pair of scissors.
Place the bottom of the can in the middle of the plastic crate top and drill through the plastic, using the previously holes as a guide.
Secure the can to the plastic with three, 1/4 inch bolts and nuts with washers.

Step 2: Add in Cement

Mix up some cement with water in a bowl.
Scope cement into the can attached to the plastic sheet, filling it 2/3's full.
Use another can to 'round out' the top rim of the can, if required.
Allow the cement to set.

Step 3: Make a Small Tower From Beverage Cans and Fit a Light.

Make a mini tower from beverage cans by cutting the bottom off a can and inserting the top of an empty beverage can into it. Secure with tape. Repeat the process until you have a mini tower about a meter in length.
Roll some aluminium sheet from a beverage can into a small tube and fix to the top of the can with duct tape. This is for attaching a bike light.
A light reflector can be attached to the top of the bike light made from the wire cage from a sparkling wine bottle and the concave base of an aluminium beverage can, though this may be a little bright to look directly at. A better light defuser can be made from a 500 mil white spray bottle. Remove the spray pump and cut off the neck. Enlarge the opening with a rotary tool and fit on top of the bike light. Secure with tape.

Step 4: On the Water

Attach the light to a kayak using the rear hatch straps. Switch the light on. Blinking mode makes it easier to stand out from shore lights. Having the light on the tower enables it to be seen from a distance - from the front, back and sides.