Navigation Lights

[Bud Kennedy]

I am wondering if it is now the time to consider some boating law changes to require some sort of flashing light concept on a boat traveling at night.  It just seems that  something may be required to attract a lot more attention than what we know as traditional nav lights today.  Night traffic this time of year is certainly growing and on some waterways it is truly a dangerous situation.  I have noticed those who have changed to led nav lights in the rub rail are a bit more difficult to see than the traditional bow mounted light of the past.  What are your comments about this?  Furthermore, I am not at all happy with the number of boaters running on the big motor and not wearing their PFDs or using Kill Switches.  Guys, these things won't save your life or family's life if you don't use them.  Oh yeah. Don't get me started on the drinking thing while operating a watercraft. 

[Princeton_Man]

I agree in part Bud, some of the new LED lights are much brighter than the old style and the stern/anchor still has to be above the motor.  I believe flashing lights are prohibited except for law enforcement and rescue.

The biggest problem at night is speed. The navigation lights required and used today are the same as back when most of the fast boats did 35mph.



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[Bud Kennedy]

While I was an aircraft owner my wing lights and tail lights were alternate blinking.  Cabin lights are red for night vision and the belly light was white and did not blink.  I think it may be time to consider adapting some more up to date safety rules for boats given the traffic we see today.  The DIY rub rail light I am seeing today are a bit too far forward in most cases and might prohibit them from being seen at close range until it is too late.

[Nutt]

I fish with/against several people that have the LED lights installed in their rub rails, and those things are super bright, so I'm not positive that's the problem.  Here in Louisiana, you have to have the bow and stern lights on in low light conditions while underway, and only the stern light if you are stopped and fishing and some people still don't follow the law because mosquitos are attracted to the white light.  I think, for the most part, people just don't know the rules for driving a boat or don't care and just aren't safe.  IMO when a boat is purchased, you should at least have to go thru a safe boaters course before you receive the registration no matter your age and past experience.  Here, there only people that have to go thru a course is if you were born after a certain year, maybe 1984 not sure.       

[merc1997]

bud, i agree about the rub rail lights.  most of them do not wrap around far enough to be seem from the side at all.  in fact, i am not for sure if they will actually pass coast guard regulations and state regulations.  with the size of trolling motors now, you need to be sure that your bow light is taller than your trolling motor.

bo

[Oldfart9999]

The only navigation lights to install are Coast Guard approved, they can be see from a wide angle and a long distance. The Coast Guard also says where and how high to mount them. This is all for your and other boaters safety and should be followed, their regs just plain work!!!!
Rodney