I almost got in trouble.

[rivermouse]

Thursday night I took out my boat to check out the lights I put on it to use for night fishing. This was the first time I have ever had it out at night. I got there before dark and rode around until it started to get dark and then cut on my light mounted to the top . There was only one other boat on the entire river and he was about 1/2 mile away anchored. I rode in circles between 2 bridges for over an hour tinkering with the light and noticed my bow light wasn't working. I figured it was no big deal at the time because there was only one other boat and I was sure he could very easily see me. When I docked the other boat had already come in and left. There were several fishermen hanging around the dock and after I got out one said the other boater told them I was riding around like a crazy man and didnt have the bow light on and that he was going to go and call the cops.....One other boat on the entire river and he has a problem with me? I loaded up and left not knowing if the cops were coming or not. Next time I will be sure the bow light works and maybe carry my "snake gun" ...If the sob had a problem he should have waited until I docked and said it to me...

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

I would have just came in if the lights were not working, Very dangerous. You never know what other boats are out there that may not have lights as well. Get them working and have fun.

LK

 

[rivermouse]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

I would have just came in if the lights were not working, Very dangerous. You never know what other boats are out there that may not have lights as well. Get them working and have fun.

LK

because I was the only boat on the river except the one I saw anchored about 1/2 mile away and had a very bright halogen light shinning in the direction I was going and only running about 5 mph I figured I could safely see and be seen even thought the little bow light wasnt working. I know technically it should have but I am 100% sure I did not endanger anyone. It was late at night and there were only 2 boats on the entire river. That is what gets me...It wont happen again. thanks

 

[emoney]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

You're lucky there wasn't any "po-leece" around, or even worse, that the "other boater" wasn't a game warden. No bow light plus operating with the "wrong light", probably a pretty hefty little ticket I'd imagine.

As for the "sob", as far as you know, it may have looked like "someone was driving around like a crazy man", because lights on the water can be very deceiving, especially when they're not the correct navigational lights. You might've scared the guy to point he left earlier than he had intended.

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

emoney touched on the "wrong light" You said it was very bright. Such right lights can cause a navigation hazard when aimed at another boat. It could have been this, at least partially, that he reacted to.

But also, he could have made his comment to the people on the dock, just in passing. You know, just making conversation. And maybe the people on the dock embellished his comments.

Sea ya...

 

[rivermouse]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

Thank you friends for helping me sort this out. I need to learn about this "correct light" stuff. I figured I could light up the place light that guy Joe on that swamp hunters tv show..I think I need to be glad there was only one other boater out there.One of the people on the dock did mention "that sure is a bright light" I got the set of lights at harbor freight.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

so you were riding around in the boat for an hour doing circles while you played with the light? were you steering the craft, or playing with the light?

also, running with lights on other than the USCG navigational lights is illegal.

once anchored, you are required at night to have your all-around light on.

Too bright of a light actually makes viewing objects in the water difficult by reducing your night vision capability. sort of like turning your brights on in a car in the fog.

Had there been a warden or other LEO around, you would have been ticketed.

you may want to take a boating course or pick up the USCG regs on navigation

http://www.boatingbasicsonline.com/content/general/4_2_b.php

Navigation lights should be checked prior to departing the dock, and you should always carry spare bulbs. The U.S. Coast Guard doesn't care if they were working when you left, only that they are working when required.

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

my booster pack has emergency navigation lights. I had to use them a few weeks ago - the bulb actually burnt out in my bow light.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

Lesson learned, make sure the lights work before leaving the house for a night trip... day time is best for this so you can see what you're doing if theres a problem.

If launching at dark or close to it, I always get my lights setup in the prep zone at the launch and make sure they work before getting the boat wet. If they don't work, I don't launch until they're fixed.

 

[Outsider]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

also, running with lights on other than the USCG navigational lights is illegal.

Uhh, maybe, maybe not. What the USCG says is (Rule 20) ... no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights which cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out. Not the same as illegal. :redface:

 

[rivermouse]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

After doing some research I see that using a bright light was stupid. I plan to change my lighting before I go back. After reading the statistics on WHY people get drowned I see that I am in a high risk group too...

 

[bigdee]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

Don't beat yourself up rivermouse. I am in central NC and it is very common for boaters to use very bright lights late at night for fishing. I have had to close my blinds in the bedroom before to keep someones light from bothering me. The game wardens don't ticket anyone on my lake for bright lights, it is just part of fishing....in fact it is rare to see a wildlife officer late at night unless it is a holiday. Bulbs can burn out and most wildlife officers will politely warn you and escort you to your dock.
I am so glad that I live in an area where people have courtesy and common sense.

 

[notaz3]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

my booster pack has emergency navigation lights. I had to use them a few weeks ago - the bulb actually burnt out in my bow light.

That jumper box looks great. Who makes it, and where did you get it?

 

[carribbean soul]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

Thursday night I took out my boat to check out the lights I put on it to use for night fishing.

you want some awesome lights for fishing, get these...

http://http://coastalnightlights.com/

 

[Ibl0wstuffup]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

I carry a spare battery powered bowlight for situations like this. It looks like a flashlight but has a green/red filter on it and a clamp.

 

[jjacobs007]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

I suggest that your stern light is way up high to not light your eyes when underway at night. dont tell the warden but i sometime turn off my stern light while under way to see better.just keep a close eye behind you for other boats heading your way.if it was you behind me we both would have been in trouble

 

[H20Rat]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

There was only one other boat on the entire river and he was about 1/2 mile away anchored.

You never see (or know about) the boat you hit, or the one that hits you. How did you know that no one else unloaded? Unless its a private lake and you are within site of the ramp at all times, NEVER assume you are alone on the water.

 

[rivermouse]

Re: I almost got in trouble.

very true. Its what you dont see that kills you. With the night time temps beginning to drop quickly I am fairly sure the next night time adventure will be next year. With luck I may get a couple of more day trips.thanks for the advice.