I'm debating whether or not to install a permanent anchor light on my Oday 25. I looked through a West Marine catalogue to see if there is a lighting set that can be hoisted up a halyard. There is nothing obvious. Although my sailing is limited to inland waters, it still must meet CG guidelines. Have you any recommendations/experience with a temporary anchor light as I describe? I checked this forum's history and there is nothing described. thank you, steve growcock mojo
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Davis Mega Light
Try the Davis Mega Light. - needs 12vdc, auto on-off, widely available at marine supply stores. I also use mine for a cockpit light.
Try the Davis Mega Light. - needs 12vdc, auto on-off, widely available at marine supply stores. I also use mine for a cockpit light.
As a former ODay 25 owner, I had the same problem. I too used the Davis Mega Light and found it to be an excellent fix for the problem. My ODay 25 had no 12v plug, so I installed one near the electrical panel. I would recommend that you consider placing a second 12v plug (weatherproof) in the cockpit. The light was quite adequate for its purpose as an anchor light and is extremely low draw on the battery.
Designated Anchorages - Peace of Mind
Hi Steve, Most likely you will be in a designated anchorage or should be and no anchor light is required per regulations. So the main function for a light is to make your boat visible, easier for you to find when returning and need not conform to anchor light requirements. Any of the Davis Mega Light models are a good choice - hung from boom with 12V plug. Consider also deploying a radar reflector and have position in hand held GPS. The GPS will get you back from shore when evening fog sets in and the radar reflector along with A Davis Mega light for peace of mind.
Hi Steve, Most likely you will be in a designated anchorage or should be and no anchor light is required per regulations. So the main function for a light is to make your boat visible, easier for you to find when returning and need not conform to anchor light requirements. Any of the Davis Mega Light models are a good choice - hung from boom with 12V plug. Consider also deploying a radar reflector and have position in hand held GPS. The GPS will get you back from shore when evening fog sets in and the radar reflector along with A Davis Mega light for peace of mind.
Davis Mega Light for...
for primary anchor light, not as a temporary solution. I have always objected to anchor lights at the top of the mast. Especially in a small boat tyope anchoerage, the light nee4ds to be lower down and clearly what it is, not a star. Used to use an oli lamp in the foretriangle but it does not put out enough light. The Davis hung in the same place is escellent. Also turns itself on and off and draws very little power. And if all your mast electrics are out, as mine are at the moment, you can also use it as a steaming light by securing it to the front of the mast so that it is only visible from ahead or the sides, not from astern.
for primary anchor light, not as a temporary solution. I have always objected to anchor lights at the top of the mast. Especially in a small boat tyope anchoerage, the light nee4ds to be lower down and clearly what it is, not a star. Used to use an oli lamp in the foretriangle but it does not put out enough light. The Davis hung in the same place is escellent. Also turns itself on and off and draws very little power. And if all your mast electrics are out, as mine are at the moment, you can also use it as a steaming light by securing it to the front of the mast so that it is only visible from ahead or the sides, not from astern.
state regulations
I can't recall the specifics but there are some differences between state regulations and Coast Guard regulations on anchor lights in state controlled waters in Tennessee. For one thing I know of no designated anchorages in several smaller lakes. To the contrary in many nice coves the state dumps trash that it calls fish attractors. Also I think that a boat is considered underway unless tied to shore or at a dock and this requires running lights. We usually tied to a tree on shore with an anchor off the stern in a tight cove. We usually tied an anchor light from the boom so as to be more visable to fast moving bass boats. Under a certain size and out of a channel,tied to shore you were not required to use lights. The coast guard has authority on the larger lakes on the Tennessee river with barge traffic. I am assuming that other states are simular. With or without an anchor light I'd be carefull anchoring where bass boats might hit you. No matter where or when they seem to travel at full trottle. I've had them come into a small cove at night at full trottle!!!! Wrong turn,lost??? Tom
I can't recall the specifics but there are some differences between state regulations and Coast Guard regulations on anchor lights in state controlled waters in Tennessee. For one thing I know of no designated anchorages in several smaller lakes. To the contrary in many nice coves the state dumps trash that it calls fish attractors. Also I think that a boat is considered underway unless tied to shore or at a dock and this requires running lights. We usually tied to a tree on shore with an anchor off the stern in a tight cove. We usually tied an anchor light from the boom so as to be more visable to fast moving bass boats. Under a certain size and out of a channel,tied to shore you were not required to use lights. The coast guard has authority on the larger lakes on the Tennessee river with barge traffic. I am assuming that other states are simular. With or without an anchor light I'd be carefull anchoring where bass boats might hit you. No matter where or when they seem to travel at full trottle. I've had them come into a small cove at night at full trottle!!!! Wrong turn,lost??? Tom
Hi Steve...Same Dilemma...
My Hella mast trilight did a swan dive into the lake last year and rather than replace it (expensive and battery draining (10W)), I also went with the Davis. Before I did though I walked over to the coast guard booth at the Toronto boat show and asked them what the status on this anchorage light was, as I had heard they are not recognized by the CG. He said as far as he was concerned any light used outside of a designated anchorage is a bonus and he thought the Davis would be just fine. I plan on hoisting it to the spreader and plug it in to the cig lighter. I really like the fact it only draws 0.1A and has a light sensor on/off switch. Peter B's suggestion of using it as a steaming light is great. Wondering if a snap on shield attached to the back of the light blocking all but the necessary 225 degrees might work. I'm going to give that some more thought. Don
My Hella mast trilight did a swan dive into the lake last year and rather than replace it (expensive and battery draining (10W)), I also went with the Davis. Before I did though I walked over to the coast guard booth at the Toronto boat show and asked them what the status on this anchorage light was, as I had heard they are not recognized by the CG. He said as far as he was concerned any light used outside of a designated anchorage is a bonus and he thought the Davis would be just fine. I plan on hoisting it to the spreader and plug it in to the cig lighter. I really like the fact it only draws 0.1A and has a light sensor on/off switch. Peter B's suggestion of using it as a steaming light is great. Wondering if a snap on shield attached to the back of the light blocking all but the necessary 225 degrees might work. I'm going to give that some more thought. Don
Designated Anchorage
Regarding this statement: "Most likely you will be in a designated anchorage or should be and no anchor light is required per regulations." I feel compelled to make a comment. Most likely you will NOT be in a designated anchorage. A designated anchorage is one which applies to inland waters only and only where the anchorage is so designated by the Harbor Captain. Almost every anchorage I have ever anchored in is not a "designated anchorage". A couple of years ago in Fernandina, FL a sailboat was anchored in an anchorage where everyone anchors (but not a designated anchorage). It was hit and sunk with fatalities involved. I would never be sure that an anchorage I used was currently designated by the Harbor Captain. And, even if it were, I still think most prudent mariners, if spending the night on their boat, would choose to display an anchor light.
Regarding this statement: "Most likely you will be in a designated anchorage or should be and no anchor light is required per regulations." I feel compelled to make a comment. Most likely you will NOT be in a designated anchorage. A designated anchorage is one which applies to inland waters only and only where the anchorage is so designated by the Harbor Captain. Almost every anchorage I have ever anchored in is not a "designated anchorage". A couple of years ago in Fernandina, FL a sailboat was anchored in an anchorage where everyone anchors (but not a designated anchorage). It was hit and sunk with fatalities involved. I would never be sure that an anchorage I used was currently designated by the Harbor Captain. And, even if it were, I still think most prudent mariners, if spending the night on their boat, would choose to display an anchor light.
Cheaper solution?
I don't know how much the Davis lights are - folks seem really pleased with it - but I've seen it suggested that solar powered outdoor "lawn" lights from Home Depot work well too. We usually hang an oil lamp from the end of the boom but I've been sorely tempted to get one of these $15 lights for that purpose. No draw whatsoever and apparently the light is pretty bright. LaDonna
I don't know how much the Davis lights are - folks seem really pleased with it - but I've seen it suggested that solar powered outdoor "lawn" lights from Home Depot work well too. We usually hang an oil lamp from the end of the boom but I've been sorely tempted to get one of these $15 lights for that purpose. No draw whatsoever and apparently the light is pretty bright. LaDonna
Don, sounds like a job for DUCT TAPE
Steve, I've been using the Davis for the past year and am very satisfied with it. My anchor light works but the Davis is soooo much more efficent I don't see any reason to waste the extra energy. As long as you get it up high enough so as not to be blocked by bimini or sail cover, you should be set. PM
Steve, I've been using the Davis for the past year and am very satisfied with it. My anchor light works but the Davis is soooo much more efficent I don't see any reason to waste the extra energy. As long as you get it up high enough so as not to be blocked by bimini or sail cover, you should be set. PM
Solar powered Malibu lamp
LaDonna, I use one of these as a 'porch light' on the stern rail of my Hunter 27. It's charming, but I doubt it's bright enough (visible at 1 nm) to be useful or qualify as an anchor light.
LaDonna, I use one of these as a 'porch light' on the stern rail of my Hunter 27. It's charming, but I doubt it's bright enough (visible at 1 nm) to be useful or qualify as an anchor light.
Designated anchorage problems
Got rousted by the CG at 1 AM last summer because I had no lights. I thought I was in an area that did not require them, it being a designated anchorage. Wrong. Any vessel longer than 7 meters must exhibit the appropriate lights wherever anchored, including designated anchorages. It is only in a SPECIAL anchorage (Inland Rules, Rule 30) that a vessel under 20 meters is not required to show an anchor light. Designated anchorages are those numbers in a circle on your charts. They don't apply only to yachts but also and primarily to commercial vessels. Both special anchorages and designated or general anchorages are spelled out in the United States Coast Pilot as well as shown on charts. Bottom line: use lights when anchored regardless of the exemptions.
Got rousted by the CG at 1 AM last summer because I had no lights. I thought I was in an area that did not require them, it being a designated anchorage. Wrong. Any vessel longer than 7 meters must exhibit the appropriate lights wherever anchored, including designated anchorages. It is only in a SPECIAL anchorage (Inland Rules, Rule 30) that a vessel under 20 meters is not required to show an anchor light. Designated anchorages are those numbers in a circle on your charts. They don't apply only to yachts but also and primarily to commercial vessels. Both special anchorages and designated or general anchorages are spelled out in the United States Coast Pilot as well as shown on charts. Bottom line: use lights when anchored regardless of the exemptions.
Davis
I use the Davis light that is not automatic. In the evening I plug it into my 12 receptical in the cockpit ( I added this) and wrap it over the boom. It has enough light to add minimal lighting in the cockpit that doesn't draw tooo many bugs. The price is about $34.00. In the morning I stow it below. It only draws about .1 amps/ hour. very easy on the battery. r.w.landau
I use the Davis light that is not automatic. In the evening I plug it into my 12 receptical in the cockpit ( I added this) and wrap it over the boom. It has enough light to add minimal lighting in the cockpit that doesn't draw tooo many bugs. The price is about $34.00. In the morning I stow it below. It only draws about .1 amps/ hour. very easy on the battery. r.w.landau
Temp anchoring light - thanks
Thank you very much for your responses to my post. It is obvious that the Davis Mega Light is the majority favorite. Although most likely available at your local supplier, the link below is to the Davis Mega Light manufacturer - fyi. I appreciate the information. My best regards. Steve! mojo (~50 days until I'm in the water again!)
Thank you very much for your responses to my post. It is obvious that the Davis Mega Light is the majority favorite. Although most likely available at your local supplier, the link below is to the Davis Mega Light manufacturer - fyi. I appreciate the information. My best regards. Steve! mojo (~50 days until I'm in the water again!)
Davis MegaLight not USCG approved
Most print ads for the Davis Megalight state that it's not USCG approved. I asked and was told that the light wasn't clearly visible at 2 nm. Here's the rub. If someone hits your boat and the CG discovers that your light was not approved, you could be liable. Frankly, I'd rather have a dim, non-approved light that stays on all night over a bright, approved light that goes out at 2 am after sucking my battery down. My Megalight is on a pigstick so I can raise it above the masthead on the main halyard. It plugs into a 12V socket just inside the companionway. Peter H23 "Raven"
Most print ads for the Davis Megalight state that it's not USCG approved. I asked and was told that the light wasn't clearly visible at 2 nm. Here's the rub. If someone hits your boat and the CG discovers that your light was not approved, you could be liable. Frankly, I'd rather have a dim, non-approved light that stays on all night over a bright, approved light that goes out at 2 am after sucking my battery down. My Megalight is on a pigstick so I can raise it above the masthead on the main halyard. It plugs into a 12V socket just inside the companionway. Peter H23 "Raven"
go ahead and install a premanent 1
Why not install a premanent 1... The new ones with white LEDs are very efficient. Mine draws less than 1 amp.
Why not install a premanent 1... The new ones with white LEDs are very efficient. Mine draws less than 1 amp.
Shouldn't we be concerned in such a litigious....
Shouldn't we be concerned in such a litigious society that we live in? Everyone (not us of course) seems to want to make a quick buck. If they find out that you where using a bright Davis Anchor light that is NOT USCG approved, what the hell do you think they are going to do? They are going to sue the living s--t out of you in a court of law. You are going to loose and you and your insurance company are going to pay. It really does not make any difference that the light was probably brighter than the one on the mast, it is the fact that they can and will sue you. Anyone interested in a HOT cup of coffee?
Shouldn't we be concerned in such a litigious society that we live in? Everyone (not us of course) seems to want to make a quick buck. If they find out that you where using a bright Davis Anchor light that is NOT USCG approved, what the hell do you think they are going to do? They are going to sue the living s--t out of you in a court of law. You are going to loose and you and your insurance company are going to pay. It really does not make any difference that the light was probably brighter than the one on the mast, it is the fact that they can and will sue you. Anyone interested in a HOT cup of coffee?
state law
The Missouri state laws require a white light visable from all directions to be used whenever a boat is anchored or moored away from a dock. It doesn't mention brightness in that sentence but does mention being visable for 2 NM on a dark clear night. The biggest problem with a permanently mounted light is that when the bulb goes out you must either drop the mast or climb the mast. I pull my boat out once a year it's rare that the masthead and steaming lights works all year. That's why I have a temporary light on a long cord as a backup. It can be used for an anchor light or a all round light while motoring.
The Missouri state laws require a white light visable from all directions to be used whenever a boat is anchored or moored away from a dock. It doesn't mention brightness in that sentence but does mention being visable for 2 NM on a dark clear night. The biggest problem with a permanently mounted light is that when the bulb goes out you must either drop the mast or climb the mast. I pull my boat out once a year it's rare that the masthead and steaming lights works all year. That's why I have a temporary light on a long cord as a backup. It can be used for an anchor light or a all round light while motoring.
The Davis light
does have 2NM visibility in the plane of the lens. Which is another good reason for mounting it in the foretriangle and not the masthead. Outside the plane of the lens it is hardly visible at all. As for CG approval, I don't know. The CG so far as I know does not issue approvals or disapprovels for specific lights but these days frowns on oil lamps because they do not have the range. As for being sued by someone who runs into you, well, that's stretching it. He could not see your light at a mile, a half mile? Why is he going through an anchorage at such a speed that he could not see you and get out of the way in time? As for other legalities, I should think you can fly all sorts of flag signals that put the onus on the other guy. The one I like is "QT" -- do not anchor here, you will foul my anchor. There is also one for "I am having difficulty manuevering. Stay clear of me." Which is useful if you have a steering problem. Not my fault the idiot in the Donzi can't read flags.
does have 2NM visibility in the plane of the lens. Which is another good reason for mounting it in the foretriangle and not the masthead. Outside the plane of the lens it is hardly visible at all. As for CG approval, I don't know. The CG so far as I know does not issue approvals or disapprovels for specific lights but these days frowns on oil lamps because they do not have the range. As for being sued by someone who runs into you, well, that's stretching it. He could not see your light at a mile, a half mile? Why is he going through an anchorage at such a speed that he could not see you and get out of the way in time? As for other legalities, I should think you can fly all sorts of flag signals that put the onus on the other guy. The one I like is "QT" -- do not anchor here, you will foul my anchor. There is also one for "I am having difficulty manuevering. Stay clear of me." Which is useful if you have a steering problem. Not my fault the idiot in the Donzi can't read flags.
Well, Peter, Think On This re: Litigiousness
There is an article in a SoCal mag called Santana wherein a maritime lawyer reviews a situation where a boat ran into a moored one that wasn't displaying a light and he concluded the guy had a valid action vs. the moored boat for damages. This despite the fact that there are 350 moorings in the mooring field, that the guy knew there were moored boats there, that nobody uses lights, that the mooring field is noted on charts. Only because it is not listed as an exception to the navigation rules requiring anchor lights. Duh. Rick D.
There is an article in a SoCal mag called Santana wherein a maritime lawyer reviews a situation where a boat ran into a moored one that wasn't displaying a light and he concluded the guy had a valid action vs. the moored boat for damages. This despite the fact that there are 350 moorings in the mooring field, that the guy knew there were moored boats there, that nobody uses lights, that the mooring field is noted on charts. Only because it is not listed as an exception to the navigation rules requiring anchor lights. Duh. Rick D.
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