In article , Mike
wrote:
In article , David Rees
writes

Can I get away with a bi-colour nav light on the bow and an all-round white
light on the stern?

My boat is a 14ft Plancraft Stingray.

No, you need a Stern Light on the Stern. An all round white 'could' be
seen from ahead.

There is such a thing as Tri-colour, but I believe it can only be used
on a sailing boat when under sail, otherwise that would be ideal for you
on a short mast.

Yes tricolour lights are only to be used under sail so that's out.

At 14 feet you could show just a single all round white light.

In this case full nav lights are optional but a fast vessel capable of
generating current would be much safer with them in which case the correct
set is:
* Red and green sidelights
* White forward facing steaming light AT LEAST a metre above the sidelights
* White sternlight.
When anchored you should display an all round white light.

The combination of bicolour and an all round white, whilst not strictly
correct would probably be accepted as a seamanlike alternative provided
the white light was at least a metre higher than the bicolour. Fit a
separate switch for the bicolour and the white will double as an anchor
light. IF your battery is also your starter you may prefer to have the
anchor light on a separate supply or to use some sort of portable lantern.

The object is to be seen and to tell other vessels your class, activity and
direction as appropriate. What you must not do is adopt lights that
indicate something else.

If in doubt ask advice from the local Harbourmaster or have the RNLI run a
boat safety check and ask then.

Have fun. Night holds little to fear as long as you take sensible precautions
and make sure someone reliable (and/or the coastguard) knows you are out
there and when you expect to return.

Cheerio,

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