Front strobe light

[mrfixit4818]

Is a small slow strobe (about 2 blinks a second)legal on a boat,currently its white,should it be a certain color?

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Front strobe light

I would think the would be legal if you do not use them in conjunction with your running lights, or instead. If it is used for the purpose of imminent danger or to summons help, that is one thing. But, to use it just because its cool is entirely another. Blue strobes are generally considered law enforcement only. You don't want it if you are gong to confuse anyone. To be safe, call your state folks and ask.

 

[diesel5599]

Re: Front strobe light

Just curious but what purpose would a strobe light possibly serve? They aren't on long enough to see anything, and they may blind or confuse other boaters. In FL strobes typically signify bouys not boats.

If you are just looking for night lighting I've found the green neon submersible lights work the best.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Front strobe light

illegal.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Front strobe light

i agree with td.
the uscg has set and spicific guide lines for night lighting for various vessels. this helps you id what your looking at, at night.

i must say though. seems some folks just ain't hip. i've been night boating many times this summer. and more than once i've run across folks with improper lighting. and i assure you it makes i'ding or deciding direction of travel more difficult...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Front strobe light

In a busy harbor at night, I kept encountering people fishing (drifting or anchored) with their running lights on. I'm trying to stay on the edge of the channel but some were fishing that area. So I'm trrying to discern which way they are headed so I can run my course accordingly, and factoring in the fact that 50% won't pass port to port. Running lights are for running and signify such.

I couldn't say anything, though b/c my bow light was out so I had tied a flashlight to the bow like a little headlight. So they were probably saying "I can't wait to post THAT one to SHT tomorrow" and I was as certain to attract the attention of the marine patrol as a guy in a tuxedo driving at midnight attracts a breathalyzer.

 

[diesel5599]

Re: Front strobe light

Marine lighting is such s#$t anyway, many times I have ops checked my lights before heading out only to discover my stern light or bow light just won't come on after it gets dark. how hard is it to make waterproof marine lighting?

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Front strobe light

how hard is it to make waterproof marine lighting?

It is not if you have a large enough boat that the lights never get wet....

But for us with bath tub toy boats, lights ( as simple as they are) are always a problem...