Is is appropriate to keep the masthead light ON while sailing at night? I want to light up my windex. With the masthead light on the reflective tabs are visible. I always thought the masthead light meant I was anchored. But, I've seen others sailing with it on. What is correct?
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Off while sailing.
You are correct, that is the anchor light. You can have running lights on the masthead but then you have to turn off the bowlights. I have the combination anchor/running light up there. But I doubt that it provides enough light for the windex since it shines forward. Two possible solutions, tie some bright yarn to the shrouds or add a good wind instrument at the helm.
You are correct, that is the anchor light. You can have running lights on the masthead but then you have to turn off the bowlights. I have the combination anchor/running light up there. But I doubt that it provides enough light for the windex since it shines forward. Two possible solutions, tie some bright yarn to the shrouds or add a good wind instrument at the helm.
Lights Link
Below is a link which covers ships light requirements. Although it is a UK web site, from what I've seen, the rules are international. Select "Sailing" about halfway down the web page. To save battery power, a tricolor light, one that is a combination white/green/red where the arc for all the colors add up to 360 degrees, can be used under sail. When under power the red, green, white stern, and steaming light must be shown. Windex does make a light specifically designed to light up the reflectors under the tabs and under the arrow ends. Link: http://www.davisnet.com/marine/products/marine_product.asp?pnum=3200 We put one on our boat and ran a separate pair of conductors up the mast just for it. Pulling the mast and rewiring everything was much more expensive than the light - but it's nice to have.
Below is a link which covers ships light requirements. Although it is a UK web site, from what I've seen, the rules are international. Select "Sailing" about halfway down the web page. To save battery power, a tricolor light, one that is a combination white/green/red where the arc for all the colors add up to 360 degrees, can be used under sail. When under power the red, green, white stern, and steaming light must be shown. Windex does make a light specifically designed to light up the reflectors under the tabs and under the arrow ends. Link: http://www.davisnet.com/marine/products/marine_product.asp?pnum=3200 We put one on our boat and ran a separate pair of conductors up the mast just for it. Pulling the mast and rewiring everything was much more expensive than the light - but it's nice to have.
Don't do it
The mast head light should tell others you are anchored. They will be trying to avoid you, and you shouldn't confuse them. My boat has a small shrouded light on the masthead to illuminate the wind indicator which is mounted on a short mast above it. It is tied to the running lights, and works great.
The mast head light should tell others you are anchored. They will be trying to avoid you, and you shouldn't confuse them. My boat has a small shrouded light on the masthead to illuminate the wind indicator which is mounted on a short mast above it. It is tied to the running lights, and works great.
Simple Solution
A flash light is bright enough to illuminate thr reflectors on your Windex. Give it a try.
A flash light is bright enough to illuminate thr reflectors on your Windex. Give it a try.
May I suggest what I have done....
pull the mast and rewire for ... deck lights, steaming light, tricolor light at the top and anchor light at the top. All in all, the tricolor will light up the windex if mounted at the same level by the tricolor light which is legal. I completely rewired the mast adding two lights and I am tooooo happy with it.
pull the mast and rewire for ... deck lights, steaming light, tricolor light at the top and anchor light at the top. All in all, the tricolor will light up the windex if mounted at the same level by the tricolor light which is legal. I completely rewired the mast adding two lights and I am tooooo happy with it.
Another solution
Is to install a windex light. I have seen them advertised (check Defenders catalog or mfg.)It is small enough that it will not be misinterped for a anchor light(it is shielded) and bright enough to show the windex tabs.
Is to install a windex light. I have seen them advertised (check Defenders catalog or mfg.)It is small enough that it will not be misinterped for a anchor light(it is shielded) and bright enough to show the windex tabs.
Here's the pic of my masthead....
Hope this works this time, here's my setup and the Tri-color lights up my windex just fine.
Hope this works this time, here's my setup and the Tri-color lights up my windex just fine.
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