H260 Steaming Light

[Futsal Fred]

As a novice, I have a question about the standard lights on a 260.

It's my understanding that technically a "steaming light" is a light 2/3 of the way up the mast which you illuminate while under power.

The light on top of the mast is the mast light or anchor light but not the steaming light.

In fact, I have an original advertising flier from Hunter on this boat and it specifically says it comes with a "steaming light"

However, there is no light 2/3 of the way up - or anyplace else - on my mast except on top.

Can someone sort this out for me? Isn't this boat required to have a steaming light? Did they originally come with one? Did one of you steal mine?

Please help.

 

[Charisma]

If it is like my 97H26, then the mast light fixture has 2 bulbs, one facing forward, which is the steaming light, and only used when you are under way at night. When the anchor light is on then both bulbs light up giving a 360degree light. Hope this helps Chris

 

[Chuck Creel]

Just wanted to clarify something regarding steaming light.
It is NOT required when your underway at night.
It is meant to say you are under power as wwell as sail which changes the rules of the road for passing arangements.

Example: When 2 power boats meet head on or oposite courses/heading, BOTH vessels shall alter course to starboard and pass port to port.

Sailboats pertain to whch tact they are on.

IE: Sailing vessels with STBD tack have right of way . " if my memory serves me right after 15 yrs of being a captain.

Doesnt mean im an expert, just been that long since i took the exam's...lol





Last but not least, Your steaming light may be top of mast as previously mentioned.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

Fred,
As Charisma states the H260 has one fixture on the top of the mast. The cabin switch is a center off with Steaming and Anchor positions.

This is a common arrangement for sailboats. Only about 1/3 of the boats in my marina have a dedicated steaming light. For some odd reason I was studying mast fittings (while napping) just this past weekend.

 

[yachtsman]

The mast head lights on a 26 or 260 are: Two bulbs operated by a three way switch. With the switch mid ships all are off. From memory to Port the all round anchor light is on (both bulbs glowing) When the switch is moved to the Starboard side the steaming light is glowing (one bulb only at the front of the cluster glowing)
The regulations are clear for a yacht this size.
At anchor one all round light to be displayed from sunset to sunrise.
Under sail navigation lights ie Port and Starboard plus a stern light.
Under way same as sailing plus steaming light.
Underway is clearly defined as being motor driven!
It is important not to display the steaming light when sailing because other craft will think you are under motor.
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