lights required during the daytime?

[gpfishingdude]

The previous owner just replaced the decking on the pontoon boat we bought from him. He didn't replace the navigation lights. Is it legal to use the boat in the daytime before I hook up the navigation lights? I have never been checked for lights in the daytime. Only a fire extinguisher-whistle and life vests. I think Illinois requires a kill switch lanyard and strap down battery box now. I haven't heard if the fuel tank must be strapped down or not. I would think they would worry more about fuel tanks than batteries but maybe they figure the fuel tanks might float.

 

[Expidia]

Re: lights required during the daytime?

The previous owner just replaced the decking on the pontoon boat we bought from him. He didn't replace the navigation lights. Is it legal to use the boat in the daytime before I hook up the navigation lights? I have never been checked for lights in the daytime. Only a fire extinguisher-whistle and life vests. I think Illinois requires a kill switch lanyard and strap down battery box now. I haven't heard if the fuel tank must be strapped down or not. I would think they would worry more about fuel tanks than batteries but maybe they figure the fuel tanks might float.

I have never heard of any state requiring day time running lights on a boat. But Google it just to be sure.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: lights required during the daytime?

No lights required for day time running. But I would fix them before you go out, just in case for some unknown reason you get stuck till after dark.

 

[southkogs]

Re: lights required during the daytime?

If you needed to "just in case," you can buy some of the battery operated clamp-on types.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: lights required during the daytime?

Navigation lights are to be exhibited from sunrise to sunset when "restricted visibility" is encountered (fog, heavy rain, snow, etc.)

Rule 20 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

 

[roscoe]

Re: lights required during the daytime?

Its all listed very clearly in the regulation booklet they give you when you register the boat. It is also online at the IL gov site.

 

[5150abf]

Re: lights required during the daytime?

Good idea to get on your states DNR site and see exactly what is required on the boat, every state is a bit different.

 

[Mason78]

Re: lights required during the daytime?

I have been inspected and they did check my navigation lights. I did not have my anchor light with me at the time.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: lights required during the daytime?

carry the battery lights as suggested anyway. Plus they are a lot more durable.

I recall that boats over a certain length have to have hard-wired lights but I don't know if it's true.

 

[shrew]

Re: lights required during the daytime?

I believe that running lights are only required during daylight hours if there is fog.

 

[gpfishingdude]

Re: lights required during the daytime?

Its all listed very clearly in the regulation booklet they give you when you register the boat. It is also online at the IL gov site.

They gave you a book? All they gave me when I registered the other boat and trailer was a cardboard license plate for the trailer that I had to remove every time I launched the boat.
I should be able to wire in the running lights and get an anchor light long enough to try the boat out. If it floats alright and we are able to register it okay I will hard wire everything in. Thanks