Lighting for the night!!!

[Twin350]

what type of lighting do you suggest using for under the front on a pontoon to see well at night that is not going to be junk after a year? it seems like alot of guys just use Truck/Car fog lights?? Also any ofther suggestions for just on the boat to see well. The pontoon is 12x8 to just give u an idea.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Lighting for the night!!!

If you want to see well at night leave the lights off, lights on a boat just don't work like they do on a car, it will light up everything for about 10' and you will lose everything beyond that.

Also it confuses other boaters and makes it hard for them to see where they are going.

I have night fished for years and don't use any kind of lights other than a spot that I will flip on once in a great while.

If there is any light at all it si very easy to run at night, I can pick out a floating pop can at 200', you just need to watch the water.

 

[Nightfisher-]

Re: Lighting for the night!!!

I use my "docking" lights for lighting up channel markers and any debris I spot as well as for lighting up the trailer when loading. I flip them on for a few seconds to assess the situation, then back off until needed again. I had cheap automotive fog lights ($20), but they were not all that bright despite being 55w each and consumed power like crazy. Switched to some Optronics LED docking lights ($100) and the difference is amazing. A much brighter, whiter light that throws further and consumes a fraction of the power. Always be respectful of other boaters with your lights and keep them off unless needed to avoid a dangerous situation.

 

[L.A.Wise]

Re: Lighting for the night!!!

USCG rules for inland waterways allows the use of docking lights. Driving lights are not allowed. Basically it says your allowed a red/green navigation light and an all around white light. Any other light is to be used intermitently. If you gotta feel comfortable, I'd suggest a hand held spot light.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Lighting for the night!!!

with a pontoon boat that is 12' x 8', I suggest a small flash light if needed to see the dock. you are only allowed dock lights for docking. Nav lights are Red/Green on the bow and the all-around light in the rear as has been mentioned.

 

[angelo1369]

Re: Lighting for the night!!!

I read elsewere on this forum that when your boat is anchored that only the stern light is to be lit. And only when the boat is in motion, drifting or under power, both bow and stern lights are to be lit. Does anyone know the details about this or could explain the reasoning behind this theory? It would seem to be advantageous to see both the front and rear of the boat lit up whether the vessel is moving or not.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Lighting for the night!!!

I read elsewere on this forum that when your boat is anchored that only the stern light is to be lit. And only when the boat is in motion, drifting or under power, both bow and stern lights are to be lit. Does anyone know the details about this or could explain the reasoning behind this theory? It would seem to be advantageous to see both the front and rear of the boat lit up whether the vessel is moving or not.

What you said is correct.

At anchor-ONE WHITE LIGHT.

Under power-One White (typically stern) and one green/red on the bow.

The green/red shows your direction. The White (anchor) shows you are at anchor or stable-not moving.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Lighting for the night!!!

I noticed that napa has some nice LED lights on sale the other day.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Lighting for the night!!!

I know you aren't suppose to but I leave my nav lights on all the time, the red/green especially at anchor.

I night fish a river with houses on both sides and it is way to easy to mistake a white all around for a porch light and getting hit on the water at night is not real high on my list and I am in nothern Indiana and no one here knows or follows a single Coast Gaurd rule, the Coasties don't get up my way much.

I see people all night long driving around with thier "headlights" on.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Lighting for the night!!!

Yea if its any thing like around here the water patrols are off the water and home by 5 pm.

 

[Nightfisher-]

Re: Lighting for the night!!!

Yea if its any thing like around here the water patrols are off the water and home by 5 pm.

Same here, but just remember common courtesy with your lights. They carry a long way on open water and the glare off the water is blinding to other boaters. Use them only for short times as needed to spot markers or debris. As far as the nav/anchor lights go the rules are pretty universal and common sense to let other boaters know what you are doing and what direction you are traveling. Knowing what the boat you are seeing in the dark is is doing is very important so you can plan your course accordingly. If you are leaving your anchor light and navigation light on while anchored you are giving the incorrect signals that you are in motion. Having a red or green burnt out, missing, or incorrectly placed can give false information about the direction you are traveling. The rules are there for a reason and everyone boating at night needs to know them, follow them, and be able to read the lights. Don't disregard the rules for convinence or worries about safety. If you don't think your nav/anchor lights can be seen due to shoreline lights, or other distraction then either get brighter lights or stay off the water at night.

 

[halfmoa]

Re: Lighting for the night!!!

Use one of these and only when you need it.



I get so pissed off at guys with KC lights on their boats... no one can see when they're on, not even them.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Lighting for the night!!!

well i keep a 1 million CP aircraft landing light on hand for those idiots, and it cuts the fog very nicely.