Looks like we went to the same site. I checked this rule earlier and the tricolor is ok if only under sail. When I looked at the section on Sail boats all looked OK until I got the the very end where it had a reminder that said "If you are operating your sail vessel at night using machinery or sail and machinery, then your vessel must display lights required for a power-driven vessel. (See figures 1 or 2)". The tricolor is not in either figure 1 or 2. When I did a little more research I was told that even with a tricolor light combined with an all around anchor light that this did not comply. I live right in the shadow of the Fort Macon Coast Guard Station and don't need the hassle. So I've decided to go with the traditional bow lights, stern light and masthead. Besides, I don't want to have someone T bone me because they were looking at a red port light 25 feet off the water. Thanks for taking the time to answer. Joe ----- Original Message ----- From: "W David Scobie" <wdscobie@yahoo.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sunday, May 03, 2009 8:21 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Masthead light for USGC ( http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/equ_nav.htm ) when on the motor - If your power-driven vessel is less than 23 feet/7 meters in length and its maximum speed cannot exceed 7 knots, then it may display an all-round white light, and if practicable, sidelights if you already have a tri-color on the mast there is an easy to add all-around white using the existing wire described in don casey's book (it is what i'm going to do on SWEET PEA). and for under sail - If your vessel is less than 23 feet/7 meters in length, then it should display lights for a sailboat (tricolor at masthead; or white stern with gree/red at bow). As an option, your vessel may carry an electric torch (flashlight) or lightened lantern that can show a white light in sufficient time to prevent collision. dave scobie M17 #372 - sweet pea (http://www.m17-375.webs.com) M15 #288 - SCRED (for sale, http://www.freewebs.com/m15-named-scred) --- On Sun, 5/3/09, Joe Murphy <seagray@embarqmail.com> wrote: I guess I wasn't very clear in my original post. My purpose of the masthead light is to complete the all round light when I'm under power. I have a stern light which is ok when I'm just under sail, but when I'm under power, I need to complete the 360 degrees. I've seen some masthead lights that are combined with a deck light. Not sure I need a deck light for an M17. Joe ----- Original Message ----- From: "Eric Sandberg" <sanderico1@gmail.com>
Joe,
Kinda depends on what duties the light will be expected to perform. Anchor light, steaming light, running lights, or just a light so you can see on deck??
Rik
On Sun, May 3, 2009 at 5:26 PM, Joe Murphy <seagray@embarqmail.com> wrote:
I'm putting in a masthead light and wondered what would be the appropriate height. I'm thinking about half way between the top and the spreader. Does is really matter?? Joe Seafrog M17
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