Interesting red rear light??

[63Electra]

I have a 1963 Texas Maid Electra. Its rumored to have been a Lake Patrol boat. My question is, why would they have a red tail light on the transom? Are there other boats that had this or was this something for a specific use? I know you guys are not mind readers or psychics but just curious if anyone had some insight. Old boat practices or what not.

 

[roscoe]

Is that a light or a reflector?
Have seen a bunch of boats from the 50's and 60's that had reflectors on them.
Probably a trailering disability thing ?

If its a light, then probably something for the "Electra" name ?

Does not appear to be in the same position in the 2 photos.

 

[GA_Boater]

Is there a bulb? I used to see those on farmer's wagons and they were just a reflector.

Zooming on the brochure pic, no reflector is shown. Your Electra had those added some time over the years, probably for extra trailering safety.

 

[63Electra]

Could be a reflector I'll have to look. Havent actually got the boat home yet. It just strikes me as odd

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,...... Looks like a typical reflector somebody added,....

 

[Scott Danforth]

reflectors on boats were the equivalent of curb feelers on a Cadillac..... did they help... not really.... however they were a fad of the times.

 

[H20Rat]

reflectors on boats were the equivalent of curb feelers on a Cadillac..... did they help... not really.... however they were a fad of the times.

They sort of actually make a lot of sense for the time... I know my dad/grandfather probably never once had a vehicle with a working lighting harness on it. And if they did, the trailer lights were long gone from years of abuse. Putting a cheap reflector on whatever was on the trailer (tractor/vehicle/boat) was pretty common and was safer than nothing at all.

 

[Ned L]

Yes, ... looks like a reflector. ......... And the USGC would have something (not good) to say about it. Out on the water at night, if a light hits it and reflects what would look like a 'red light' that would be a big no-no. As it would be conflicting / confusing with the port side red light of running lights.

 

[63Electra]

Good point! Thanks