Re: Illegal running lights OK sometimes?
Holy Hayzuz! I must admit that I did want to bring attention to my problem but I hope I haven't insulted too many members and totally ruined my reputation! Looks like a round of apologies are in order to start with.........<br />1. I apologize for not having filled out a profile prior to posting ----This I will do in the near future. I'm pretty wary of giving out more info than is necessary but I accept the idea that those that are willing to share some personal data have "earned" additional "legitimacy" in the sense that they are willing to stand behind (somewhat at least) their statements and comments. The only time in my life I have been wary of being identified is since I have come to use the internet. Because I sense this website is one that I can both use and contribute to I have decided to fill out a profile.<br />2. Without going into a wide discussion of "What is a US website and is the internet fairly well known to be international in nature?"--- I apologize for not identifying my local waters as Canadian. I actually made the assumption that lights like this would be illegal in ANY waters---- (except in emergencies.) As a lot of you probably know, NOTHING can come back to bite you quicker than making assumptions when involved in maritime activities.<br />3. And although I felt justified at the time in making my "Just like an American" comment (because of my Irish ancestry and the tongue lashing from saltwateranglin), I realize a couple of things now. The first is that my initial posting DOES sound like it comes from the kind of person you don't want to meet on the water and the second is that bashing someone for being American is using unfair stereotypes. So I apologize to saltwateranglin for that comment. (I actually hope we can see eye to eye someday on some issues)AND, I have actually been thinking quite positively about Americans lately because of the events of 9/11. I think Canadians need to continue to support the American people and make significant sacrifices to help to solve this horrible situation.<br /> Anyway, now that I've done some serious atoning I'd like to make a few additional comments. Hey BW17MT! (member 4545) Thank you for the support and the common sense. Common sense probably comes easy to someone with 50 years on the water but as you also know---it ain't that common! Hey suzukidave! (member 4355) If I'm up on the step I'm probably going 16-18 Knots anyway and my experience with thru-hull lights has shown them to be way too small and subject to burn out when plunged into cold water constantly. I'm thinking about a light that is considerably more powerful and as far as mounting it on my bow rail goes--I wasn't thinking of a remote controlled spotlight--more like a hard mounted high intensity narrow beam floodlight. (I've seen some killer lights on some American crab boats going by here) My bow rail is the forwardmost part of the boat and the inside steerin station looks out UNDERNEATH it so there would absolutely no reflection problem. Anyway Dave, thanx for your input--it's exactly what I was hoping to get and I know it takes effort to reply. Hey MGuckin! (member 2010) Nice name! just kidding but .....thanx for you comments too---I like the way you said "use a very, very, large light." I'm hoping to rig up a very POWERFUL light that actually isn't all that large. And maybe now is the time for me to mention that I would not use this light if/when it could hamper another vessel's ability to navigate. My commute route is crossways to the traffic flow and it's only a 10 minute blast across from beakwater to breakwater. (Unless its blowing more than 20 knots)(I would fabricate side shields also.) Another confession I have to make is that I haven't really toasted 3 legs--it's 3 propellers! (I have the Volvo Duoprop setup) The stainless wheels for my leg are about $1600.00 and I can't afford them. (yet)<br />So anyway, let me sum up the problem-----I live on one island and work on another island. If I can't figure out a way to get over there in the dark (winter light @ 50 38 N)I end up having to take a ferry that holds me back 1.5 hours---this results in me having to return by ferry late in the evening. So my work day ends up being 3 hours longer even though I have a $30,000 boat tied up 200' from my bed! One option is to idle across I guess but I have to admit I hope I don't have to do this. Probably burn more fuel running for 30-40 minutes too. <br />So thanx for the replies gentlemen--------and I'm still open for more suggestions and comments! Now I better go fill in my profile. Cheers!
