Stern light
 

If you have a boat that was equipped with a pole mounted stern light can you replace it with a flush mount light on the transom.......and still be legal?

Re: Stern light
 

My boat has both. I use the pole for anchoring and the flush light when running. The pole kills your night vision when running. I've always assumed I am legal? :eek:

Re: Stern light
 

No!
That pole mounted light must be visable for 2 miles in ALL directions (for boats under 12 meters).
DS

Re: Stern light
 

here is another question, if you have a pole, do you need a stern light? Why would you be required to have both?

Re: Stern light
 

under 12 meters:
Powerboats-Separate or combination red and green sidelights, 112.5°, visible 1 n.m., placed above hull at least 1 meter (3.3') below masthead light. Masthead: white, 225°, visible 2 n.m., at least 1 meter above side lights. White stern light, 135°, visible 2 n.m. OR, one all-round (360°) white light (should also have sidelights).

12 to 20 meters:
Powerboats-Separate or combination red and green sidelights, 112.5°, visible 2 n.m., placed above hull at least 1 meter (3.3') below masthead light. Masthead: white, 225°, visible 3 n.m., at least 1 meter above side lights. White stern light, 135°, visible 2 n.m.

Re: Stern light
 

I have one of those removeable Perko deals which is pretty cool because I just put it on when needed.

Re: Stern light
 

No you do not need a stern light if you have the pole. You can check all the rules about it on the coast guard web site.

The reason that you may need both is so that another vessel can determine what direction you are heading at night. With out the stern light you really would have no idea.

Jon

Re: Stern light
 

You are NOT legal. You have to have a 360 degree light on the boat. They used to allow you to have a 180 on the stern and only the front half of the other light lit but I think that now you have to have them both light. I agree they do KILL your night vision and I took mine out and put in a pole light in the back and have never had a issue.

Jon

Re: Stern light
 

I guess I will have to use the pole then. I wonder why my boat has both? It's a '98, when did the rules change? I am RARELY out after dark anyway.

Re: Stern light
 

Thanks, I ask because the pole light does kill your night vision. I rigged mine up with electrical tape so only about a 1/4 inch is visible at the top on the front side and it is open on the rear. Just waiting to get caught.

Re: Stern light
 

Dave I thought you were talking about about a pole up on the windsheild. If you have a pole on the transom then you should run that at all times. You can not run JUST the flush because you need the 360 light. If your pole light is located on the stern then you can run just that.

Jon

Re: Stern light
 

You can find all of the navigation rules pertaining to lights online at:
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/rotr_online.htm

Re: Stern light
 

Maybe the stern mounted one is a backup light :eek: :D :D :D

Re: Stern light
 

looks like were all a little off http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/Arcs.htm

Re: Stern light
 

I've got a pole light and transom light. I wish I had more. Boats aren't lit up enough in my opinion. This is why I hardly ever run at night .

Re: Stern light
 

I have the pole with a seperate transom light. The pole was mounted in the worst possible place that killed night vision. I just made a new pole with 6' of aluminum tubing. Now with the light 6' above the deck I don't have the night vision issues anymore.....although someone may mistake me for a sailboat :eek:

Re: Stern light
 

No, I have beepers rigged for reverse! :D

beep, beep, beep, beep.......

Re: Stern light
 

Or crashed into!

I'm more concerned with being seen by other boaters than the cops.
DS

Re: Stern light
 

Thanks for your concern














Mom