Rules of the Road: Is it just me? (Nav Lights)

[amber jj]

Seeing as we are on the subject of rules our all around mast anchor light is on while running with the nav lights on.The transom light is on too.This does not seem right to me but seeing as how a supposedly professional shop wired it this way it has me second guessing myself.While at anchor only the all around light is on.

[RobS]

Amber that's okay as long as your red and green can be shut off when you are not underway

[amber jj]

Yes they can be shut off while at anchor.It was having the all around light and the transom light running together while underway I was not so sure about.Mostly the all around mast light.Now that is cleared up I will feel better when the sun goes down.Thankyou

[RobS]

I do see your concern. For vessels up to 39.4ft an all around is allowed when underway but not clear on whether or not the stern light is allowed to be illuminated as well. From astern you'd be viewed as white over white.

[Russell]

Amber are you sure that the anchor light stays on in the back part. On my boat the anchor light has two bulbs which are both on at anchor. When the switch is set for running, the rear bulb goes out and the transom light comes on along with the red and green bow lights.

[amber jj]

No there is just one bulb.I know the type you have as it has a partition between the two bulbs.

[DougSea]

Hey Amber, you're not in compliance. If you are displaying an all around you should NOT have the light on the transom. White over white is a vessel over 50 meters at anchor and thats what you're showing from astern. Easiest fix would be to pull the lamp from the transom fixture.

[amber jj]

I think I can cut the jumper wire at the switch and only run the transom light while underway and only the mast all around light while at anchor.I was wondering if I was displaying some other message unintentionally.Thankyou Bob

[DougSea]

I think I can cut the jumper wire at the switch and only run the transom light while underway and only the mast all around light while at anchor.I was wondering if I was displaying some other message unintentionally.Thankyou Bob

But...you still need a white masthead light while underway.

So better to kill the transom light. IMHO.

[amber jj]

I thought you could run one on or the other but not both on at the same time.It is best to just narrow it down and disconnect the transom light.After looking at the regulations I see where I was wrong in assuming the transom light only was all that was needed for a white light.Thanks again for getting back on track.Bob

[Carl]

My 2006 was wired from the factory to have both the transom and the rear portion of the mast light on while running. I have left it this way because I have had issues with keeping the stern light running. I start the season with a new bulb every spring, but it usually only lasts about a month. This spring I changed out the lens and gasket, and it seems to have fixed it. I guess now I will have to disconnect it.