I've thought about the 225 degree masthead light on the windsheild but wonder if the reflection off the white deck would still hinder vision. And that's important to me here since we have a lot of amateur a**es on Lake Travis that think nothing of running without lights, sitting dead in the water with no lights, or not yeilding ROW to the priviledged vessel even when underway. It's very sketchy out here at night.

I'm thinking a 36" 360 degree retractable mounted on the gunwhale at the stern. So, who makes a HIGH QUALITY light that doesn't look like it was made out of melted down Yugo's?

Contact Trick Marine/Fred for the telescoping light. He is handling them now. I believe he can get them with LED bulbs too.
Due

Your running light has to be higher than the highest point on the boat. Mine is on the stern and pulls out. It is not a hassle and is used only in the channel, on the open water I take it out and leave the transome light on.

Here is the company that made some of the lighting hardware for my 87 Cig.
http://www.wilcox-crittenden.com/index.asp?bid=

Here is some other places to look at
http://www.attwoodmarine.com/
http://www.perko.com/
http://www.aquasignal.net/

Cordell

I just installed an electric retractable on the cat. Removed the old one from the bow and installed in the firewall forward in the engine compartment.

Eddie Marine for about 153 bucks. I beleive it telescpes to 36-48 inches.

John, Perko still makes the old-style 1209 nav light. It's the same style base that's on my 1970 Donzi. Very retro-styled, pretty well built. I think they are still chrome plated brass like the originals. The only difference is that now the pole is removable instead of telescoping like mine. Look at any old Donzi/Formula etc, that's typically what come on them.

Here's what they look like...


http://www.cyber-marine.com/bridges/61211.html

Jim

what if you have an arch. mines under the arch.

I thought Coast Guard rules state that the all around light was necessary. Didn't think you could get away with just a transom light when running at night.

My understanding is that:

all around is not required when underway. Just a 180 (or 270 maybe) light 3 feet above the red/green PLUS a 130 degree transom light.

As far as telescoping lights (the vintage style ones, not the new modern ones) I can't find any that are attractive. I tried to find one for my whaler. Ended up using the old base and telescoping pole with a new teleflex top on it.