Nav Lights - too small/

[dickh]

Was in Dover last friday and there was a large - 45-50'? American yacht on the outside pontoon, obviously brand new, with really small navigation lights - the sort that go on a 20' boat. Most european yachts seem to fit the next size up - particularly on a boat of this size - seemed to be pennypinching as it had all the other bells and whistles. I know the regulations say the small lights are suitable for up to 12m(I believe) - but on a boat of this size it should have had larger lights.

dickh
I'd rather be sailing...

 

[Guest]

There is a lot of pressure from US manufacturers of lights to have the size reduced so that they can be more cosmetic when on motor cruisers. Although IMO has not accepted this yet it looks as if your American boat has jumped the gun.

By the way, IRPCS do not say that lights should be visible at 12nm. It depends on the size of the boat but, for example, the lights on a boat less than 20m LOA only have to be visible at 3nm and those on a boat less than 12m at 2nm. Not a lot is it and the Americans seem to want a reduction in even those paltry ranges. Yet another good reason to make sure that you give off a good radar return.