Steaming lights

[ColinDawson]

I have a Beneteau 285 with mast head allround white light but no steaming light.i have now change to a 331 again the same light setup.so if motor sailing what is correct lights to show .

[Rustic Charm]

Originally Posted by ColinDawson

I have a Beneteau 285 with mast head allround white light but no steaming light.i have now change to a 331 again the same light setup.so if motor sailing what is correct lights to show .

if you are underway with motor, regardless of whether you have sails up, you are meant to have your steaming light on and port and starboard lights. And your stern light. Your port and starboard lights can be a bi-colour on the Bow.

[John_Trusty]

In the US, the USCG Nav Rules are at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent

Check out the lights rules under rule 23 for powere driven vessels, as that is what you are with the engine engaged. Rule 23 i for vessels under 12 meters (39.4 ft) allows an all around white light rather than a real masthead steaming light. You will get teased by sailors who haven't read the rules, however.

[cal40john]

I've never seen this, but do you have a switch that only turns on the stern light independent of the sidelights?

A boat under 12 meters can combine the stern and masthead light into a single 360. (I don't think Colregs intended that it be on top of a sailboat mast, but the annex only states that the all round white must be at least 1 meter above the sidelights.)

So, if you can switch the stern light, anchor light, and sidelights separately; under power turn on the anchor (in this case being the all round combined stern and mashead) and sidelights, then when under sail turn off the anchor light and turn on the stern light leaving the sidelights on.

[Rustic Charm]

Originally Posted by ColinDawson

I have a Beneteau 285 with mast head allround white light but no steaming light.i have now change to a 331 again the same light setup.so if motor sailing what is correct lights to show .

Welcome to CF

Where are you situated, as locatiin may make a little difference.

[Reefmagnet]

Originally Posted by cal40john

I've never seen this, but do you have a switch that only turns on the stern light independent of the sidelights?

A boat under 12 meters can combine the stern and masthead light into a single 360. (I don't think Colregs intended that it be on top of a sailboat mast, but the annex only states that the all round white must be at least 1 meter above the sidelights.)

So, if you can switch the stern light, anchor light, and sidelights separately; under power turn on the anchor (in this case being the all round combined stern and mashead) and sidelights, then when under sail turn off the anchor light and turn on the stern light leaving the sidelights on.

Had this setup on a 7.5 metre boat many years ago. Totally ok by Colregs standards. You'll also find many trailerable power boats will use this same configuration.

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[MarkJ]

Turn off your stern light when using the all round white.

[Sailor Doug]

Are there any rules you have to turn off any lights. Rules seem to indicate minimum lights you have to have on. Freighters seem to be light up like a small city.


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[cal40john]

Originally Posted by Sailor Doug

Are there any rules you have to turn off any lights. Rules seem to indicate minimum lights you have to have on. Freighters seem to be light up like a small city.


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Rule 20 part b

From:
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName...Content#rule20

(b) The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights which cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out.

[Sailor Doug]

Do freighter have a waiver?


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[cal40john]

Originally Posted by Sailor Doug

Do freighter have a waiver?


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Basically the rule I quoted says you can all the lights on you want as long as they don't look like or interfere with the nav lights.

[four winds]

I believe a stern light on while also an all around white can be mistaken for a nav signal, white over white, when seen from astern. So not allowed. Stern light off then no problem.

[Bill Seal]

What kind of white light can't be confused with a white light?
Spreader lights, cabin lights, BBQ lights, ...

[Liam Wald]

I am pretty sure that your Beneteau 331 has a steaming light. Mine does.
It is half way up the front of the mast. It is actually a combo deck light/steaming light.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by cal40john

Basically the rule I quoted says you can all the lights on you want as long as they don't look like or interfere with the nav lights.

Have a look at virtually any cruise ship or any working Queensland shrimper... they are so festooned with lights that finding even the running lights is nigh unto impossible.

The above quoted rule is surely not followed by the pros... I'm not too worried about being brought up for non-conformance on my yacht!

Jim