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?

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?

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.