I use a remote control light that mounts to the bow light socket on the nose of the boat. Along w/ the spotlight, it also has the red / green lights that work independently. It's made by a company called "Go Light" and while it's not cheap, it's been well worth it for me. (about $250) As far as using it as a headlight, I do. If you don't on Cumberland, you'll buy a new lower unit every night. When I meet an oncoming boat, I turn off the spot and come off plane til we pass. I've never been ticketed for this, and I'm sure they've seen me a few times. If they do, I guess I can afford a ticked much more than a new lower unit.