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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Mid mast light inop, Does it need to be fixed

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Randy K.
Deckhand

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3 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/23/2002 : 13:28:33

I've got a 83 cat with a tall rig. Previous owners have rewired the mast for the top light,and since I've owned it the mid mast light has never worked. Catch me if I'm wrong, but after reading other internet sites, the new standards don't require the mid mast light to work. Is that right? or do I need to re wire to get the mid mast light working.

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5909 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2002 : 14:09:02

It sounds like the previous owner installed a new masthead light, to replace the old light at mid-mast. If the masthead light is of the correct type, then the mid-mast light is obsolete and unnecessary. Examine the masthead light to see if it conforms to one of the Coast Guard approved navigation light requirements for a sailboat. The following is a hyperlink to the Coast Guard website that explains the Nav light requirements. http://www.uscgboating.org/reg/reg_fr_equipReq_navRulesNLights.asp#NavLights

Steve Milby "Captiva Wind" C-25 T/FK #2554

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2002 : 14:47:07

The biggest problem I face at night is power boats who fail to yield to me while under sail because they don't always see my sails soon enough. Apparently the steaming light on top of the mast is for draw bridge operators to identify sail vs power vessels?

Steve Madsen
#2428
OJ (Ode to Joy)

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Steve
1st Mate

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87 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2002 : 14:59:00

Interesting. I always thought the masthead light was only for when you were at anchor, and that the mid-mast light was optional, but was to be used in conjunction with the running lights when underway. Always something to learn ...

Steve

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John Mason
Admiral

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USA
687 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2002 : 16:06:42

Steve is right. The white light at the top of the mast is the anchor light. The white light at the spreaders is the steaming light (not the one that lights up the foredeck, the other one). When sailing at night, just the stern light and the red/green bow lights should be on (alternately, you can have a tri-colored light at the masthead that would be used in place of the stern and red/green bow lights).

John Mason - Ali Paroosa
1982 - FK/SR #3290

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2002 : 17:06:50

STeve Milby Is correct.

Please see his links. The USCG changed this a number of years back.

As a 25 foot vessel you are allowed to display an all around white light at the top of your mast along with a stern light and lights on the bow (red/green) (while under power).

Duane Wolff
"The Flying Wasp"
C-25, #401 std,sk
Chief Measurer C-25/250 National Assn.
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2dc20b3127cce9cd2f45b211a0000004010" border=0>

Edited by - Duane Wolff on 05/23/2002 17:08:44 to add(while under power)

Edited by - Duane Wolff on 05/24/2002 08:42:35

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2002 : 17:06:51

"The biggest problem I face at night is power boats who fail to yield to me while under sail because they don't always see my sails soon enough." - Steve Madsen

At night you should keep a powerful flashlight at the ready and, when necessary, shine the light onto your sails. This will alert other boats, who may not be aware of you, of your presence. The illuminated sails should be easily seen, especially if you use one of those 5 million candlepower spotlights.

Don Lucier, Northstar
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - dlucier on 05/23/2002 17:09:59

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John Mason
Admiral

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USA
687 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2002 : 19:08:33

Duane,
That depends on whether the boat is sailing or under power. Under sail - no masthead light (unless it's a tri color or all around red and green). The all around light at the masthead under power looks to be in place of the stern light. And the rule about the steaming light being used while under power hasn't been superceded, The USCG just added that you MAY display the lights as shown in the diagrams on the link Steve Milby provided. So, actually, to answer the original question, I was premature in advising that the steaming light NEEDS to be working, but if using the all around masthead light then it looks like the stern light should be off.

John Mason - Ali Paroosa
1982 - FK/SR #3290

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2002 : 23:59:40

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
...but if using the all around masthead light then it looks like the stern light should be off.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
Correct. However, my boat is wired so the stern light goes on with the bow running lights, so my all-around masthead light should only be used as an anchor light, and the steaming light should be used when motoring.

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette "Passage" in SW CT

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joshuaheard
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts

Response Posted - 05/24/2002 : 13:47:40

I don't know about the light requirements, but the mid-mast light is used to light the foredeck. If you have ever changed a sail at night, you will know how valuable this light is. It also adds to your visibility at night as it lights up the forsail and the foredeck.

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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4382 Posts

Response Posted - 05/24/2002 : 17:01:20

Joshua,
Just an FYI. The light at midmast is called a steaming light and its intended use was to signal others that "I'm a sailing vessel under power."
Apparently current USCG lighting regs have made this particular light obsolete (now you use the anchor light at the top of the mast.) The llumination of the foredeck is a secondary benefit, but not by design.
Unfortunately, as I stated above, the new regs do nothing to tell others on moonless nights that "I'm a sailboat under sail." From a this sailor's point of view - they got it backwards.
Who says procrastination doesn't pay? My midmast light hasn't worked for two years! Hah!

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3323 Posts

Response Posted - 05/24/2002 : 20:00:07

I have got to learn how to procrastinate - I just ordered a new steaming light from CD...<img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>
Derek on "This Side Up"

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/24/2002 : 20:47:00

Joshua: OJ is right--when you turn on the steaming light, you are declaring yourself a power vessel with regard to the rules of the road. If your mid-mast light has two bulbs--one aimed down at the foredeck, and the other in a 225-degree steaming light, I suppose you could use the deck (downward) light under sail, but I'd still turn it off in the presence of other boats that could be confused by it--assuming, of course, that they know what it means....... <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette "Passage" in SW CT

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