Flags

[jmeirhofer]

I want to fly both a US Flag and Retired AF Flag(changed out with the MIA/POW flag on special occasion on my boat. Based on the length, I should fly a 20x30 flag. Problem is there is just no good place to mount them. The typical spot in the middle on the stern would have them in the way boarding at least at our home port as it would impede walking across the platform.

I have thought about putting them on each end of the radar arch. The problem is I have not seen any other boats with flags there. And I am concerned that 20x30 may be a bit large up there.

Any optinion? Like I really need to ask that

 

[Comogene]

John:

Your asked for opinions!

Recollection is that flag etiquette suggests 1" on the fly per 1' of boat length. That would put your U.S. Ensign at 44-48". Retired AF flag would be 5/8" on the fly per 1' of boat length or smaller.

My aft cabin with transom ladder has the pole located just to the right of the ladder. Admittedly, my aft deck may be higher than your transom, but the inconvenience to passengers on the platform is minimal. Location is actually quite common. USAF flag could go on bow staff.

I have seen flags flown from the arch. Mount a small pulley with an eye on the arch. Run a line through the pulley with clips on both ends and a cleat at the bottom to facilitate raising and lowering the flag. As I am sure you are aware, U.S. Ensign flies on starboard.

Have also seen U.S. Ensign centered on arch. Again, USAF flag at bow.

Gene

 

[jmeirhofer]

I had considered putting the AF flag at the bow. Putting the ensign on the back is not much of an option. As I said, it would be in the way when not underway. I have considered mounting it at the starboard corner. Since the grill is at port that would work. Just putting it in the center is really in the way.

 

[Sandy]

Off center never looks right. In your case, if you can't mount one at the center aft end of the overhead enclosure, it may be best to dock next to a neighboring boat with better flag potential and ceremoniously recite the pledge of allegiance at dawn and dusk with brass or serious percussion accompaniment then refreshing honorificments offered up after the latter.

 

[Good Grief]

You could fly the Ensign off the antenna on the arch (Stbd side of center - the place of honor), and add a shorter flagstaff equidistant from centerline on the port side for the other flags.

On ships (or boats), height of ensign isn't as imporant as location. "The National Ensign is flown aboard power boats from the stern staff except when it has a gaff, in which case the Ensign must fly from . . . the gaff when underway." (courtesy, USCGAux OpsPolMan). Most examples I've seen for a power boat show a stern staff for the ensign (center preferred, if not then to stbd acceptable), and other flag (not other Nation flag) from the antenna.

Ensure that, whatever size Ensign you get, the 'other' flags are the next size smaller.

 

[David M]

MHO. Put a small AF flag on the bow as a burgee underway or at anchor. I'm "assuming" (yeah I know it's a bad thing) the protrusion under the O in Trojan is a stop for the trunk lid. You could put a recessed flag holder centered on the trunk lid which from the picture appears to be between the O and the J in Trojan.

Chapter 5 gives you the Navy perspective.

http://www.cnic.navy.mil/navycni/groups/public/documents/document/cnicd_a076937.pdf

 

[jmeirhofer]

David - That burgee on the front is more the way I am leaning for the AF flag. The thing on the transom is a flag mount/rod holder. That is how I know it puts the flag in the way. It also gets in the way of fully opening the trunk. I have since removed it. I did consider mounting a recessed mount on the trunk lid but I am not sure this would take it out of the way. I am thinking some more experimentation is in order.

edit - I forgot to add that the main problem I am having is finding either a Retired AF or just a regular AF burgee.

 

[David M]

John.

Try a place named [EDIT to eliminate link] flagoutpost(dot)com

Drag out your 11th grade geometry book. Maybe if you mounted the flag 1/3 to 1/2 aft and down from the hinge, the problem of opening the trunk would be eliminated.

Of course when you raise the trunk with the flag in that position, there is always the possibility of poking your MIL's eye out while she is standing in the cockpit.

Ya gotta take the good with the good!

 

[Audrey II]

John as David mentioned my flag pole mounts to the center on the storage on the truck lid. The only problem is I have to be real careful not to raise the deck so high that the mount goes thru the transom. When I bought the boat the mount was there and the O has damage to the bottom I would assume do to rubbing when opening the truck. This set up works for me, I have never served so I have no reason to fly another flag if I did I would put it on the bow as suggested.