What lights are used for night visibility?

[Mark42]

I have not used my boat at night, and next week will be out in a bay watching the 4th of July fireworks. I am wondering what sort of driving lights I should have. I do have the usual navagation lights on my boat and they are working, but don't I need some sort of "headlights" on the boat to see where I'm going and be safe? Thinking of adding something like of the off-road driving lights used by the 4x4 guys.<br /><br />Mark.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: What lights are used for night visibility?

You usually can see better without any lights at all. Carry a handheld spotlight for spotting bouys and landmarks, but you should use it sparingly. Whatever you do, don't shine it at other boats.

 

[JB]

Re: What lights are used for night visibility?

Yup. Agree with DR

 

[PercussionMafia]

Re: What lights are used for night visibility?

Definately use no lights. They can blind and confuse other boaters. You will find that after awhile you can see just fine without any "headlights". It is OK to use a searchlight to spot buoys, but don't shine it into another vessel's wheelhouse (or helm). If you're worried abbout hitting floating obstacles (such as logs) travel at a safe, non-planing speed and post a lookout on the bow. <br /><br />Nighttime navigation is fun - I prefer it to daytime

 

[Boatist]

Re: What lights are used for night visibility?

I agree with all above. On the July 4 night there will be lots of boats and impossible to use a spot light with out blinding someone who may get very mad. However there are thing you should check. Check you dash lights and make sure your do not have any white or yellow lights like many boats use. All lights should be dim and red so you can see. Learn how to turn down the lights on your depthfinder, GPS, Radio, ect. Take a red magic marker to color white or red lights. Take a couple red towels to throw over devices you can not turn down.<br /><br />Last make sure you think about what RED, GREEN, and WHITE lites mean on other boats. In almost all casses if you see a RED bow light or a WHITE stern light you are the GIVE-WAY Vessel and must stay clear. If you see a WHITE Allaround and no GREEN light you still are the GIVE-WAY Vessel. If you see a GREEN bow light you are the stand-on vessel and have right of way, but do not assume the other boat know any rules especialy on the 4th of July night.<br /><br />Each 4th of July night I have been out I have seen several boats with red and green lenses on the wrong side. They have no idea there wrong. <br /><br />Be careful and take it Slow, lots of drunk inexperenced boater out.