Tricolor expensive

[gorb]

Re: LED on nav lights

I seem to recall an article on this topic in PBO within the last couple of years. As I remember, an officer on a commercial ship stated that in general he had found that a masthead light on a yacht is much less visible than deck level lights.

Unless saving battery power is a major issue, I would stick with three separate deck level lights - low cost and easy to get at and fix if there is a problem.

 

[bluedragon]

Re: LED on nav lights

I'm actually wondering whether to bother with a tri-colour on my 27ft yacht. The main benefit is supposed to be is power saving, but with a 25W bulb vs. 3x10W for P/S/Stern lights is it worth it?? And, most small craft that you're likely to bump into, see deck level lights much easier in my experience. Comments?

 

[Joe_Cole]

Re: LED on nav lights

[ QUOTE ]
I'm actually wondering whether to bother with a tri-colour on my 27ft yacht. The main benefit is supposed to be is power saving, but with a 25W bulb vs. 3x10W for P/S/Stern lights is it worth it?? And, most small craft that you're likely to bump into, see deck level lights much easier in my experience. Comments?

[/ QUOTE ]

I know others will come in quickly on this but I think that Col Regs would allow you to fit a tricolour on your boat with a 10W bulb in it. If not you could make some power saving by fitting one of those sidelights which gives both colours with one bulb.

I'm really not sure about this "tricolours are no good because of poor visibitly against shore lights" arguement.
1. It seems to me that a tricolour must give better visibilty out at sea, particularly when conditions are rough.
2. When inshore, odds are you will be under power, in which case you should not be using the tricolour anyway (because of Col Regs). If you are not under power you could always choose to use deck level lights if you are concerned about shore lights confusing things.
3. Nobody would want to change a tricolour bulb when underway, but in poor conditions I wouldn't want to change a bulb on the pulpit either. If a tricolour fails, you always have the option of switching on the deck level lights!
4. Power saving.

I know that some people don't like tricolours, but I can only see advantages with them. Having said that I still havn't got round to fitting mine!

 

[bluedragon]

Re: LED on nav lights

If 10W tricolours are available / legal, then that would make a real difference. As sidelights for yachts <12m are 10W, then why not the tricolour?? Does anybody know? The range of visibility is surely the same.

 

[Joe_Cole]

Re: LED on nav lights

There are available, Lazilas do one. For some reason you don't see them around very often.