>>>What are the rules on running light requirements on the M15 and M17?

Boats less than 7 meters long ( just shy of 23') only need a flashlight if they
are sailing or are rowed/paddled.  Once you use the outboard you are
a power boat and then other boaters approaching you from the front need
to see red/green lights with a white light above them.  Other boaters approaching
from the rear need to see a white light only.

I'm replacing the tri-color light (that came off while "dropping" the mast) with


a red/green bi-color bow light, a white "masthead" light with (foredeck floodlight),
and a stern light.  When sailing, I'll leave them off if there isn't anyone around.  If
there is traffic, the bi-colors and stern light are on.  When motoring, the bi-colors,
the stern light AND the "masthead" light are on.  [masthead is a misnomer...it is
not necessarily at the masthead and only lights the two forward sectors like the
bi-colors].

Depending on where you sail (inland lakes) I suppose you might have local regs
that require more; I'm not sure.  The above is good for the Great Lakes, ocean,
and inland Ohio lakes at least.

If your powerboaters are like the powerboaters in Ohio, expect to get hassled
if you are sailing after dark with only a flashlight even if you are legal.  Heck,
even my tri-color light caused powerboaters on Lake Erie to scratch their heads.
One even cut their throttle, studied BuscaBrisas, and discussed the lights. (their
voices carried over the water).  They were puzzled.

Tri-color is good in big waves because it doesn't get hidden by them but makes
it awkward when motoring because the light scheme directly conflicts with the
powerboat light scheme.

Tod


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