Legal nav lights on the Mac?

[FreeStyle]

If I understand the navigation lighting requirements correctly, we are to display a 360 degree white light when anchored in an area not specifically designated as an anchoring or mooring area. Does the anchor light on the M26 satisfy this requirement? It looks to be only about 220 – 260 degrees. My dealer says to use the stern white light to fill the gap however you cannot turn the stern light on without also turning on the red and green lights which of course is the wrong lighting configuration for anchoring.

The stern light could be diode isolated to come on when either the anchor or running light switch is on but we should not need a modification to make the boat legal. What am I missing here?

John

[DLT]

There is no anchor light on a stock .

The white-stern and red/green-bow light are required when moving at night, even under sail.

The light on the mast is a mast head light, which is supposed to be used when motoring, in addition to the other navigation lights (white-stern, red/green-bow).

I don't know of a reg that says you can't have the red/green bow light on, when anchored. But, I don't know the regs well enough to say that it ok either...

[Craig LaForce]

You need a 360 degree anchor light to anchor. I put one at the top of the mast, but prefer the light I put on a short pole on the stern rail of my X.
It also lights up the cockpit nicely, was easier to install, and you can easily verify that it is still on. It is very hard to see if the anchor light is lit on top of the mast.

Beware of the Davis mega light. some say it is an easy plug in anchor lite with low watt draw, but it is a little on the dim side, and specified as not CG approved. Then again, any light is better than nothing.

SOme use a light strapped to the forestay about head high. This was a very popular location if using a kerosene lantern.

[Night Sailor]

In addition to a necessary anchor light being added, if you are as some Mac owners, prone to strip all the sail hardware off the boat and use only as a power boat, then the standard stern light alone used while underway as a power boat with not mast, is not legal. Its too low. To be prepared for any occasion, you will need a four foot long pole on the stern to raise a 360 degree white light to a height of 1 meter higher than the highest part of the boat's superstructure (cabin). I did that with a removeable, hinged pole light from BassPro. I also put a double throw switch at the base of the mast so I can turn on the masthead light, or the anchor light at the mast top, (which is cool to light the windvane) or turn both off. I can leave it in either on position and turn it on or off from the helm also, along with the other nav lights.

[NiceAft]

When I anchor, I use an idea that I believe Moe posted once; Hoist a battery powered lantern up the halyard. I use a Coleman fluorescent lantern that uses 8 D batteries. It works well.

Ray

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

There is no legal anchor light provided on a Mac.

The forward facing mast light is for use when under way as a power boat. It is added to the green/red/white running lights. The running lights alone are used when under sail.

Many have added a true anchor light. The ideal location is at the top of the mast but many of us use a lower light. For years I have used a Davis Mega light hung from a halyard along the backstay. This year I added all around LED light on my makeshift radio mast so now I can just flip a switch.



I will say that after over 12 years of boating it's quite normal to see over half the boats in an anchorage without an anchor light. That's not a reason not to show one on your boat, but you won't be alone if you don't have one.

[mike uk]

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea stipulate as follows:-

When anchored you should display an all round white light. You may also illuminate the deck if wished. You should not display red or green when anchored.

There's nothing in the regulations about not needing to do this if in a "recognised anchorage". These requirements apply in all locations. I'm not saying everyone does - but if you don't, then you are in breach of the regulations (question to consider: does this invalidate your insurance?!)

All of the light configurations in the regulations are meant to be obeyed as defined and "no other lights shall be exhibited" (Rule 20b). So you should not switch everything on to improve your visibility - although if the circumstances dictated it, then I'd be sorely tempted to do this.

The above applies to boats between 7 metres and 50 metres in length ie a Mac.

Reading the regulations is admittedly tedious but there are some very useful quick reference cards sold in most marine equipment stores.

Mike

[James V]

There are local rules that change that. Some areas are diferent in the USA. In Florida, if an area is desiginated as an anchoring area then no anchor light is needed.

West marine has one that plugs into your 12v outlet

Suspends easily from boom, awning or grab rail to provide light for entertainment, work, or as a courtesy light while moored.

Includes a dual-function fresnel lens, visible for up to 2nm
Built in photo cell that automatically senses dusk and dawn
Uses 2 bayonet-style lamps, easily swap to meet your lighting needs
Heavy-duty 15' cord with 12V lighter plug and adjustable hanging bracket

Link

[Catigale]

Colregs also recognise differences between 'inland' and offshore operation, specifically with respect to the 'no light required in a recognised anchorage' area being applicable to inland operation IIRC.

Of course, Im not quite sure what a 'recognised offshore anchorage is' anyway..I suspect for 99 percent of this board the anchor light is not required where you cruise....the other one percent should study and satisfy the regs.

In Cuttyhunk pond, most everyone lit up, except for Paul and me, I think...they were attached to moorings. It was very pretty though.

[Terry]

OK I give up.....IIRC What does it mean? I keep seeing it pop up in different threads and am at a loss as to what it signifies.

[mike uk]

Someone else has already commented on the Davis "Mega Light".

Yes, it has 2 mile visibility but if you want to comply with the dreaded Col Regs, unfortunately it does not have the required brightness. That's why they call it a "Utility Light" rather than an "Anchor Light".

Mike

[Frank C]

If I Recall Correctly (IIRC, Terry), the correct phrase is "designated anchorage," in which NO anchor light is required. A quick look at any chart will reveal that designated anchorages abound along the US coasts.

REquired or not, I always hang the Megalight from the jib halyard, then pull it aloft on the backstay to about 12 ft over the cockpit (the cord length). It also illuminates the cockpit & deck too, but my objective is warding off the drunk Donzi driver at 2 am. For this very reason, I've never bothered to mount an anchor light at masthead ... too high for a drunk to see, IMO.

[FreeStyle]

Thanks for all the responses, looks like the bottom line is the M26 does not come stock with navigation lights that comply with the regulations for anchoring.

International rules do not have an exception for anchor lights in areas designated for anchoring. The Coast Guard pamphlet titled “Federal Requirements & Safety Tips for Recreational Boats” does indicate that on inland waters, for vessels less than 65.6 feet/20 meters in length the anchor light is not required “in a special anchorage designated by the Secretary of Transportation.”

So, I’m thinking that if I isolate the stern white light so that it and the mast light can be turned on at the same time I can satisfy the regulation. Failing that I could take some of the suggestions about running something up the mast or installing another light.

Thanks,

John

On Edit: In my original post I referred to the switch that controls the mast light as being labeled "anchor light". I was mistaken, the switch is labeled "mast light". I have deleted this reference.
John

[DLT]

So, I’m thinking that if I isolate the stern white light

I would hesitate to add complications...

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

My mast light is labeled just that, "Mast Light". Perhaps on the M they changed that to try and fudge their way through.

Any way you cut it, it's not an anchor light. It's the forward facing white light above the red and green required when under power.

I used the Davis light for years even though in the letter of the law it is not coast guard approved as an anchor light. My feeling is that it's better than no light at all.

My new LED not only is all around white and coast guard approved as an anchor light, but it also serves as the forward and aft facing white required when under power. Boats under 40' can use an all around instead of the separate forward and stern light.

This let's me meet the requirements when I am out as a power boat without the mast. I simply cover the stern white light. Turn on the running lights and the all around.

Plus the LED has a super low current draw so running down the battery is no problem when left on all night