Visibility at night

[PhilR]

Last year, I watched great 4th of July fireworks from my Tug. When heading back to the dock in the dark amongst other boats, it was difficult to distinguish between lights in front of me from reflected lights on the inside of the front windows. I found it necessary to stick my head out the side window..not very comfortable. Do others have this problem...or is it just me?

Phil

 

[Zundels]

Glare is an issue. Head out the window works, when it is not real windy or rainy. Or, sometimes using the red map lights makes a difference, or turn out all lights, and use a small battery operated LED light on the floor. We also use the radar as another indicator of what's ahead.

Enjoy the fireworks, Don

 

[GulfSailor]

..........it was difficult to distinguish between lights in front of me from reflected lights on the inside of the front windows......... Do others have this problem...or is it just me?

Not just you, and it gets worse with age. 😉
Keep the glass as clean as possible, turn out any interior lights as suggested, and don't be afraid the use the searchlight if necessary (while taking care not to illuminate the helm of another boat).

 

[RProffer]

We like to view the fireworks from our boat at Solomons Island every year, along with several hundred other boaters. After the fireworks ends, it is always a mad dash for everyone to return to their dock or boat ramp. It gets crazy. So, we wait a half hour after the other boaters leave to pull anchor. That makes it easier to navigate at night because there is not so many other boats out driving crazy, and fewer lights to distinguish. I have learned to have my chart plotter and radar turned on with display settings for daytime but turned low. Night time display settings are too dark for me. I also clean all the windows to reduce glare, including the rear windows. And, I have all the red and white interior lights turned off. If you must have interior light, turn the red lights on. Do NOT use white lights at night while navigating because it will cause night blindness. And finally, go slow and use lookouts. I do not use the overhead spot light because of the glare off the railings. (One day I will fix that). Enjoy the fireworks.

 

[PhilR]

I guess I'll have to install a periscope at the helm.

 

[Lone Star Ranger]

John

After the fireworks ends, it is always a mad dash for everyone to return to their dock or boat ramp. It gets crazy. So, we wait a half hour after the other boaters leave to pull anchor.

That's a great idea Rick. Since our boats aren't the fastest on the water (and that's one of the reasons we bought a tug 😉 ) it's best to let the "Crazy Ones" go first. Sit back, relax, have a glass of wine or water 😉 and wait for the "rush" to calm down, then you can take your time in getting back and not worry about the "other guy". Thanks Sr Chief!

John