Check the wiring on in the swicth, if it is intermitant it could either be a loose wire or the actual switch might have a loose connection or not be getting good contact when switched on. I'm surprised Grady has not told you where you can get a replacement if necessary, hopefully it is just a loose wire somewhere. I think Perko or Atwood made the actual light so maybe that is who you have to go through, not sure.
I find big spots actually hinder sight then add to it, I've seen and missed more wood with no light then with a spot on our older boats, we did not install one on the new boat, if I run at night I run at the slowest speed I can get on plane with and tab up, that way the bow pushes it away at most you get a small scrape, not enough speed to do damage unless your hitting another boat or a big bouy that is unlit, or a big rock pile. Only time I ever really used my spot was for coming into my marina just to find the poles marking the channel and the rockpile at the enterance, but we have lights on it now so no need for it, honestly I'd save your money and wait for flir to come down in price, once it gets to about $3500 I'm adding one, $5000 is too expensive for the times I'd use it.
