Legality of Headlights

[CalicoKid]

I am considering adding a pair of flush mount headlights in the bow of my little Baja. I found alum. housings that are designed for 50w-MR-16 type bulbs. I will need to do some careful engineering in order to make a neat install that works properly.<br /><br />Before I go through any trouble, is it legal to run headlights at night or are they considered an impediment to the visability of the red/green nav. lights? I travel up and down the river here and am out at night often. I need to be able to spot channel bouys, stumps, etc. The hendheld spot is a real hassle.<br /><br />Thanks all.

 

[DJ]

Re: Legality of Headlights

Calico,<br /><br />The "headlights" you see on boats are for docking only. They will completely wash out the visability of your red/green navigation lights.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Legality of Headlights

I hate seeing those frigging things coming at me. Have you thought about a remote controlled spotlight? Something you can point away from oncoming boats? Or at least down at the water?

 

[ob]

Re: Legality of Headlights

These two gentlemen are correct.The differing postures of the boat will render fixed headlights useless as a navigational aid.Best to have an adjustable remote or hand held spotlight.

 

[lakeman1999]

Re: Legality of Headlights

I have a hand held, and also headlights. The headlights are only used for docking, and flicking on and off at intervals while under way. Also your outboard does not generate enough power to burn them constantly.

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: Legality of Headlights

CalicoKid, I have docking lights that came mounted on my Party Barge. If your thinking of cutting out into your bow to mount them, I would reconsider. Why not consider mounting some driving lights, powered on a togle switch, that you could adjust, up or down on its bracket till you get them set like you want, and you could turn them off with oncomming traffic. Also, when or if you decide to sell the boat, you could pass the lights onto the next Owner, or mount a tie down eye in the hole, and not hurt the value of the boat. Mounting them in the bow, might be tricky, getting the adjustment right, with the bow going up and down, as well as cause other problems further down the line, lowering the value of your boat. Just a suggestion, GodsBeast

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Legality of Headlights

Thanks for the inputs. I was of course planning to switch the lights seperately from all else so that I could leave them off all of the time except for when I'm in tight places. When I'm on the river at night I only run at min. planing speed and that's right around 20mph. Bow attitude is pretty consistant at this speed and the water is nearly always smooth out here at night. I'm sure I could get the angle right so that the lights would act as "low beams", and be turned off at the approach of oncoming traffic.<br /><br />If these lights are not legal though except for docking, none of this will be worth my trouble.<br /><br />Related questions: What is the output approx. of the alternator on a 110hp O.B. Johnson (1988)?; Are there clamps for my round bow-rail that accept 1/4" bolt-on hardware?

 

[dkondelik]

Re: Legality of Headlights

On the wife's 20' toon, I've mounted a set of driving lights just above the deck and a set of floods on the canopy. When cruising back to dock after dark I will occasionally turn on the driving lights to scan ahead. You'd be surprised at how many times I've avoided running into a passed-out "fisherman(??)" because of the driving lights. In spite of laws, rules and common sense, there are often times boats on the water with no functional running lights (or driver).Besides, although perhaps anoying, it is my never-to-be-humble opinion that a flash from these is much more obvious to other casual boaters that may not be paying attention, then the li'l red&green.<br /><br />The floods? The last word when parking at night. No fumbling in the dark when tying up. Or tripping over low items on the shore/dock. But again, these are mounted high on the canopy and pointing generally down. After installing these, I never want to run at night without them. A major convenience.<br /><br />Alas, I know nothing of the legalities involved.

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: Legality of Headlights

Calico Kid & Klondike, I Went for a night cruise again last night. Upon approaching a Railroad cross bridge, with large red and white lights. I began looking and told the wife I don't remember that bridge having 5 lights. I flicked on my Docking lights which I was unable to see, all the way to the bridge. But when the Tug, that was passing under the bridge at the time switched on his docking lights, and right back off, I realized I had a tug ahead to navigate around. I did use my docking lights, to spot floating debris in the water, at intervals, and I used them to load my boat also.<br /><br />So, Calico, I do see a need for them, and in fact, glad that I, and the Tug boat had them last night. Even though you wouldn't want to run them all the time, they do have a use, and may well be worth your trouble. I also noticed that the dock lights work well, being mounted forward for spotting debris. If your confident that your bow attitude is consistant, by all means go ahead, I was just making a simple suggestion that might make the project easier, without cutting into your bow. <br /><br />I ended up navagating through some pretty bad weather, and used my lights a pretty good bit, and was GLAD I had them to use. <br /><br />Oh well, off to go do it again this evening and tonight, 50/50 chance of rain. Wish me luck I charged both batteries all night.<br /><br />Just one of GodsBeast's

 

[arks]

Re: Legality of Headlights

Nobody's mentioned it, but you'll ruin your (and other boaters) "night vision" for a few minutes after using a spotlight (fixed OR handheld). They should only be used in critical circumstances (as in GodsBeasts prior post) and even then for only a second or two. <br /><br />It also is a good idea to use dark tinted sunglasses all day long if you know you'll be boating after dark. Your eyes will be able to adjust to the low light condition much quicker and easier

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: Legality of Headlights

Hey Gang, I just got home pulled in the driveway, unhooked came in to check what was up. <br />Another night of Night cruising. Again the Docking lights, have a use. If your going to run at night, I'd say mount some kind. Just don't run them consistantly. Not only is it illegal, it's not good for the Alternator, nor the other guys vision. But with a little common sense, they are good equipment to have on board. <br />Tonight, for the Labor Day night cruise, I had 3 couples on board. 2 gals that are terrified of water. It took me assuring them that I had been a certified life guard, and that I promised to keep it slow and get them back to the dock, safe and sound to put one at ease. The other, was at ease, just minutes after dark, seeing that I was not in any hurry, and concerned about their safety. <br /><br />Bottom line, Calico, if your going to cruise at night, you need some type of light that you can flick on and off. Just use a little common sense, as I am sure you will do, and enjoy that slow night-time cruise. I enjoy mine, and there is nothing finer to beat this summer time heat. <br /><br />Just one of GodsBeast's

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Legality of Headlights

Thanks for the thoughts everyone. I'd like to be able to use the forward lighting in the way GodsBeast and Klondike 7 described using theirs. I'd not appreciate being blinded by oncoming headlights either. My boat has a continuous stainless rail running from bow to stern at just above the rub strip. I swear I've seen some clean mounting brackets that would fit this standard railing. But I cannot find them now. I would consider mounting lights to this rail and only cut the hull in order to mount a power plug for the lights so that I could easily remove them for daytime and storage.<br /><br />Winter's on it's way up here, this'll be a good project I'll only start when I'm satisfied I have the perfect solution. Thanks again for helping everyone!

 

[n0ukf]

Re: Legality of Headlights

What size tubing is the railing? Have you looked at any motorcycle accessories yet? Some of those lights are made for tubular mounting.