Does the anchor light have to be in the back of the boat?

[sbklf]

My boat has the anchor light on the back and I see a lot of boats with anchor lights on top of the outboard motor cover but yesterday I saw one with it on the console. Is this acceptable? If it is, I might mount mine there just to have a light source at the console.

 

[DJ]

Re: Does the anchor light have to be in the back of the boat?

No,

It has to be behind the bow lights and visible from 360 degrees of direction.

The anchor light and bow lights work in conjunction (while running) to help other boaters determine your direction.

 

[sbklf]

Re: Does the anchor light have to be in the back of the boat?

That was fast, thank you DJ that makes sense. Is there a minimum distance behind it needs to be? The one I saw had the bow and the anchor lights on the console which put it only about a foot behind. That is how mine would be.

 

[DJ]

Re: Does the anchor light have to be in the back of the boat?

That was fast, thank you DJ that makes sense. Is there a minimum distance behind it needs to be? The one I saw had the bow and the anchor lights on the console which put it only about a foot behind. That is how mine would be.

Here's some verbage from the USCG reg's.


Definition- e) ?All-round light? means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.

?INLAND?
Lights and Shapes
RULE 30
Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground
(a) A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:
(i) in the fore part, "an" all-round white light or one ball; and
(ii) at or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in subparagraph (i), "an" all-round white light.
(b) A vessel of less than 50 meters in length may exhibit "an" all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule.
(c) A vessel at anchor may, and a vessel of 100 meters or more in length shall, also use the available working or equivalent lights to illuminate her decks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Does the anchor light have to be in the back of the boat?

when your bow and anchor lights are close the white light out shines the colored lights, so another boat would think you are anchored. and can not tell the direction you are moving.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Does the anchor light have to be in the back of the boat?

Doesn't it also have to be 3' higher than the bow lights?

 

[OhWellcraft]

Re: Does the anchor light have to be in the back of the boat?

I think if it were me I would install a 12v. power port on your console. Then you could use a light that plugs right into that. Or any number of other accessories for that matter. The fuse block should be close enough to make install a breeze. I knoe they even sell a light on a flex stick that plugs right into a power port(cig lighter socket) They are cheap at any auto parts store. Then you could have light at the console and at the back of your boat helpful for fishing at night.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Does the anchor light have to be in the back of the boat?

"The anchor light and bow lights work in conjunction (while running) to help other boaters determine your direction."

DJ - Can't run an anchor light while underway - a stern light would be my guess as to what you meant.

 

[sanssouci]

Re: Does the anchor light have to be in the back of the boat?

The newer whalers has the stern/anchor light in the center of the boat by the steering column. When you drive at night the light does not interfere with your field of vision. This is the best night set up I've ever used.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Does the anchor light have to be in the back of the boat?

"The anchor light and bow lights work in conjunction (while running) to help other boaters determine your direction."

DJ - Can't run an anchor light while underway - a stern light would be my guess as to what you meant.

It's the same light on most small boats. When used by itself it means you're anchored. When used in conjunction with your bow lights it is as DJ stated...

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Does the anchor light have to be in the back of the boat?

Doesn't it also have to be 3' higher than the bow lights?

I'll answer my own question: Yes it does.
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Vessel Under 12 meters (39.4')
Powerboats-Separate or combination red and green sidelights, 112.5?, visible 1 n.m., placed above hull at least 1 meter (3.3') below masthead light. Masthead: white, 225?, visible 2 n.m., at least 1 meter above side lights. White stern light, 135?, visible 2 n.m. OR, one all-round (360?) white light (should also have sidelights).[/FONT]

 

[gcboat]

Re: Does the anchor light have to be in the back of the boat?

Thanks bjcsc - I stand corrected.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Does the anchor light have to be in the back of the boat?

Thanks bjcsc - I stand corrected.

Not really. It's just semantics...technically you're both correct!