All-Round Navigation Light

[Alan Peck]

A trivial question, but I could use some advice in locating the All-Round White Pole light on my 15' runabout.

I plan to mount it on the rear quarter. The question is: should it be on the starboard or port side? Or does it make any difference?

The steering console is on the starboard side, where I think it makes sense since the starboard forward quarter is the one where you must give way to other boats.

I think the All-Round light should be on the starboard side so it will be behind the operator and less likely to affect night vision.

Any thoughts or regulations?

As always thanks

[gary porter]

Alan, you might consider mounting a post or poll on the port side of your steering station and then mounting the all-around on that above you head height. This will put it more in the middle of the boat and above your eyes.
Gary

[Victor]

Doesn't it have to be on the stern?

[gary porter]

Originally posted by Victor:
Doesn't it have to be on the stern?Not the all around light. There is a stern light on larger craft but the all around is generally in the center of the boat and is required to be 1 meter above the side lights for small (less than 12meter) powered boats. Thats how I read it anyway.
Gary

[Concordia..41]

Just looked, Dave put the plug for ours on the starboard stern of our 12' skiff. Don't know if it's starboard for a reason or because that's where the wiring harness and fuel lines run. (Center console)

I don't think I'd want a white light over my head on an open boat. :confused:

- M

[Victor]

I think you're thinking of a sailboat, Gary.

[Hwyl]

Rule 23 (c)(ii)
A power driven vessel of less than 7 meters in length whose speed does not exceed 7 knots may in lieu of the lights prescribed---exibit an all round white light and shall if practicable also exhibit sidelights.

That's from the international rules. I think the inland may be slightly different.

[ion barnes]

Up here in Canada, if the vessel is used after sunset, before sunrise, or in periods of restricted visability and....

If its under 6 meters and unpowered, you may use an all-round light.

If it is under 6 meters and powered, you must show side lights and, an all-round light or,....steaming light and stern light.

If its a sailing vessel under 7 meters, one all-round light is all thats required.

[gary porter]

Originally posted by Victor:
I think you're thinking of a sailboat, Gary.No, actually I was thinking of a power boat of less than 12 meters. It may have either a stern light and masthead combination or an all around light and must be 1 meter above the colored lights. I think this is in CFR33 part 84 and such. There are several references available that address this issue. Mostly boating safety sites. Also see rules of the road and Rule 23.

Many places sell these poles for just such applications.
Gary

[ 08-11-2004, 03:07 PM: Message edited by: gary porter ]

[leftish]

Mine is at the starboard stern with the steering station on the starboard side. Keeps down the glare since the light is directly behind you.

[Gary E]

and when that glare is still to much..
put your hat on it...

[Alan Peck]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'll follow leftish and put the light on the starboard quarter since the steering is on the starboard side.