Boat lighting?

[BuzzStPoint]

As I am restoring my boat I'm making mental notes of what I need to finish.

The lights on the boat. Don't know what you call it, but the white pole light on the rear of the boat.

Does it matter which side of the boat it goes on?
Reason I ask, the previous owner(s) looked like they used it as a handle and broke the top of the boat.

or better seen here:

I've fiberglassed that in and smoothed it out.

So I was just wondering if I can put the light on the other side or do I need it on the right side of the boat?

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Boat lighting?

What you`re referring to is the stern light.

I believe the answer is no, it doesn't matter.

On my previous 2 boats, it was located starboard side.

On my new boat, it's dead center in the middle of my bimini rail.

As long as its visible, I see no reason why it matters.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Boat lighting?

The side of the boat doesn't matter. It needs to be high enough so that it's visible through 360 deg. whether or not you have a top up.

Make sure you wire it correctly. It must be on when your red/green bow nav lights are on (when underway), and you must be able to switch it on by itself when you're at anchor, when the bow lights must be switched off.

Please consider taking a safe boating course. The Power Squadron offers good ones. You can find a local chapter at usps.org.

Good luck with the resto!

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Boat lighting?

like the others said, starboard side is fine since thats where the hole is now, its just the height that matters. But you can buy the socket for it and the pole probably both here on iboats, the lights come in telescoping or set lengths i believe.

 

[karatejoe]

Re: Boat lighting?

Jolin"s answer is correct. Also boating course would teach you what these lights are for and when to use them.
Running the lights improperly will land you a ticket from the sheriff.

 

[BuzzStPoint]

Re: Boat lighting?

I read the info from Boatus.org about the lighting and when to use it. That I understand.

I already have the socket and the pole. I'm in the stages of finishing up the boat now. It's just what I read it's didn't state if the pole was mandated to be on the Port or starboard side.