Navigation Light Range Question
 

On Feb 15, 12:20 pm, Milton Waddams
wrote:
Depending on the size and type of boat, the range of visibility for
navigation lights is one or two miles. I'm a bit confused about the
range of visibility issue. Obviously the wattage of the bulb used in
the light is a factor but shouldn't the mounted height of the light
be a factor too? When I check out the navigation lights nowhere do I
see on the package that the light must be mounted x distance above the
water minimum for a two mile range. So do the Coast Guard regulations
mean a potential to be seen two miles and you can mount it below the
two mile visibility horizon or do they mean it has to be mounted above
the two mile visibility horizon? I don't see this addressed anywhere
and can anyone offer some insights or point me to where it is spelled
out? I would also appreciate it if someone could tell me the minimum
wattage bulbs required for one and two mile range. Thank you,

Milton

Curious Milton.
Wattage matters not, distance seen is required. If you screw up and
someone proves your lighting in not up to par then your screwed. You
can have an oil lamp if it's the proper color can can be seen the
required distance and arc.

Buy your lighting from Perko and you will have no problems. That
europe plastic crap is junk

Here read this:

The lights prescribed in these Rules shall have an intensity as
specified in Section 8 [Intl] of Annex I to these [Regulations /
Rules] so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges:

(a) In vessels of 50 meters or more in length:

a masthead light, 6 miles;
a sidelight, 3 miles;
a towing light, 3 miles;
a white red, green or yellow all-round light, 3 miles.
a special flashing light, 2 miles. [Inld]
(b) In vessels of 12 meters or more in length but less than 50
meters in length;

a masthead light, 5 miles; except that where the length of the vessel
is less than 20 meters, 3 miles;
a sidelight, 2 miles;
a sternlight, 2 miles;
a towing light, 2 miles;
a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles.
a special flashing light, 2 miles. [Inld]
(c) In vessels of less than 12 meters in length:

a masthead light, 2 miles;
a sidelight, 1 miles;
a towing light, 2 miles;
a white red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles.
a special flashing light, 2 miles. [Inld]
(d) In inconspicuous, partly submerged vessels or objects being
towed;

a white all-round light; 3 miles.

Joe