I have yet to figure out what the "Steam" switch on the electric panel does. It seems that all it does is light the mast light the same way the "Mast" switch (on the opposite side of the same toggle switch does. Can any one 'enlighten' me. thanks
Tom, The 'Steam' switch on the panel is for the 'Steaming Light' on the mast. When a sailboat has it's engine on, whether or not the sails are up, it is considered a power boat for navigation rules. When underway at night with the engine on you have to light the 'Steaming Light' to indicate that. Dick
Sounds like the "mast" position on your switch is the "all around/360" anchor light. But just like you, from the deck of my 26 I can't see the difference between the two. Perhaps if I were to skinny up the mast at night and look.......or maybe I'll be content with the assumption that the light is being thrown the right way! Tom/DFW
The next time your mast is down, look at the light fixture on the top of the mast. The fixture has 2 lens and lights, the forward facing light is the steaming light(used whenever the motor is in use at night) in addition to the running lights. The rear facing light is the mast light. the mast light and the steaming light are used in combination to give a 360 degree anchor light. Hope that helps.
The rules of the road (COLREGS) require a power boat to display a 225 degree white light at least 1 meter above the red & green running lights. When you are using your motor at night or in reduced visibility, you should turn the steaming and running lights on. Sailing vessels require no masthead light at all. This is how other boats can tell if you are a sail boat under sail or a power boat. This changes your right of way status. If you have the steaming light on and you are sailing, power boats do not have to give you the right of way. Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
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