Running lights - need an expert opinion

[wwoo...@hdairnow.com]

On my new mast, I need to install running lights.

My question is, may I delete the white steaming light on the forward side of the mast.?

While sailing, I plan to use an Aqua Signal LED combination tricolor/anchor light.

While motoring, may I use the anchor light function as a permitted all around white light in conjunction with a bicolor light on the front of the mast?  A sailboat becomes a powerboat while motoring.  All lights are rated at 2 NM.  See below.

• Powerboats that are less than 12m (39.4') may substitute a single all-round light for separate stern and masthead lights.

Ward Woodruff

N33 #8 Margery

Niantic Bay, CT 

[Mariner's Cat V 26C Brentwood Bay BC]

You can if under 39 feet

 

The basic rule is that side lights, a masthead light and a stern light are required. Permissible variations are NOTE: Sailboats operating under engine power are considered power-driven and must follow the “Under Power” rules.

• Powerboats that are less than 12m (39.4') may substitute a single all-round light for separate stern and masthead lights.

• Powerboats and sailboats under power that are less than 20m (65.7') can substitute a single bi-color light for sidelights.

[James Denmark]

You can indeed and I was very happy with the outcome. Since you will need to fish an additional wire to the top of the mast for the steaming circuit I ended up pulling all new wires to the top of the mast and left the old steaming and sector lights wired as a backup.

Ancor make a 14-5 mast cable that made this much simpler.

Jim.

C.A.T. 1982 NS30C #146

Oriental, NC

[Ward Woodruff]

Those were the diagrams I was looking at when I came to believe I could use the anchor light function for the permitted all around light.  I needed some corroboration that I was on the right track.

This will also help while cruising as I frequently have a tender on davits obstructing the original stern light in the transom.

Ward Woodruff
N33 #8 Margery

Niatic Bay, CT

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[Joe Valinoti]

Ward:  I interpret the diagram as saying you can only use the white 360 deg at the top of the mast as a stern light when you have a tri-color.  If you are using regular running lights other then the tri-color, it must then be a stern light down low as shown.

 

Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA

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[Paul Miller]

Colregs aside, keep in mind that in close situations like a city harbour surrounded by lighted buildings, running lights 50’ above the water may well be invisible. Lights closer to the sight line of other boaters and below the light pollution have practical advantages.

Paul M

NS30U #211, Sandpiper 

Cowichan Bay, B.C.

[Joe Valinoti]

Good point, Paul.

 

Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA

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[Ward Woodruff]

Thanks Paul.

I have been convinced to install the bicolor on the mast for use as necessary.

Ward Woodruff
N33 #8 Margery

Niantic Bay, CT

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