New docking lights

[Bfun220]

I was wondering if anyone knew if I put red and green bulbs in could I have them on while running ?
Would want to get a lower wattage bulb so as not to blind anyone. I'm not looking at doing this, was just wondering.

[AsLan7]

Not legal but great concept bfun220!

[Big Block Power]

I was wondering if anyone knew if I put red and green bulbs in could I have them on while running ?
Would want to get a lower wattage bulb so as not to blind anyone. I'm not looking at doing this, was just wondering.

I would ask the dnr but prob not. Maybe because it's below the rub rail? I right of the same thing. Would be good for Christmas in July parade though.

[AsLan7]

In PA, the definition alone being that they are docking lights (not navigation lights) makes them illegal for anything other than docking regardless of the color bulbs.

"(h) Docking lights. It is unlawful for a boat operator to use docking lights while underway except when docking and the boat is traveling at slow, no wake speed and is within 100 feet of approaching a dock, a mooring buoy or the shoreline."

Plus, using docking lights at night with the red and green bulbs can also create confusion on the water. Navigation lights need to have an arc range of 45 degrees. Docking lights would confuse the issue.


Great question though Bfun220. At first glance it seems to make sense. Then when researched, it becomes plain regarding the safety aspect of operating vessels at night.

Ironically, another issue is the use of red and green LED's on land which can also confuse operators at night. Boating commissions and patrols are trying to get the word out to property owner's on that subject as well for properties located on the shore front.
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[AsLan7]

Edit to above: 90 degrees on each side.
Higher math eludes me

[Bfun220]

I read through Wisconsin lighting requirements and I think if you did not have bow navigation light on and just the docking lights (red and green) with a white stern white this would be OK. I think the docking lights would meet the requirements for front navigation lights. Would I try this now the water ? No way, but I think it would be just far enough past the gray area to work.

[AsLan7]

I read through Wisconsin lighting requirements and I think if you did not have bow navigation light on and just the docking lights (red and green) with a white stern white this would be OK. I think the docking lights would meet the requirements for front navigation lights. Would I try this now the water ? No way, but I think it would be just far enough past the gray area to work.

You may have a case if the red and green lights used in the docking light sockets now nullify that definition as "docking lights" and transforms them into "navigation lights". Again, navigation (side) lights actually require 112.5 degree arc either side. Those docking lights will not give you that.

"Sidelights are red (port) and green (starboard) and shine from dead ahead to 112.5° aft on either side."

And you're right, T, that would be a hard sell to the officer if you already have navigation lights on the bow. Great discussion though.


Basic rules:

https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/ ... ight-Rules


You certainly do not want to have to explain yourself to the Coast Guard.
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[Bfun220]

I think I would be ok on wisconsin inland lakes not under fed. Regulations. I dont see 120 degree requirement in the state requirements . I think BB should try it and let me know how it goes.