Newbie fishing boat question

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />A couple questions from a newbie. Just got a 13 foot fiberglass fishing boat that I will be restoring. I currenly have a 7.5 HP engine.<br /><br />a. Currently, at the bow it has a green-red light in the center of a triangle at the front of the boat. I like to add a horn. Since, that piece of triangle wood is small so I was considering putting the light on the left and the horn on the right. Now the horn will no longer be centered. Is that a problem?<br /><br />b. In the back of the boat, do I need to have a light?<br /><br />c. On a boat like this, where should I distribute the weight if two people will be in it(back, middle, or front). At times I might be by myself only. The current engine is 7.5 HP, but I like to upgrade to 15 hp.

 

[beniam]

Re: Newbie fishing boat question

You do not want to block the light(red or green)with your horn. I believe visibility in front should be 120 degree arc each side respectively, back from front centerline. Light in back should be white, visible 360 degrees , up above deck, like on an extension, sort of on a stick. Check state or coast guard boating regulations. Also consider fire extinguisher,and other safety gear.<br />15 hp ought to make you a happy dude. If you got the bucks, go for 4 cycle, clean and cheaper to run. 15 hp will make that baby plane. Batavier

 

[roscoe]

Re: Newbie fishing boat question

If you have any heavy items in the boat, try to place them along the centerline of the boat. Also try to distribute the weight evenly from front to back. So if you will be in the back, try to place the fuel tank and battery a few feet forward. Actually, you could replace the fuel hose with a longer18' long hose, and place it in the front of the boat.<br /><br />Navigation light placement, angle, height, angles of visibility, etc, are all dictated by Coast Guard regulations. You will get a copy of the state regulations when you register the boat.<br /><br />You will need to have all navigation lights (including the white/rear) to operate, drift, or anchor during the hours of darkness or poor visability ( fog).<br /><br />I wouldn't worry about where the horn is mounted. But please get the lights right. Your life could depend on it.

 

[Shankly]

Re: Newbie fishing boat question

Hi Nightvision. I am also new to boating and have bought various books and done some courses with the Coastguard. I would suggest getting a copy of 'Safety In A Small Craft' which gives you the essential basics of boating, will answer your questions about lights and weight distribution as well as a heap more. Good luck.