Who knows the "Real" answer to this

codeman671 · 05-19-2014, 02:18 PM

Last season we had a Skydek with the led side strip lighting as well as underwater lights. We were approached at the 4th fireworks in Meredith by MP and were told they were illegal. We were sitting, regular lights plus these on, watching the show.

I know that the Marine Trades Association was in discussion last season about this and how to get them approved. More light at night is better as far as I am concerned.

brk-lnt · 05-19-2014, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codeman671

More light at night is better as far as I am concerned.

I disagree with that. *Appropriate* lights let a skilled captain better understand where boats are vs. protruding bits of land and whether or not those boats are stationary or under way.

MAXUM · 05-19-2014, 04:07 PM

So why doesn't the MT Washington need to go dark when they are underway at night?

Phantom · 05-20-2014, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAXUM

So why doesn't the MT Washington need to go dark when they are underway at night?

I love how this Forum take a simple question and goes sideways with it !

SERIOUSLY - how did we get to staring at the stars?

Yet no one has a response for MAXUMS very good question (above)

Oh and BRK thanks for the update on my math error 135deg not 180 ... I was simply trying to thank all for the input .... as I said, I have my answer now it will be between MP and Phantom if I continue to use a stacked white light as I have done for the past 10 years for my own peace of mind for the drunk behind me

.

ishoot308 · 05-20-2014, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAXUM

So why doesn't the MT Washington need to go dark when they are underway at night?

Vessels over a certain size do not fall under the same criteria as smaller boats. I do not remember what that size is but do know they have different rules governing their navigation.

Dan

tis · 05-20-2014, 12:47 PM

Did you expect to get a "real" answer, Phantom????

Barney Bear · 05-20-2014, 02:25 PM

I believe the restriction of colored lights [red and green] is fairly new. In previous years, most of our trips to and from East Bear Island were after dark. On several occasions, we were confused by red and green shore lights. We no longer put the lighted pink flamingo or lighted green frog on our dock.

Phantom · 05-20-2014, 02:52 PM

Here we go ... now it's a shoreline lights thread !

.

Merrymeeting · 05-19-2014, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

I disagree with that. *Appropriate* lights let a skilled captain better understand where boats are vs. protruding bits of land and whether or not those boats are stationary or under way.

Not to mention those of us who are out there to see the stars and natural lighting. Couldn't disagree with the "more lights is better" statement more.

There have been nights here off season when the starlight illumination and view far exceeds what I can see at the height of the season when all are here.

http://thechive.com/2013/08/08/what-...-10-hq-photos/

codeman671 · 05-19-2014, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

Not to mention those of us who are out there to see the stars and natural lighting. Couldn't disagree with the "more lights is better" statement more.

There have been nights here off season when the starlight illumination and view far exceeds what I can see at the height of the season when all are here.

http://thechive.com/2013/08/08/what-...-10-hq-photos/

I am not talking headlights, but what is the harm with led sidelights and white underwaters? The white underwaters create a glow around the stern, nothing like a headlight in your face.

Watching the stars and natural light at night in a dimly lit boat can be fatal. A few accidents from the past are proof of this. Drunk idiots behind the wheel are the cause of the accidents but a little extra light to catch someone's eye that a boat may be closer than one would think may have helped save a life in either case.

codeman671 · 05-19-2014, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

I disagree with that. *Appropriate* lights let a skilled captain better understand where boats are vs. protruding bits of land and whether or not those boats are stationary or under way.

If appropriate lights help a skilled captain what helps the other 90% on the lake that are not? I see more amateurs and idiots than skilled captains every day on the water. Just spend an afternoon at the Glendale docks, it will definitely enlighten you.

brk-lnt · 05-20-2014, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codeman671

If appropriate lights help a skilled captain what helps the other 90% on the lake that are not? I see more amateurs and idiots than skilled captains every day on the water. Just spend an afternoon at the Glendale docks, it will definitely enlighten you.

Although I didn't mention that in my previous post, that's part I'm undecided on. Certain extra lights might actually have some benefit, provided they are at least the right color for their location. Anybody who can recognize various navigation light patterns is also going to know enough to know that although your light pattern indicates you are a double-master schooner in distress, the reality is that you're a power boat with an extra stern light

The problem is the slippery slope to pontoon boat morons with aircraft landing lights glaring in every direction.

So, all things considered I'm more in favor of sticking to *proper* lighting and leaving the "mood lighting" to when you're at the dock.

Kamper · 05-20-2014, 07:15 AM

The second transom light would be for non-inland waters if you had it with an all-around light. Technically not a legal configuration on the lake. I'd be surprised if you got hassled for it though but the above comments make me less sure than I'd have been before reading this thread.

To make yourself slightly more visible, you can add a bit of white reflective tape to your stern. Someone about to over-run you may wonder about the reflective glow from their bow lights.

You could also install a water-skiing mirror to help you with your observations whe you need to be facing forward.

Good luck!

Merrymeeting · 05-20-2014, 08:02 AM

Anyone who has had the awe-inspiring pleasure of being on the water in an area with minimal light interference can tell you that you can see things on the water almost as well as on a dark, cloudy, day. Full strength starlight is about the same as a moonlit night when you can see for a long way on the water. But this can only happen if your eyes are accustomed to the night light and not blinded by bright lights or shoreline spotlights shining onto the water.

As mentioned in earlier posts, night time accidents on the water rarely are about lighting or lack thereof. They usually result from alcohol impairment, too much speed for the conditions, or some similar combination thereof. Situations that all the additional lighting in the world probably would not have helped.

05-20-2014, 02:25 PM	#7
Barney Bear Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 962 Thanks: 495 Thanked 274 Times in 175 Posts	Colored Shore Lights I believe the restriction of colored lights [red and green] is fairly new. In previous years, most of our trips to and from East Bear Island were after dark. On several occasions, we were confused by red and green shore lights. We no longer put the lighted pink flamingo or lighted green frog on our dock.

05-20-2014, 02:52 PM	#8
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,934 Thanks: 450 Thanked 605 Times in 341 Posts	Here we go ... now it's a shoreline lights thread ! . __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!*

05-19-2014, 02:18 PM	#1
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,536 Thanks: 222 Thanked 827 Times in 498 Posts	Last season we had a Skydek with the led side strip lighting as well as underwater lights. We were approached at the 4th fireworks in Meredith by MP and were told they were illegal. We were sitting, regular lights plus these on, watching the show. I know that the Marine Trades Association was in discussion last season about this and how to get them approved. More light at night is better as far as I am concerned.

05-19-2014, 04:07 PM	#3
MAXUM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kuna ID Posts: 2,755 Thanks: 246 Thanked 1,942 Times in 802 Posts	So why doesn't the MT Washington need to go dark when they are underway at night?

The Following User Says Thank You to MAXUM For This Useful Post:
BroadHopper (05-19-2014)

05-20-2014, 12:47 PM	#6
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,806 Thanks: 759 Thanked 1,468 Times in 1,024 Posts	Did you expect to get a "real" answer, Phantom????

The Following User Says Thank You to Phantom For This Useful Post:
Barney Bear (05-20-2014)

The Following User Says Thank You to codeman671 For This Useful Post:
BroadHopper (05-20-2014)

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Merrymeeting (05-20-2014)

05-20-2014, 07:15 AM	#13
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,309 Thanks: 67 Thanked 172 Times in 128 Posts	The second transom light would be for non-inland waters if you had it with an all-around light. Technically not a legal configuration on the lake. I'd be surprised if you got hassled for it though but the above comments make me less sure than I'd have been before reading this thread. To make yourself slightly more visible, you can add a bit of white reflective tape to your stern. Someone about to over-run you may wonder about the reflective glow from their bow lights. You could also install a water-skiing mirror to help you with your observations whe you need to be facing forward. Good luck!

05-20-2014, 08:02 AM	#14
Merrymeeting Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham Posts: 2,226 Thanks: 304 Thanked 800 Times in 368 Posts	Anyone who has had the awe-inspiring pleasure of being on the water in an area with minimal light interference can tell you that you can see things on the water almost as well as on a dark, cloudy, day. Full strength starlight is about the same as a moonlit night when you can see for a long way on the water. But this can only happen if your eyes are accustomed to the night light and not blinded by bright lights or shoreline spotlights shining onto the water. As mentioned in earlier posts, night time accidents on the water rarely are about lighting or lack thereof. They usually result from alcohol impairment, too much speed for the conditions, or some similar combination thereof. Situations that all the additional lighting in the world probably would not have helped.