Boat light rules....

[footloose]

I cant remember from my captains class if it is illegal to run additional non-standard lights on a vessel longer than 40 feet.

I like the clear plastic rope lights and am thinking of leaving them on my bow rail year round. I would only use them as courtesy lights at dock, on hook, and perhaps while tooling down the ICWW at idle speeds.

What are the rules - assuming I have the other red/green/white nav lights where they belong?

Thanks!

 

[CaptTom]

For the record, those red and green lights you see on the pointy ends of boats are actually the SIDE lights, placed there under a special exception to the rule for vessels less than 12 meters. Look at a larger boat, you'll see them on the side of the pilot house, or on the bridge wings.

 

[November Charlie]

Just make sure you're BEHIND the boat showing the 'Christmas Tree'....