need help with boating rules in new england area, salt water

[potatoe]

when you are out at night, in your boat. do you need to have a front and back light? or is the front nose green/red light enough for the patrol to keep off my back?i have an 18 ft bowrider, and currently front light only is working, and im new to the saltwater. my rear light will be working soon, but i dont want it to stop me on the 4th to go out for fireworks. thanks

 

[jigngrub]

Re: need help with boating rules in new england area, salt water

Both front and rear need to be operational to be legal when under power, and the rear light only when at anchor.

You can buy a battery operated (2 D cell batteries) anchor/all around light at most sporting goods stores that will make you legal.

 

[high'n'dry]

Re: need help with boating rules in new england area, salt water

Both lights must ABSOLUTELY be working and if not you will be busted and ticketed is my bet.

JR

 

[NYBo]

Re: need help with boating rules in new england area, salt water

The previous two replies are correct. You also have to consider the safety factor: there are likely to be a lot of boats out there for the fireworks. Operational navigation lights are a must.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: need help with boating rules in new england area, salt water

This ism going to sound harsh, but if you even have to ask this question, you have NO business being out there.

What you need to do is take a proctored Boating Safety Class, ask questions of the instructors and then come back on Iboats and answer questions for other newbies.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: need help with boating rules in new england area, salt water

This ism going to sound harsh, but if you even have to ask this question, you have NO business being out there.

What you need to do is take a proctored Boating Safety Class, ask questions of the instructors and then come back on Iboats and answer questions for other newbies.

Yeah, I started to say something about this being an elementary rule and the OP should at least read or reread the boating regs for the waters he boats in... but I thought I'd let someone else break the ice first.

Thanks Bob

 

[blifsey]

Re: need help with boating rules in new england area, salt water

As already stated both and it doesn't matter what part of country or type of water you are on. Also, if you get one of the battery powered ones, make sure it is tall enough to be seen from all around the boat, i.e. not blocked by console or something.