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markpierce · 13-01-2014, 18:13

Get the busted light fixed.

s/v 'Faith' · 13-01-2014, 18:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackdale

Rule 21(c)

His stern is a practicable location for the sternlight.

Stretching I think my friend.

By your interpretation a tricolor would be illegal..... Which it is not.

If you go back to the beginning of the thread you will note that I said "no" too. I objected for other reasons (and was right about them)

but admitted it would work...

Now, I am not sure it would be worth it to argue it out in court... And I personally would not set up a boat like that on purpose.. But I had to admit I was wrong in my initial assessment and that it COULD be made to work.

jackdale · 13-01-2014, 18:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by s/v 'Faith'

Now, I am not sure it would be worth it to argue it out in court

As my buddies in the Office of Safe Boating tell me, it would be decided in the courts after the fact - as are most Colregs cases.

I would not set up a boat that way.

jackdale · 13-01-2014, 18:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by s/v 'Faith'

Stretching I think my friend.

By your interpretation a tricolor would be illegal..... Which it is not.

A tricolor is specifically INCLUDED in ColRegs.

jackdale · 13-01-2014, 18:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by markpierce

Get the busted light fixed.

**boatman61** · 13-01-2014, 18:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by savoir

That is only for boats under 7m. rule 23 (d)(ii) Boats 7 - 12m need port and starbord lights.

Just testing....

savoir · 13-01-2014, 18:49

Yeah I'm still awake. Watching tennis. Federer leading 1st set 4 - 2.

Back to navlights

OldFrog75 · 13-01-2014, 18:56

I don't sail at night so I have no actual experience with any of this but I understand the regs and know the difference in visibility of a steaming light and a stern light.

I also understand that if one were to disconnect the stern light and use the all-round anchor light as your steaming light on vessels under 12 meters you would probably satisfy USCG that it was an all-round light 1 meter above the sidelights and as close to the stern as practicle under the circumstances.

That said, what is the risk of having a stern light and all-around masthead light on simultaneously? From astern an approaching boat would see 2 white lights (one high and one low) instead of only one. What is the inherent danger in that? I guess he might think you are "a big ship or trawler" coming at him rather than going away but he would still avoid hitting you.

jackdale · 13-01-2014, 19:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldFrog75

What I don't understand is the point of the regs limiting visibility of the steaming light in the first place. What is the risk of having a stern light and all-around masthead light on simultaneously? From astern an approaching boat would see 2 white lights (one high and one low) instead of only one. What is the inherrent danger in that?

You might appear to be a power-driven vessel over 50 meters with the sidelights below the horizon, head -on.

Hillbillylad · 13-01-2014, 19:14

I have only an anchor light and R/G nav lights.
Power Under 12m - Sailing Vessel

OldFrog75 · 13-01-2014, 19:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackdale

You might appear to be a power-driven vessel over 50 meters with the sidelights below the horizon, head -on.

It might make him nervous and he might curse my stupidity when he figured out what was really going on but he would see me and avoid me so what is the danger?

The only thing I can think of is if it happened in a narrow channel he might take extreme evasive action prematurely and damage his boat but not so on the open ocean.

s/v 'Faith' · 13-01-2014, 19:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hillbillylad

I have only an anchor light and R/G nav lights.
Power Under 12m - Sailing Vessel

Only? Do you sail at night?

If you do, you may want to reread the thread.

**Paul Elliott** · 13-01-2014, 19:54

The answer to the OP's question, is "Yes" -- it is legal under US rules for a powered vessel under 12 meters in length to use an all-round white light and red/green sidelights. A masthead anchor light can serve as the all-round light. The OP's stern light must be turned off when under power, and illuminated when under sail.

All this other discussion is useful I suppose, and I would certainly suggest that the OP replace the burnt-out steaming light at the first opportunity (as the other boat I appreciate seeing both steaming and stern lights). But what he proposes is legal, and common in smaller vessels. Perhaps the height of the mast-top anchor light could be confusing at short range, but the regulations don't appear to prohibit its use in this manner.

jackdale · 13-01-2014, 19:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldFrog75

It might make him nervous and he might curse my stupidity when he figured out what was really going on but he would see me and avoid me so what is the danger?

You appear to be what you are not.

Rule 20(b)

(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.