U. S. C. G. Navigation Lights

[cracker39]

My 1992 R21 has the 135 degree stern light, the old style red/green running lights in side boards, and a single 360 deg light on the cabin top. I need to change the cabin top (masthead) light for a folding type and this is where it gets confusing. If this cabin top light is to be used underway, it's only suppose to have an arc of 225 deg if used in combination with the white stern light - but that makes it unsuitable as a 360 deg anchor light. I could turn off the stern light and opt for a single 360 deg folding cabin top light - but I like the slight safety advantage of the two white lights if approached on my rear quarter. Should I just add an additional 360 deg anchor light? Would I be in violation if, being under 12 meters in length, I used my stern light in combination with a 225 degree mast light? In other words, can I use lights prescribed for a larger vessel at my descretion?

 

[cracker39]

I just noticed that the regulation that eliminates the stern light and goes with the 360 deg mast light appears to be a concession for vessels under 12 meters, or from 12 meters to 20 meters, that cannot, for whaever reason, be fitted with a stern light. That eliminates my concern about the legality of using both lights - but it still suggests that I will need a separate 360 deg anchor light.

 

[Larry H]

If you want to use the bigger boat system, you could replace the 360 degree light with a 225 degree bow light and use the 360 as an anchor light.

Underway you would display sidelights, a stern light, and a bow light. At anchor the 360 anchor light (on a new mount).

 

[BradOwens]

You can use a single all around light for both underway and at anchor if you wire the side lights so they can be turned off while at anchor. Our boat has a two position switch with one being side lights and all around masthead light for underway use, the other being masthead only for at anchor.

 

[cracker39]

You can use a single all around light for both underway and at anchor if you wire the side lights so they can be turned off while at anchor. Our boat has a two position switch with one being side lights and all around masthead light for underway use, the other being masthead only for at anchor.

That works if I eliminate my stern light - but if I use my stern light my masthead light needs to be 225 degree ---- and I still need a 360 degree anchor light.

 

[cracker39]

I visited my local Hamilton Marine this past weekend and, lo and behold, I found the exact light I needed. It is a 14" high folding combination steaming and anchor light by Perko. My dash switch will turn on the forward-facing steaming light and by tapping into the hot wire of that light with a toggle switch I can turn on the aft-facing light to provide a 360 deg anchor light. Perfect!