Masthead light

[marvinjansen50]

My 33' Glander Tavana has a broken masthead light that is visible broken. I would like to take it out on July 4 and watch fireworks from Mobile Bay but not sure I can get a permanent light up by then. I read about an application for a patent to make a temporary light that would be raised by a halyard to the top of the mast with wires to the base. Has anyone done this to get by? How about a battery powered LED light?

[Bill Seal]

A patent for an extension cord?
How about going Old School.

[marvinjansen50]

I bet my Grandfather in Norway used one of these on his MFV 50'. I bet it would work. Light at dusk and bring down in dawn.

[sammyo]

I think the point is that there in not a regulation that specifies a light at the mast head. A LED lamp hoisted up a way's on a free halyard while anchored would be sufficient.

[Nicholson58]

Your nav lights need not be at the mast top. They may be at deck level. We have both so that we can choose high or low depending on traffic & where we are. If you plan to drop anchor you will need an all-around white. If motoring in the dark you need a steaming light. Our observation is that events such as fireworks is almost a guarantee that the water cops will be out.

[Lake-Effect]

your local camping or outdoors store will have many options for LED lanterns. We picked up one just for spot lighting or emergencies for about $10. They take AA or AAA batteries and should last for several hours or longer.

One of these hoisted on a halyard should be sufficient. I don't know how your authorities see it, but I would think the regulation is satisfied by the execution - having the raised all-around white light when anchored - rather than having an official permanent masthead light.

(Show of hands - who raises a black ball when anchored during the day? )

[Badsanta]

Not mast light confusion again! What! Navigational lights? Anchor lights? Spot lights? Under power, under sail. Lions and tigers oh my!

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[Jim Cate]

(Show of hands - who raises a black ball when anchored during the day? )

OUr hands are up, for we do so routinely.

And the PO needs to tell us what he means by a masthead light...

Jim

[Badsanta]

Black ball? ;-)

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[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by Badsanta

Black ball? ;-)

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If that is a serious query, the Colregs require a vessel at anchor to display a black ball when at anchor. There are some somewhat vague guidelines as to size, and instructions for it to be hoisted in the forward part of the vessel.

it is not commonly displayed by yachts in most areas, but in the event of being struck whilst at anchor (as we were earlier this year) it can make the difference between victory and defeat at the hands of the perps insurance company.

Jim

[marvinjansen50]

Jim, the masthead light I am referring to is the light on top of my mast that has red, green, and white lights but is visible broken as seen from deck. From posts received I think I will be fine with raising a LED lantern up a spare halyard to get me buy while anchored watching the 4th of July fireworks. I do have the red/green light at the bow and a stern white light. thanks for all the comments.

[jaybird1111]

all you need is a 360-degree-view light hoisted in the rigging.

Even though I have a masthead light working, depending on where I am, I'll hoist my DAVIS Mega-Light LED up. There's a lot to be said for having a lower-height anchor light, more in line with the height of the average powerboater's vision

The black ball is a day shape, not much good when the fireworks are in effect

[Group9]

I have a portable LED anchor light that I hang on a line between the forestay and mast and I have a working masthead light. My problem is my masthead light is 62 feet above the water and I don't trust every boater to be looking up that high (not to mention mistaking it for a star).

I also have a blue led light that lights up my transom at night when anchored. One more chance to be seen instead of being run over.

[fjwiley1]

Not to "drift" but I have 2 round Radar Reflectors. 1 is for underway, then while anchored I use my second Radar Reflector I spray painted Black.
Full compliance with anchoring regs as well as additional radar reflection at night. 1 is always flying so no big storage issue.

Life is Good if you Keepa Smilin....





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[marvinjansen50]

group9, what make and model is your "portable LED anchor light" ?