Lighting for O'Day 17'

[Dan Steill]

I guess I am pretty dumb. But, I cannot figure out EXACTLY what I need in the way of night lighting for my 17 foot sailboat.Do I need red and green bow lights with white stern light or just a white stern light? Mast light is not really practical.

 

[Ben Allen]

Lighting Requirements

Hi Dan,With your boat at 17', it falls into the same classifications as most boats. At night you will need:For Sailing - Red and Green Bow Lights & White Stern LightFor Motoring - Red and Green Bow Lights, White Stern Light, & Masthead LightFor Anchoring Outside a Designated Anchorage - All-Round LightHope this helps more than confuses.Ben AllenMontgomery, AL"Wahoo"O'Day 26

 

[Dan Steill]

Thanks

That clears it up. Thanks a bunch!

 

[Brian Pickton of BeneteauOwners.net]

Other Lights

Jan.6, 2000Dear Dan,Under the collision regulations since you are a vessel under 7 meters in length you may when under power or sail only be equipped with a stern light and sidelights. Strictly speaking a masthead light is not required for a vessel of your length - Rule 25 (a) and (d). In lieu of the lights mentioned by Ben you shall "...have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficent time to avoid collision" - Rule 25 (d) (ii).  In other words, if your O'day has sidelights and a stern light now they need to be operational, but if it isn't equipped with them or they aren't operational you need only show a single all round white light if you have one, and a flashlight if you don't have an all round white light, in timely fashion to avoid collision. By the way, your stern light and sidelights may be combined in a single masthead light if you wish to fit one - Rule 25 (b).Brian Pickton of BeneteauOwners.netAboard the Legend, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia