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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 General Sailing Forum
 Dull navigation lights		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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FrankV
Navigator

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USA
135 Posts
Initially Posted - 07/23/2006 :  16:50:41  Show Profile
Last night, @ 10:30, on a small inland lake, we had a wake-boarder power boat (you know the type, lots of bright flood lights fore and aft, loud thumping bass, captained by intoxicated 20 year olds) pull up next to us with all spotlights blazing, slow down, and asked if we needed help. I asked why he thought we needed help, and he said our lights were very dim and we were hard to see.
Our boat is 24 years old, and while our navigational lights met spec upon manufacture, I realized that my one little stern light and two dim anchor well nav lights were not bright enough to be seen by these, well, types.
It is tempting to sail around with the anchor light on, but I know this is wrong.
What can be done legally to increase our older boats visibility under sail? Strobes would be best, but I know they are for emergencies. I doubt on our little lake, anyone knows the rules, though.
Frank Vaughan
250 WK/SR
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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts
Response Posted - 07/23/2006 :  17:27:53  Show Profile  Visit Frank Hopper's Homepage
First, ignore what any coastal sailors will tell you, on an inland lake everyone sails with the anchor light on; how else could you see you Windex. Second, new lenses from Catalinadirect.com will get you back to spec and finally there are new bow lights that hang on the pulpit which are bright and clearly viable which are easy to install (relatively speaking). We have a fellow from the Mediterranean on our lake who sails with spreader lights on as well, on a little lake you do what makes you comfortable.
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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts
Response Posted - 07/23/2006 :  18:33:45  Show Profile
I sail with my spreader light on. I am not worried about getting gigged for being too careful. As Frank said, it is the only way I can see my windex without having to use a flashlight. I have not upgraded my factory lights, but as soon as I get my Bow and Stern pulpits fixed, I will go to the hight mounted lights. If the seas are rockin and rollin, I want to be seen. Cheers.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.