Don't Rely on Mast-Top Anchor Lights -- Bitter Experience

[El Pinguino]

Some interesting stuff here if you take the time to read and inwardly digest it thoroughly ...
http://www.atsb.gov.au/media/25004/mair12_001.pdf

It covers the effect of height of a light on perspective, degradation of the plastic in the lens and its effect on the colour, and the invisibility of yachts...

It is a shame they don't say what brand the light was .. doesn't sound like any I have ever come across and 5 years seems a very short life for the plastic.

However.... I know the AquaSignal lens plastic turns a bit opaque over a relatively short time. I have taken to removing my new bicolour bow lights 'case' assembly ( the black bit with the lens in it ..hope that makes sense) when the yacht is alongside for any length of time ( like the last 14 months ) and putting the old buggered one back on so that the 'working' lens stays clear and bright.

Strange to relate my sternlight ( made by Lucas - Prince of Darkness) is as good as new at 29 years and hasn't required a new bulb in the 21 years I have had her.

Off topic... that track the ship was taking was standard for north bound ships in those simpler days.

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by RaymondR

The problem with masthead anchor lights occurs not when you are at a distance but when you get close to the other vessel coming into an anchorage. It is difficult to judge distances from lights at night and if the light is against a backdrop of bright stars it is difficult to identify with a quick glance.

I sneak into anchorages at night very slowly and carefully and whilst I have never had a collision with another boat in doing so have had a few near misses with dark colored boats with masthead anchor lights. Yes, I agree, coming in SLOWLY is very important, and looking for the dark gray silhouettes of the other boats is somewhat of an acquired skill.

From a practical viewpoint they are a menace in certain situations and whilst convenient ther use is not very considerate of other anchorage users.

I strongly disagree that masthead lights constitute a menace: they tell you where to look under for the abovementioned gray silhouettes. I rely upon others using their masthead anchor light in order that I may avoid them.

I do think having lower illumination helps others to avoid me, but I wouldn't tar someone with the "inconsiderate" tag for not having lower illumination. I would save that for the guy with the garden lights that go dim after a few hours: he thinks he's visible at night, and shore lights will totally obliterate his silly, futile, faded garden lights.

Ann

[Cottontop]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

I strongly disagree that masthead lights constitute a menace: they tell you where to look under for the abovementioned gray silhouettes. I rely upon others using their masthead anchor light in order that I may avoid them.

I do think having lower illumination helps others to avoid me, but I wouldn't tar someone with the "inconsiderate" tag for not having lower illumination. I would save that for the guy with the garden lights that go dim after a few hours: he thinks he's visible at night, and shore lights will totally obliterate his silly, futile, faded garden lights.

Ann

It seems that a proper masthead light is not a proper anchor light. From the Colregs:

Rule 21: (a) “Masthead light” means a white light placed over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.

Rule 21: (e) “All-round light” means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.

Rule 30: (a) A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:
(i) in the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball;
(ii) at or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in subparagraph (i), an all-round white light.
(b) A vessel of less than 50 meters in length may exhibit an all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule.
(c) A vessel at anchor may, and a vessel of 100 meters and more in length shall, also use the available working or equivalent lights to illuminate her decks.

[Rustic Charm]

Originally Posted by Cottontop

It seems that a proper masthead light is not a proper anchor light. From the Colregs:

Rule 21: (a) “Masthead light” means a white light placed over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.

Rule 21: (e) “All-round light” means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.

Rule 30: (a) A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:
(i) in the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball;
(ii) at or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in subparagraph (i), an all-round white light.
(b) A vessel of less than 50 meters in length may exhibit an all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule.
(c) A vessel at anchor may, and a vessel of 100 meters and more in length shall, also use the available working or equivalent lights to illuminate her decks.

I'm not sure what you mean? Having a Mast Head all round light on a vessel less than 50 Meters in Length seems to fit the Colreg's entirely as a 'proper' anchor light. So, what do you mean?

[Cottontop]

Originally Posted by Rustic Charm

I'm not sure what you mean? Having a Mast Head all round light on a vessel less than 50 Meters in Length seems to fit the Colreg's entirely as a 'proper' anchor light. So, what do you mean?

If you have an all-round light at the top of your mast for an anchor light, because that is where it can best be seen, that's fine. Just don't call it a "masthead light." A masthead light is something else (found on power boats) and is not properly used as an anchor light because it is not an all-round light.

Not all readers are on sailboats and might be confused by respected posters casually referring to a "masthead" light as an anchor light.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by Cottontop

It seems that a proper masthead light is not a proper anchor light. From the Colregs:

Rule 21: (a) “Masthead light” means a white light placed over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.

Rule 21: (e) “All-round light” means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.

Rule 30: (a) A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:
(i) in the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball;
(ii) at or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in subparagraph (i), an all-round white light.
(b) A vessel of less than 50 meters in length may exhibit an all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule.
(c) A vessel at anchor may, and a vessel of 100 meters and more in length shall, also use the available working or equivalent lights to illuminate her decks.

Has anyone claimed that a "masthead light" is a "proper anchor light". I don't recollect seeing any such thing in this thread.

The discussion has been about anchor lights at the top of the mast.


Edit: Ok, I see: you are conflating reference to "masthead anchor light" and "masthead light". I suspect you may be the only one here doing so.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by Cottontop

If you have an all-round light at the top of your mast for an anchor light, because that is where it can best be seen, that's fine. Just don't call it a "masthead light." A masthead light is something else (found on power boats) and is not properly used as an anchor light because it is not an all-round light.

Not all readers are on sailboats and might be confused by respected posters casually referring to a "masthead" light as an anchor light.

Sailboats also use masthead lights, commonly known as "steaming lights", when under power.

[Robin3]

Originally Posted by Cottontop

If you have an all-round light at the top of your mast for an anchor light, because that is where it can best be seen, that's fine. Just don't call it a "masthead light." A masthead light is something else (found on power boats) and is not properly used as an anchor light because it is not an all-round light.

Not all readers are on sailboats and might be confused by respected posters casually referring to a "masthead" light as an anchor light.

Indeed the so called masthead light in this case is what is known in the UK as a 'steaming' light, to be illuminated when under power, sailboaters please note. An anchor light does not have to be at the masthead it can be in the fore triangle or even elsewhere but should be visible from 360 degrees. We like to deploy ours (A Davies Mega-light LED version), usually attached to the required spherical day shape and suspended from the rolled up genoa sheets over the foredeck area which it illuminates also. ALternatively we might use it as a double duty light over the centre cockpit where it gives light for socialising as well as lighting the after part of the boat for anyincomers to see,

I bought one of those cheapo solar garden lantern things as a test and after a full day of Florida's sunshine charging it still only lasted until around 3 am when it was still dark, useless. WE do also have an LED storm lantern of the old (kerosene/parffin) fashioned style but which has a variable brightness and will stay aligh well over 12hours even on 'full'. This latter is a backup useful for the cockpit canopy and we even have several more for use at home ashore during power outages.

[Rustic Charm]

Originally Posted by Cottontop

If you have an all-round light at the top of your mast for an anchor light, because that is where it can best be seen, that's fine. Just don't call it a "masthead light." A masthead light is something else (found on power boats) and is not properly used as an anchor light because it is not an all-round light.

Not all readers are on sailboats and might be confused by respected posters casually referring to a "masthead" light as an anchor light.

Stu and Robin have replied to your claims.

But a 'Steaming light' is what I think your getting confused with. I've never seen anyone using a steaming light as an anchor light.

[hellosailor]

So I take it that the EU has nothing similar to the US split between "general anchorage" and "special anhorage"? As defined in the Coast Pilot, fwiw.

[boatman61]

DH.... surely by now you've learnt to appreciate there's Always a 'Dh' factor...

[carstenb]

Originally Posted by El Pinguino

Strange to relate my sternlight ( made by Lucas - Prince of Darkness) is as good as new at 29 years and hasn't required a new bulb in the 21 years I have had her.

This Lucas lantern must have a quality defect - a Lucas that has lasted 29 years without any issues?????????????? And carrying the same lightbulb for 21 years?????

Sir - I do not wish to accuse you of speaking an untruth - but I believe this is worthy of an entry in Ripleys Believe it or not! Perhaps even Guiness book of world records.

[El Pinguino]

Originally Posted by carstenb

This Lucas lantern must have a quality defect - a Lucas that has lasted 29 years without any issues?????????????? And carrying the same lightbulb for 21 years?????

Sir - I do not wish to accuse you of speaking an untruth - but I believe this is worthy of an entry in Ripleys Believe it or not! Perhaps even Guiness book of world records.

maybe its a Chinese knockoff...

[Seaslug Caravan]

Originally Posted by RaymondR

The problem with masthead anchor lights occurs not when you are at a distance but when you get close to the other vessel coming into an anchorage. It is difficult to judge distances from lights at night and if the light is against a backdrop of bright stars it is difficult to identify with a quick glance. I sneak into anchorages at night very slowly and carefully and whilst I have never had a collision with another boat in doing so have had a few near misses with dark colored boats with masthead anchor lights. From a practical viewpoint they are a menace in certain situations and whilst convenient ther use is not very considerate of other anchorage users.

+1

I agree with you 100 percent.

A yacht anchored in close isn't trying to avoid oceanliners but other small boats. Put an anchor light low and throw some light on the structure.
Inconsiderate is the only way to describe it .

[Jim Cate]

Goes to show: even the prince of Darkness had his off days... failed to make a POS electrical item!

Jim