[BigBlueNation]

Given I use my Cayman primarily for bass fishing, I am thinking about removing the polling platform. So, I was researching some ideas on what to do as far as having to relocate the anchor light. I found the below link on YouTube. Have any of y'all done this, or something similar? I am curious how the LED lights would hold up for only periodic saltwater use? Thanks for any input/advice and happy New Year to all!!

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...BMAJ6BAgAEAY&usg=AOvVaw2svo-HMoQmGZUplFEfs00V

 

[redchaser]

When the power pole is deployed those lights will be less than one meter above your side lights as required by the USCG

Powerboats under 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length must have separate or combined red and green sidelights covering 112.5 degrees and visible for 1 nautical mile. The white masthead light must cover 225 degrees, be 1 meter above the sidelights and be visible for 2 nautical miles

 

[anzuelo]

While that set up may work while underway, if you have the Power Pole deployed, the light will be too low to be legal. By Federal boating laws, your stern/anchor light should be at least one meter above the red/green navigation lights. also, when the pole is in the down position, the motor or people on board could block the anchor light from being seen from certain angles.

I see a lot of navigation light issues as a Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Examiner.

 

[anzuelo]

Redchaser,

Didn't see your reply before I posted mine. Lots of boaters out there that are unaware of the boating laws. I use the Vessel Examination process as a way to give a mini boating course..

I only pass about ten percent of the boats I inspect. A lot of the items are just not enforced. Most times I have been stopped, all I have been asked to produce is my registration card and adequate life jackets. Now if you don't have those items and law enforcement wants to check all safety requirements, the ticket cost can get high quickly..

 

[hipshot]

This topic came up a while back on another forum. Interestingly, all of the responses expressed concern about citations, but none were concerned about safety.

 

[anzuelo]

hipshot,

The safety issue is that if the light is too low, it can be blocked by the motor or a person standing on deck.

I see this frequently on bay boats that have the red/green lights mounted on the console and the white all-around light mounted on the motor cowling. People standing on deck can block the lights from being seen by another vessel. THAT is a safety issue.

 

[hipshot]

Absolutely. And a white 360* light on a deployed power pole could be easily obscured also.

 

[Capt. Moose]

Get a navisafe light and a GoPro mount. Done
http://www.navisafe.com/

 

[jmrodandgun]

The safety issue is that if the light is too low, it can be blocked by the motor or a person standing on deck.

Not disagreeing with you but there isn't a skiff on the water that has a white light that is high enough to not be blocked by someone standing on deck. There also needs to be a distinction made between a masthead light and an anchor light and how each one applies. Boats under 40 feet do not need a masthead. A single 360 degree light is allowed.

 

[jmrodandgun]

This topic came up a while back on another forum. Interestingly, all of the responses expressed concern about citations, but none were concerned about safety.

It's always about tickets. It's not like they drag you off the water for safety violations. They will let your unsafe ass stay out there as long as you pa-up-sucker. I was written up for not having flares and they let me go fishing anyway.

 

[bryson]

Redchaser,

Didn't see your reply before I posted mine. Lots of boaters out there that are unaware of the boating laws. I use the Vessel Examination process as a way to give a mini boating course..

I only pass about ten percent of the boats I inspect. A lot of the items are just not enforced. Most times I have been stopped, all I have been asked to produce is my registration card and adequate life jackets. Now if you don't have those items and law enforcement wants to check all safety requirements, the ticket cost can get high quickly..

I seem to recall a requirement that the red/green lights be above the rub rail. Is this correct? If so, wouldn't the "shark eye" style nav lights be non-compliant?

 

[jmrodandgun]

I seem to recall a requirement that the red/green lights be above the rub rail. Is this correct?

No.

 

[Smackdaddy53]

There is no mystery, look up USCG regulations and it’s there in black and white. No need to take anyone’s word for it.

 

[hipshot]

It's always about tickets. It's not like they drag you off the water for safety violations. They will let your unsafe ass stay out there as long as you pa-up-sucker. I was written up for not having flares and they let me go fishing anyway.

It all depends on where you are. Different courts, different prosecutors' offices, and different law enforcement administrations set policies on such matters. When I worked in a boat I took safety violations off the water. I was told that it's "not politically correct to mess with Texans while they're recreating". When I worked the street I towed vehicles for no driver's license if no licensed driver was available. The DA said we had to cite them and let them go. Now that's changed again, and I'm sure it's not for the last time. But we gotta follow orders......

My point was that for far too many people, safety concerns never occur to them; they are only concerned about citations.

 

[topnative2]

The word is "obscured" view.
I do not know why the USCG allow the console nav. lights and that was suppose to change.Also, the 360 stern lights on top of the cowling are not legal.
The rule of thumb in fl. was you get sent to the nearest boat ramp and/or escorted to same for lights and pfds.

I use to tell folks to carry extra fuses,bulbs and the appropriate color cylume
light sticks and they better be heading back to shore and not going fishing when they get stopped for using the sticks or a ticket would be in order.

No excuses cause folks fib their asses off.

 

[DuckNut]

Direct from USCG

As stated above the rules are selectively enforced and some of the "ideas" are indeed non-compliant.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO Documents/5p/CG-5PC/INV/Alerts/1015.pdf

I seem to recall a requirement that the red/green lights be above the rub rail. Is this correct? If so, wouldn't the "shark eye" style nav lights be non-compliant?

You are correct - there is wrong information posted above.
https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/navRules/CG_NRHB_20151231.pdf

 

[jmrodandgun]

the 360 stern lights on top of the cowling are not legal.

How so?

 

[hipshot]

They must be at least one meter above the sidelights, and they must be visible for 360 degrees.

 

[jmrodandgun]

They must be at least one meter above the sidelights, and they must be visible for 360 degrees.

Source?

 

[jmrodandgun]

there is wrong information posted above.

Can you be more specific?