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Posted: Sun May 08, 2011 1:42 pm
by mcrandall
I don't see a minimum height requirement for the steaming light. I think the Canadians have a munimum of 2.5 meters above the gunwales. Regardless, your spreaders are plenty above that requirement.

Geez, is this confusing. And not a nice clear description to be found.

Here's about the best I could find:
http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/revi ... info2c.htm

Posted: Sun May 08, 2011 5:03 pm
by mariner
Alanhod wrote:Okay I got it now.

Under Steam (motor), use the Steamer light, Under sail not steaming, no steamer light. Nice!

Thanks
Alan
Don't forget if you plan to sail at night you will need a red/green at the top of the mast.

Posted: Sun May 08, 2011 5:22 pm
by mcrandall
Beg to differ, Marineer! :( Unless I'm all bassackwards, my understanding is the red/green at the top of the mast is an option to the normal bow lights. Either is appropriate/legal.

Many folks here prefer the normal boat lights vice the mast top due to their visibility in close quarters. That is, more noticeable at eye (ish) level vice way overhead. (Think this was part of a Monday safety question a while back as well.)

Posted: Mon May 09, 2011 6:27 am
by TravisJ
If you look in the West Marine catalog, there is a full page of lighting requirements, which can also be seen here:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... ight-Rules

Notice the word "Either" for Under Sail. I tore this page out of my 2010 catalog and keep it on my boat for the next time the Game Warden decides to "pull me over" for not having a light on the top of my mast while under sail.

Posted: Mon May 09, 2011 3:55 pm
by mariner
mcrandall wrote:Beg to differ, Marineer! :( Unless I'm all bassackwards, my understanding is the red/green at the top of the mast is an option to the normal bow lights. Either is appropriate/legal.

Many folks here prefer the normal boat lights vice the mast top due to their visibility in close quarters. That is, more noticeable at eye (ish) level vice way overhead. (Think this was part of a Monday safety question a while back as well.)
You are correct sir!

Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 6:32 am
by tgentry
Better late than never, I hope. Here are the pictures of my deck-mast connector. It's a Hopkins trailer connector from Walmart, with fully potted pins.

Image

Image

Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 6:09 pm
by Alanhod
Double posted some how!

Thanks
Alan

Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 6:10 pm
by mcrandall
Thanks Tom!

I picked one up a week ago based on your description. Got a plan for making a pigtail to go into the connector that plugs therein. Will shoot pictures when I get it done!

Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 6:13 pm
by Alanhod
tgentry wrote:Better late than never, I hope. Here are the pictures of my deck-mast connector. It's a Hopkins trailer connector from Walmart, with fully potted pins.
To quote the bright yellow, bald headed, cartoon character, Homer Simpson, "Doe!"

Yea you already know it, I like your deck connector better than mine and it was the same price I paid for mine. I will stick with what I installed for now, "Doe!" But I will be thinking of this one instead. :shock:

I never even thought to go to Wally Worlds automotive section. I did think of trailer electrical connectors but I did not picture in my mind a deck or flush type mount that the trailer plugged into. I was thinking of 2 plugs at the end of both sets of wires and that just would not do.

Thanks
Alan

Posted: Mon May 16, 2011 6:45 pm
by lecker68
Re: tri color mast light note in the regulation either under sail but under power you need the bow lights.Tri color more comes into play for offshore where you need to be seen from a longer distance. I have one and will probably keep it in the box until I retire to use it and it was the right price FREE..