Steaming light conundrum

[extravert]

New boat has got no steaming light (not a serious boat, I know). The sailing navigation lights are low mounted bi-colour and stern light, there are currently no lights on the mast. I don't want to attach a light fitting permanently to the mast and was wondering if there are any dry cell powered alternatives. I've seen emergency sailing navigation lights like these but I reckon the arc of visibility of the white will not be suitable for a steaming light. Anyone know of anything suitable? Also what is the minimum vertical distance allowed between side lights and the steaming light? It's not too great on most power boats. I don't motor in the dark very often, and intend to do even less in the future.

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[Skyva_2]

For a motor boat under 12 metres, the steaming light must be at least 1 metre above the sidelights. It should be visible 2 miles.

Apparently the same rule applies to sailing yachts!

Keith



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[extravert]

I forgot to mention the length of the boat is 9.2m, so comes under the less than 12m rule. Skyva_2's reply means that at least I will be able to reach high enough to attach a temporary steaming light when required, just need to find one.

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[snowleopard]

i would go for an all-round white at the masthead. it shouldn't affect your (carbon?) mast and would give you something more visible to steamers. as you're under 12m you could use it as combined stern & steaming when motoring.

i have an all-round white because i have a rotating mast which precludes a tricolour, and tend to use it on its own when far offshore for long-range visibility and battery saving.

ok you pedants, i know, but it's a hell of a sight better than running dark!

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[bedouin]

I don't think emergency navigation lights are any good - they tend to run from a single D Cell, and claim about 9 hours life - so they cannot possibly meet the visibility requirements.

As another poster has mentioned, the "masthead light" in fact only needs to be 1m above the sidelights, so it should be possible to rig some method of temporary attachment when you need the light (e.g. strapping it round the mast with velcro) and then powering it from the domestic battery, either with a long trailing lead or with a socket installed near the base of the mast.

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[johna]

A sailing yacht under engine power is a motor boat.

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[dickh]

Aqua Signal do a Nav light that is attached to a bracket so you can lift it on & off. This might be a good solution with a trailing lead to the battery or plug.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif