Nav Lights Mental Babble... *o

[Rick D]

Not to Belabor the Point, Red,

...but, aside from the certification issue you and Moody have pointed out, if these replacement bulbs are "Colored LED bulbs satisfy all brightness, distance (2 nm), and arc requirements set forth by the US Coast Guard for vessels less than 50m (65 ft.) in length", then it seems well worth the unlikely risk that the USCG will be inspecting my nav light bulbs for the reduction in amp hours which is huge (IE small water-maker's worth). And, they are most certainly not as likely to fail as the stock bulbs (at $20 a pop). It is understandable this isn't the point of view everyone would be comfortable with, but after a lot of thought, it seems reasonable enough to me. Rick D.

 

[jimq26]

Conform to the regulations please.

If you were involved in an accident, your insurance may not cover you in the event that they investigate and find incorrect / unapproved lighting being displayed on your vessel.

 

[Rick D]

Belabor ll

...actually, the insurer would have to prove a material breach of a policy condition and further that that breach was the proximate cause of the loss. That's going a long way, and I could always file for indemnity couldn't I? Like I said, I certainly expect this isn't a decision everone would or should be comfortable with and respect everyone's opinion that differs. Anyhow, I'm done and thanks to everyone for their input, and especially to Moody for his research correcting my bad understanding. Rick D.

 

[NewportVic]

Not to open up another can of fireflies .... But

generally when we are transporting under power ... at night ... we leave the cabin lights on that are not positioned to hit the helms man, but do light up the windows ... The "rule" is you put as many lights on as you can at night. Theory being that you want to be as visible as possible. And I have to think that those draggers in the Gulf that always run with every possible deck light on all night ... probably run to that same rule.Vic "Seven"

 

[Franklin]

vic

That is fine out in open waters but get in a smaller body of water with a few other boats and now they can't see your nav lights so they can't figure your direct. You also ruin your night vision when you go below. Personally, I think it's best to run with just the nav lights and once in a while shine a spotlight or large flashlight on the main sail. That lets people know you are around who really aren't paying attention and then they can look at your nav lights to determine direction...all thought loosing any night vision.

 

[Calif. Ted]

Maybe it's the waters we sail Rick,

cause I started thinking along the same lines after returning home from Avalon the night of Presidents Day. I'd waited till the storm front passed thru then followed it home. Was doing about five knots under sail with running lights, only a silver of moon. A large MV on intersecting course started blinking his steaming light so I put a spotlight on the sail, he blinked twice to acknowledge and changed course to pass astern. I think he was between 1 & 2 miles off so I could see his 2 mile lights just fine, while he was mostly seeing a portion of my stern light & couldn't pick out the green on the bow. There was also something with all the cabin lights on that looked like a commuter bus, could barely see his sidelight. I'm thinking of changing to a 2 mile bowlight.