running light sailboats

Navigation Lights for Sailboats (And How To Read Them)

Last Updated by

Capt Chris German

June 15, 2022

Navigation lights on a sailboat can be confusing. If you understand the reason behind why they are the way they are however, they can make a lot more sense.

At their heart, sailboats are really just a power boat and as such must adhere to all power boat rules such as navigation lights. Other times however, a sailboat is classified in a special category. They have a set of additional lights they CAN show as an option, but are not always required to do so.

That’s about as clear as mud if you ask me and I contend that that is where the confusion about lighting a sailboat begins.

Just because you can show a light to identify yourself in times of low visibility, does not mean you have to and then we add in a little sibling rivalry between power and sail and things get downright adversarial when it comes to navigation and the night.

Table of contents

The USCG says You’re a Power Boat Whether You Like It or Not

Much to the consternation of many a sailor who has earned a commercial license to drive their sailboat, when you received your credential from the USCG it says you are a master of steam and power across the top with no mention of wind as a source of propulsion.

It is not until you read the back pages of your little red book that feels like a passport and looks like a US Sailing credential, that you will see the term “sail auxiliary”. That is because most of the time the U.S. Coast Guard knows that you are primarily reliant on your mechanical power to propel your vessel.

It's a sad thing, but the days of commercially viable sail boats are done and all but the most select few even have sails let alone use them as their primary power source. All sail boats by law are powerboats, but not all powerboats are sailboats.

Navigation Lights for a Power Boat

As a power boat, you are required to show certain lights and have been required to do so before power was even invented. 

In the days of man powered vessels like the viking ships who relied on oars while in close quarters to power their vessels, they needed to show other boats, friend or foe, where they were by showing lanterns in the dark to identify themselves. As you know, it is a time honored rule among all the nations of the world both past and present, that you must avoid a collision at all costs while at sea and even the viking knew that you should not run into things.

By lighting the front and back of your boat, you could warn other boats of your presence as well as identify which way you were heading. As such there is a very specific rule in the Code of Federal Regulations Number 46 (CFR46 by common name) that spells out with detail how many, the color, the luminosity or brightness, the angle of visibility and the location of all of the lights required for navigation on every single boat, seaplane, submarine and other nondescript vessel conceived by man to date that they must show while underway in reduced visibility.

And there is no flexibility in the rules.

As such a power boat, and by extension all sailboats, MUST, without question show one green light on the starboard bow and one red light on the port bow and one all around white light or lights while operating in reduced visibility. These lights should shine at all 360 degrees of visibility with the bow lights shining at an angle of dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam and the stern lights shining 225 degrees dead aft. A forward facing masthead light that is white in color shall shine forward to comply with the directive that all vessels must carry an all around white light. For more read here .

As you can see, there isn’t much wiggle room when it comes to lights that must be shown.

Sailboats get a little flexibility with lights

Sailboats however, are a little different when they are in fact sailboats, which is only when you are entirely reliant on the wind for power and in no way reliant on any mechanical or manual means of propulsion. And for good reason.

Back in the day when men were men and sailboats were wooden, fire was a major concern. Sails were coated with wax and other flammable substances and the wood on boats was saturated with oils and grease. Even the ropes were plant materials saturated with oils to keep them pliable and strong.

Add those highly flammable substances to a parching environment like the sea and you had what was essentially a giant floating tinderbox.

Then tell that giant floating tinderbox that they need to identify themselves to the world at large at night using oil lamps with flames because batteries and lights were not invented yet. It didn't take very long or very many ships burning to the water line for the Governments to say to the sailboats, you get to do things a little different.

As such, sailboats are given special dispensation when it comes to lights aloft. They don't have to show an all around white light in their rigging because no one wanted to set their rig on fire with oil lamps 60 feet up in their rig.

However, when a sailboat takes their sails down such as when they are powered or at anchor, they must resume the display of an all around white light or lights aloft. That became a real challenge with aluminum masts and the disappearance of rat lines on the shrouds because there was no easy way to climb the rig and check the bulbs up the mast on a regular basis. 

Red over Green Sailing Machine

I have no idea where the history of this particular light comes from, but if you ever take a deck exam with the USCG, you better remember this mnemonic. An all around red light over an all around green may be displayed on a vessel during times of reduced visibility to indicate that a vessel is operating under sail power alone. 

I won’t even speculate on how or why they came up with this particular light configuration, but if you want to use these lights as a sailing vessel, you can do so, but that means that you will need three all round lights at the top of your mast, an all around white, an all around red and an all around green, just in that order.

The red over green is to be displayed in addition to the running lights or the red and green bow lights with the 225 degree stern light. As always, when the motor comes on, so does the steaming light or the forward facing white light that is also usually about ¾ of the way up on your mast to complete the requirement of an all around white light that indicates a power vessel.

What is a “steaming light” and why are you mentioning it now?

Most sailboat electrical panels will have a switch that is labelled “steaming light” and it will only come on when your anchor light is off. This is probably the most confusing part of sailboat navigation lights so if you are confused about this, you're in good company as most people are. 

A “steaming” light is named thusly, going back to the days of steam powered sailboats where when they fired up their boilers and doused the sails, they became a power boat once again. There aren’t too many steam powered boats, let alone steam powered sailboats, but the name stuck and it is a vestige of a bygone era.

Either way, when you fire up your motor, you turn on your “steaming light” and that locks out the all around white light which is used for anchoring to minimize the number of switches on your panel and reduce the number of wires in your mast. The fewer wires, the less chance of something not working or becoming disconnected.

The steaming light and the anchor light both go up the mast, but you can’t use an all around white light while using the 225 degree stern light at the deck level because to other boaters you would look like you have two white lights from the stern and that would be confusing.

The anchor light is used exclusively for anchoring while the steaming light is used to indicate you are a power vessel while underway.

As to why I am mentioning it now in the article, is because this would have blown your mind if I started with this subject cause it can be really confusing stuff.

Aspect Recognition with Lights

Remember when I said earlier that lights can help you tell others which way you are heading as well as tell you which way other boats are heading? That is called the aspect of the vessel and the USCG tests you on this for your deck exam as well. 

Knowing that the bow lights go 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on both sides or 112.5 degrees on each side, and the stern light faces 225 degrees aft for a total of 360 degrees of visibility, you can tell a lot about where a boat is heading and who has the right of way.

One thing that's easy to remember is red means stop and if you see a vessel's red light, it means stop as you are the give way vessel and approaching the other vessel from his port side. Conversely it works with green as well as that means you are approaching from the other vessel's starboard side and you are the standon vessel.

If you see a red and green light equally low on the horizon, that means your heading dead on into another vessel's path and conversely if all you see is a white light low on the horizon, it means you are overtaking another vessel power or sail, we don’t care because it is an overtaking situation. However, any time you do see a white light aloft in addition to the red and green bow lights, you know you are encountering a power boat.

Then there are angular approaches as well, where you see white and red or white and green light low on the horizon. You know in that case you are seeing a portion of the bow lights and stern lights from the side approaches of a vessel. Based on which direction those lights are heading, you can deduce which way that boat is going in relation to your boat.

So put it all together and you see a green light and a white light low on the horizon with a red over green light aloft, you know that you are approaching a sailboat that is traveling to your port and that might make you the standon vessel. That is of course, if we didn’t concern ourselves with windward and leeward and port tacks and starboard tacks, but that is a discussion for another article. So stay tuned when we talk about sailing rules and the right of way. But for now, do good, have fun and sail far.

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Capt Chris German is a life long sailor and licensed captain who has taught thousands to sail over the last 20 years. In 2007, he founded a US Sailing-based community sailing school in Bridgeport, CT for inner city youth and families. When Hurricane Sandy forced him to abandon those efforts, he moved to North Carolina where he set out to share this love for broadcasting and sailing with a growing web-based television audience through The Charted Life Television Network.

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Boat Navigation Lights Rules: Illustrated Beginners Guide

When navigating at night, the lights on other boats are your first clue about the moving dangers around you. And your navigation lights are your first line of safety in avoiding collisions in the dark, and they tell others vessels what you are and what you are doing. The rules sound complex, but with a little understanding you can get the basics for any situation.

So what are the basic navigation light rules? For most small vessels, motoring requires red and green (port and starboard) lights, and a white light visible in all directions around the boat. This is almost always a stern light and a masthead light on sailboats. Boats under sail require port and starboard lights, and a white stern light. Sailboats below sixty-five feet may show a tricolor light at the masthead instead of side and stern lights when sailing.

That's it, in a nutshell. There's a little more to it, as the rules change with different sizes and there are some specifics about angles of display for the colors. Identifying other ships at sea requires more study, but the basics are the same. And it's not much trouble to make sure you've always got the proper lights on your vessel.

On this page:

What are the official colregs rules for your sailboat, what about the uscg (united states coast guard) rules, lighting at anchor, identifying the boats around you.

The International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea , abbreviated "COLREGS" is very specific about the lights required, their shapes and sizes, and the distance they must be visible. For the smaller boat, the following definitions apply.

• Masthead Light - a white light placed centerline on the boat showing an arc of 225 degrees with 112.5 degrees either side of the front of the vessel.
• Sidelights - A red light on the port side and a green light on the starboard. They must show an arc of 112.5 degrees from centerline of the bow.
• Stern light - A white light on the stern of the boat showing an unbroken arc of 135 degrees from centerline of the vessel.
• All-round light - A light showing in an unbroken arc of 360 degrees.

The good news is you need not measure these angles. Any properly installed USCG or COLREGS approved light which will cover the correct arcs. If you have to replace the original light from your boat, make sure it's with an approved replacement.

Lights When Sailing

The specific rules for a sailboat under sail are in COLREGS Rule 25 and vary slightly with the size of the boat. A sailboat powering is considered a power boat and falls under in Rule 23.

• Under 23 feet (7 meters) - side lights and a stern light, possible. If these lights can not be displayed a light must be kept at hand to help avoid a collision. This can be a bright flashlight.
• Over 23 feet - Side lights visible to one nautical mile and stern light visible for two.
• Vessels under 65 feet may combine both sidelights into a single lantern on the bow.
• May show a tricolor light on the masthead instead of sidelights and a stern light. It's one or the other though, do not show these lights at the same time .
• Masthead light must be visible for three nautical miles, all other lights must have a two nautical mile visibility.
• Side lights must be separated.
• May not show a masthead tricolor light.
• Masthead light must have five nautical mile visibility, all other lights must be visible for two nautical miles.
• Optional masthead lights - any vessel under sail may display a red light over a green light at the masthead with sidelights and stern light. The red over green may NOT be displayed with a masthead tricolor light. It's one set or the other.

Lights When Motoring

For all navigational purposes a sailboat under power is considered a power boat. This includes motor sailing - if the engine is on and providing propulsion you are on a power boat, even if the sails are up . This applies to navigation lighting, sound signals in fog and limited visibility, and rights of way.

Sailboats under 50 meters under power need to show:

• A masthead light
• Stern light

A power-driven vessel under 23 feet (7 meters) that does not exceed seven knots of speed may display an all around white light, though sidelights should be used if available.

The USCG has published its own "Rules of the Road" that are based on the COLREGS. In addition, it has rules for the "Inland Waterways" for rivers, inland lakes and the Great Lakes.

The good news is this has no impact on what you have to do with your own boat.

They mostly relate to lighting changes on towed vessels like barges and tugs. For example, a vessel towing or pushing another vessel in the ocean under COLREGS shows two masthead lights, sidelights and a stern light, whereas in Inland Waterways the towing or pushing vessel displays two yellow towing lights instead of a white stern light.

If you sail on lakes, rivers or the Great Lakes where towed commercial traffic is common you should learn the inland lights, but coastal or ocean sailors will never see these.

When you anchor outside a designated mooring field, you should display an all around white light at the masthead or as high in the boat as practical.

If your boat is large and has a very tall mast, you may wish to display another light closer to the waterline. Boats approaching in the dark may not see a light on a mast sixty or seventy feet in the air when they are close to your boat.

We use a simple garden path light on our stern when we anchor, left in a rod holder or flag socket. It comes on automatically at dusk and is a cheap and easy way to be more visible. There is no specific rule stating you can not display more lights than required, or the nature of any lights beyond the required all around light.

The COLREGS also specify that a round black "daymark" should be displayed in the rigging of any vessel at anchor. Very few small vessels observe this, however it is the correct display for a vessel in an anchorage.

If you tie to a mooring in a marked mooring area you are not required to display anchor lights, but there is no harm in doing so.

The other important reason to know your lights is to figure out what's going on around you at night. The water may be ablaze with white, red, green and other lights at night and they are your first key to avoiding collisions and problems.

All combinations of lights for fishing boats, commercial vessels, and so on are outside this post‘s scope. The odds are small you will encounter a submarine, seaplane or hovercraft at night, but there are regulations regarding specific lighting for each of those vessels!

There are a few fundamentals to help you figure out what that is you see on the horizon, which way it is going, and whether it is a danger to you.

Port Wine is Red

The fundamental rule is that red sidelights will ALWAYS be on the port side of a vessel, and green lights will always be on starboard. However, some vessels can use all around red and green lights for other purposes, though those will be higher than sidelights.

The light‘s on a ship is not important, some large tankers and freighters will have their sidelights far aft and put them on the superstructure for better visibility. It is not safe to assume that sidelights you can see are on the bow of large vessels .

When you can see the color, you know which way the bow is pointing. If it's red, it's pointing more or less to the left and will travel in that direction. A green light shows it is heading more or less to your right.

If you can see the red and green lights at the same time, you are looking directly at the bow of the vessel. When you are far away, this isn‘t as alarming as if you are close crossing. Seeing red and green lights together on a vessel is something you never want to see for long.

Be aware of red and green lights used in combination with other red, green and white lights. These may not be running lights and could have other significance.

Tankers, Freighters and Large Ships

Tankers, freighters and large ships will have side lights, a stern light and a masthead light. In addition, on vessels over 50 meters there will be a second masthead light further aft and higher than the forward light. The masthead light positions are a better tipoff to the bow direction and how far from the bow the sidelights might be. Remember - on a large vessel the sidelights may not be at the bow or even close to it.

USCG Inland Rules allow for a second all-around white light on large vessels on the Great Lakes instead of a second masthead light.

Fishing Boats

Fishing boats engaged in fishing will have more complex light displays. When they aren't fishing, they will show lights like any power vessel, but Rule 26 spells out light combinations that vary by the fishing activity being done. In general:

• Boats which are Trawling but not making headway will display a green all-around light over a white all-around light , and a masthead light aft of these lights. Boats making headway while trawling will show these lights, plus sidelights and a stern light.
• A vessel fishing other than trawling will show a red all-around light over a white all-around light . When making way they will also show sidelights and a stern light.
• If a vessel has gear more than 150 meters away from the boat, it will show a second all around light in the direction of the gear. The best rule is to give fishing boats as wide a berth as you can at night. They're easy to pick out if you check the top light configurations but their course may be difficult to predict.

Towing and Pushing

Towed vessels can be the most dangerous to cross, but they have the most lights to tell you what is happening. Refer to COLREGS or the USCG Rules of the Road Rule 24 for all combinations You can pick a tow/push vessel out with the following lights:

• Two or three masthead lights in a vertical line. Three masthead lights shows a tow over 200 meters. Additional masthead lights may show for larger tow vessels.
• A towing light (yellow light with the same characteristics as a stern light) directly above the stern light.
• The will also have side lights and a stern light.
• The towed vessel will show sidelights and a stern light. Lighting may vary under USCG inland rules, where towing lights may replace stern lights. Learn these differences if this is your regular cruising ground. If you think there is a tow ahead of you, always go well behind the aft most set of lights. Never go between a tow and avoid crossing ahead if possible as it may restrict their maneuverability.

Special Situations

There are several rare situations you may encounter. As a general rule, if there are a lot of lights and you don't understand them look for the sidelights on a moving vessel. If you can find them and figure out the direction it is moving, it makes the vessel easier to avoid. Stay well clear of lights you do not understand if you can avoid them without risk.

Most of these signals are used by larger, commercial vessels and you will not need them.

They use these light combinations with other light combinations. For example a towing vessel may also be restricted in maneuverability, and a vessel constrained by draft will show running lights if moving.

• Not Under Command - two all around red lights in a single line
• Restricted in Ability to Maneuver - red, white then red in a single line
• Constrained by draft - three all around red lights

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Navigation Lights: Hella and Aqua Signal Shine Brightest

Three of the four major light manufacturers serve up superlative lights-many lights even satisfied coast guard requirements at our engine-off test voltage. still, a variation of the golden rule applies: shine unto others as you would have them shine unto you..

Most boats, new or used, come with navigation lights installed-and that’s about all that we care about them until one of them fails. Sometimes the failure is in the light itself, sometimes in the wiring leading to it. The fix is usually simple enough to perform mechanically or electrically, but there’s an inconvenience factor that varies from minor to major, depending on where the failure occurs. If a light goes out on the bow pulpit or cabinside, it’s no big deal. If it goes out at the top of the mast, it’s a royal pain. After the first of these pains, you begin to pay more attention to how the lights are mounted and sealed against the elements, and how the wiring is led and protected from chafe and crimping. And you begin to consider the design, construction, and materials of the lights themselves.

The other occasional concern we have with these lights is how they actually perform. Again, most of the time we take them for granted-the waters are less crowded at night, tense crossing situations are relatively infrequent, and there’s usually plenty of time to study a developing situation and make a course change if necessary. In times like that, you might feel that you have your lights on just to obey the law, nothing more.

However, when you find yourself negotiating a busy harbor or channel at night, or the visibility isn’t what it could be, or you’re traveling along a shore twinkling with houselights and floodlights and car headlights and all sorts of other distractions, you instantly appreciate running lights that are clear and bright and that stand out against the background-and you wonder just how visible yours are to others.

There are minimal visibility requirements set by the US Coast Guard-see the sidebar on pages 8-9 for the basics. But note that there’s no rule prohibiting a boat from carrying bigger, better lights than those that satisfy the minimum, as long as they don’t shine so brightly or cause so much glare that they interfere with the helmsman’s vision.

Obviously, navigation lights exist to help prevent collisions. As such, they’re important pieces of safety gear. If you suspect the ones aboard your boat are feeble, either in form or function, consider replacing them. It’s to help with your decisions on that score that we’ve done this evaluation.

Light Basics The point of navigation lights underway is to show a 360-degree circle of light at all times, including red and green sidelights, each visible through 112.5 degrees, and a stern light, visible through 135 degrees to complete the circle. On boats under 20 meters, sidelights can be combined in one unit (a bi-color light).

Powerboats underway are required to show sidelights and 360 degrees of white light. The usual configuration is sidelights, a sternlight, and a masthead light. If the boat is under 12 meters in length, an all-round white light can be substituted. The all-round white light also serves as an anchor light, required from sunset to sunrise in areas that are not designated anchorages.

On a sailboat under 20 meters, all three lights can be combined in a tri-color light at the masthead, but only when sailing; under power, a sailboat must show a 360-degree circle of white light, either in an all-around light at the masthead, or in a combination of stern light plus a 225-degree masthead light. (The masthead light is confusingly named, since it’s rarely located at the top of the mast. Usually it’s about three-quarters of the way up. On powerboats it’s usually mounted on a short pole.)

We’re referring here to boats between 7 and 20 meters in length. There are variations on the rules outside that range, but we don’t have enough paper to cover them all.

What Was Tested The last time we tested navigation lights was in 1993-the results were published in the July 1 issue of that year. We evaluated 70 lights then, and as it turns out we looked at 70 lights this time around, too, although there were some variations-missing were lights from Wilcox-Crittenden, which no longer makes them, and Forespar’s ML2 combination masthead/deck light, recommended in ’93 and still on the market (which we forgot). Otherwise we collected all the lights in the major catalogs and chandleries, including individual and bi-color sidelights, tri-color lights, sternlights, masthead lights, and all-round white lights. The lights were represented by four manufacturers-Aqua Signal, Attwood, Hella Marine, and Perko.

How We Tested Our evaluations were simple: All the lights were mounted on pine planks and properly bedded and sealed. On a chilly October night with virtually unlimited visibility, we took the planks to a local beach parking lot with little ambient light around, and set them on sawhorses. With our observer (the keenest-eyed among us) anchored offshore at one nautical mile, we powered each light individually, and the observer called in his impressions via cell phone.

We had noted that the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), in their specs for the Intensity/Nominal Voltage Test for nav lights, says that the test fixture “shall be tested for its ability to meet minimum required luminous intensity… when operated at its intended nominal system voltage. This shall be a single reading at a point selected by the fixture manufacturer.”

That leaves the manufacturers quite a bit of wiggle room to balance bulb characteristics against input voltages in order to achieve their visibility requirements.

We decided to see how the lights would do in less forgiving circumstances. For power we used a truck-mounted 4-D deep-cycle marine battery monitored throughout the test at 12.4 volts-a standing voltage that would approximate power to the lights with the boat’s engine off and the supply battery in reasonably good shape, but with one or two other power demands being made on it at the same time-nav instruments and an interior light or two.

Obviously, with the engine running and an alternator output of 13 volts or more, the lights will shine brighter-so the ratings in our chart should be seen as pessimistic across the board.

After looking at all 70 lights and communicating his ratings at 1 nm, the observer moved out to 2 nm and the whole procedure was repeated. The planks were adjusted as necessary to give the observer the full proper view of each type of light. Occasionally it appeared to the testers on shore that the powered light was mounted close enough to its neighbor that it was picking up an extra reflection. In those cases they inserted a brown clipboard between the lights. It didn’t seem to make much difference.

After the visibility tests, all the lights were sprayed forcefully with a gardenhose and left to sit for two weeks. Then they were sprayed again and checked for continued function. All lights functioned fine after both inundations.

Finally, we studied the lights for quality of construction, mounting methods, and ease of maintenance. Comments on these topics are included in the main chart (see bottom).

We didn’t measure each lens for its required cuto-off angle (e.g. 112.5), reasoning that even if we were persnickety enough to find lights that were a degree or two off either way, such minor anomalies would be of little consequence on the water.

What We Found The chart provides specifics about the lights and our visibility tests. In general, we found that lights met the minimum visibility requirements at 1 mile, with the exception of two red sidelights-the Aqua Signal 22300-1 and the Attwood 3150R7.

Twenty-two lights, nine of which were rated at 2 nautical miles, were invisible at that distance and at our unforgiving voltage. Again, all lights must meet their Coast Guard requirements when powered at the test voltages allowed their manufacturers.

We should note that Hella Marine’s Model 62149 red sidelight, a 3-nm light, is rated to burn a 29-watt bulb at 13 volts, so it was unfairly underpowered in the test. Maybe it’s just for powerboats.

The fit and finish of the lights varied quite a bit, and those variations are often reflected in the price. Only one light, Perko’s Model 170BMD masthead/decklight combination arrived with an obvious flaw-a 4-mm separation in one side of the plastic housing.

A few lights were quite a bit brighter and more visible than the rest of the pack. Only five lights rated good at 2 nm: Aqua Signal’s 40100-1 bi-color light and 40400-1 masthead; Hella Marine’s 62208 stern light, 62206 masthead, and 6225 tri-color. (This tricolor was actually the most visible of all the lights in the test, scoring “excellent” at 1 nm and “good” at 2 nm.)

Some sidelights that were rated for only one nautical mile were still visible at two, even if they were only dimly seen at both distances. Those two achievements-overall brightness and staying power, were, to our minds, the top rating criteria.

See the big chart for further comments. See the recommendations box on page 5 for our picks by light type.

Navigation lights are easy to take for granted, but like so many other bits of safety and navigation gear on a boat, there may eventually come a time when they really need to shine.

Contacts- Attwood, 1016 N. Monroe St., Lowell, MI 49331; 616/897-9241. Hella Marine, 201 Kelly Dr., Peachtree City, GA 30269; 877/224-3552; www.hellana.com . Aqua Signal, 1125 Alexander Court, Cary IL, 60013; 847/639-6412. Perko, Inc., 16490 NW 13th Ave., Miami, FL 33169; 305/621-7525; www.perko.com/ .

Also With This Article Click here to view “Most Visible Lights.” Click here to view “Value Guide: Navigation Lights.” Click here to view “Light Rules.”

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These best boat navigation lights are what most boaters have on their marine vessels for safer and convenient boating trips. I use these bow lights for boat for secured and easy navigation during extreme weather conditions or poor visibility.

Unfortuntately, the links to additional information at the bottom of this article are broken. (Error 404 – not found) Any way to get them fixed?

This may not be the correct location to ask this question about Nav Light placement so please forgive me and direct me if need be. I am mounting a Tri-color light on top of my 26 ft mast. I presently have an under power, “steaming” light on the mast at 11 feet. COLREGS require this forward facing 225 degree white light to be at least 3′ 3″ ABOVE the forward “side markers/lights”. Where do I, or anyone else, mount the steaming light?

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sku: N1-360-CLRB-8

Ip67, uscg 3nm pedestal anchor light.

sku: NSS-USCG

Stainless steel led navigation lamps | uscg / ip67.

sku: N3-TRI-CMB

Smart led tri-color, anchor light, and strobe.

sku: N1-360-CLR

Led all-around anchor light.

sku: N1-112-RGN

Led bi-color navigation light.

sku: N2-112-PAIR-SE

Shark eye led navigation lights - stainless steel.

sku: N2-112-RGN-SS

Stainless steel bi-color led bow light | horizontal mount.

sku: N3-112-RGNW

Led navigation lights bow mounted bi-color - horizontal mount.

sku: N3-112-PAIRW

Led navigation side lights (pair) 12v/24v - horizontal mount.

sku: N2-PAIR-SS

Stainless steel port/starboard led running lights (pair).

sku: N1-112

Led port/starboard navigation side lights.

sku: N2-112-RGN-B

Economy series 25 led navigation light - bi-color bow port/starboard.

sku: N2-112-PAIR-B

Economy series 25 - port & starboard led navigation lights, sku: n3-135-clrw, uscg 2nm vertical mount led stern light.

sku: N1-225-CMB

Led masthead/foredeck combination light.

sku: N3-360-FLD-24

24" folding led anchor light | 2nm uscg approved, sku: n2-360-fld, folding all-round anchor light for boats < 20m.

sku: N2-135-CLR-B

Economy series 25 - led stern navigation light.

sku: N2-225-CMBB

Foredeck / steaming combination navigation light - economy series 25.

sku: N1-112-CMBB

Beneteau running light/deck light combo.

sku: N1-360-CLR-DD

Led anchor light with photocell sensor.

sku: FX-ML-01

Utility led anchor light w/ dusk to dawn photocell.

sku: N2-360-18

Economy led anchor light fixture with bulb.

sku: N4-360-AA

All-around led anchor light for sailboat mast - series 40 type <20m.

NavLight™ Series 1 USCG-Certified LED Anchor Light - Now on a Pedestal! This elegant, super bright, and efficient 3NM all-around anchor lamp meets the requirements for vessels up to 50 Meters in length. This lamp has all of the same specifications...

OUR NEWEST NAVIGATION LAMP FOR 2020 - STAINLESS STEEL WITH EASY MOUNTING! If you are looking for an easy and economical  LED replacement for your old Aqua Signal or similar navigation light, then this USCG approved LED navigation lamp from...

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NavLight™ Series 1 USCG-Certified LED Anchor Light. This elegant, super bright, and efficient 3NM all-around anchor lamp meets the requirements for vessels up to 50 Meters in length. This lamp is simple to install on the mast-top with the...

Marinebeam's USCG Certified LED NavLight™ Series 1 Bi-Color. Tired of changing bulbs and fixtures at the bow due to moisture, corrosion or wimpy output? This super-bright, sealed-for-life nav light is strong, IP-67 submersion-proof, and...

IP65 304 Stainless Steel Shark Eye Running Lights w/ Gasket An affordable, stainless steel LED replacement for standard shark eye style navigation lights. Featuring color coordinated LEDs, this fixture has user replaceable bulbs that will be brighter...

AN UNBELIEVABLE DEAL FOR OUR STAINLESS STEEL 12V LED NAVIGATION LIGHT. This is our version of a very common type small boat bi-color navigation light.  An LED navigation light fixture that is an easy replacement for many of the more expensive and...

Bi-Color LED Navigation Light 10-30VDC Horizontal Mount 2NM Our Marinebeam red/green running light is USCG certified for sail or power driven vessels up to 20M (65'). This IP67 LED lamp is fully-waterproof, high-output, and impact resistant. It mounts...

One pair of Marinebeam 12V/24V horizontal-mount 2NM LED navigation side lights (1 Port Side Red & 1 Starboard Side Green). Marinebeam LED running lights are USCG certified for sail or power driven vessels up to 20M (65') - suitable for OEM use...

Stainless Steel Sideboard LED Running Lights - Port and Starboard (Pair).  These economical LED navigation lights are made completely of stainless steel, with a polished outer finish.   Sleek tear-drop shape and low-profile give a classic...

Marinebeam's USCG Certified NavLight™ LED side light Marinebeam LED Sidelights are typically used in pairs, but they are sold separately. These 112.5° LED sidelights replace traditional red and green sideboard lights which are mounted on the...

Economy LED Bi-Color Bow-Mounted Navigation Running Light - Series 25 Style Our customers asked for a Series 25 type bow-mount bi-color LED running light to replace their existing sun-ravaged and crumbling factory-fit Aqua Signal navigation lights. They...

Economy LED Side Navigation Lights.  Pair (Port & Starboard) - Series 25 Style Priced per pair (Port & Starboard) Replace your tired old fixtures with super-bright and efficient LEDs. Our customers asked for a suitable replacement for...

Fully Waterproof and USCG-Certified LED 2NM Stern Light. This LED stern light is compact, affordable, and meets the USCG requirements for vessels up to 39 feet (12 meters). Perfect replacement for stern lights on vertical surfaces or transoms. Uses...

Our Most Recommended LED Masthead Steaming/Fore Deck Light! Our new 3NM LED Combination Masthead/Deck Light is certified to meet USCG/COLREG/CE & ABYC A16 requirements for vessels up to 20M. This lamp combines the mid-mast mounted masthead 3NM LED...

 24 Inch Folding All-Round LED Anchor Light - 360 Degree Fold Down USCG Certified LED Fixture WE WELCOME YOU TO COMPARE OUR LAMP'S FEATURES AND QUALITY TO FOLD DOWN ANCHOR LIGHTS COSTING TWO OR THREE TIMES AS MUCH (PERKO, HELLA, AQUA SIGNAL, ETC...

LEDs: (18) 2835 emitters Input Voltage: 10VDC - 30VDC Wattage: 2.3 Watts Amperage: 0.19A at 12VDC Beam Angle: 360° Color Temperature: 6,000°K (Cool White) Output: >2NM - 250 Lumens Mount...

Economy LED Stern Transom Mount Navigation Light - Series 25 Style A fantastic LED navigation lamp at fantastic price! Move up to the energy savings of LEDs, without paying an arm and a leg. Our customer's asked for a Series 25 type transom-mount stern...

Combination LED Masthead Steaming Light and Foredeck Light for Sailboat Masts Replaceable LEDs: 42mm Festoon (Steaming), MR16 (Foredeck) Input Voltage: 10 - 30VDC (Integrated Constant Current IC) Wattage: 1.2W Steaming...

This unique combination LED bi-color navigation and deck light is made especially for late model Beneteau Oceanis sailboats that currently have a mid-mast mounted red/green navigation light, but no deck light.  It features a USGC-Certified 2NM...

Marinebeam Navlight Series 1 Dusk-to-Dawn LED Anchor Light with Bracket This stationary mount dusk-to-dawn all-around anchor light is USCG Certified for 3NM, while only drawing 0.09A. Mounts easily to your mast or any surface where you need an automatic...

This super efficient light can be used as an anchor light or as a general utility/security light.  When hung from the boom or mast, the double-fresnel lens acts as an anchor light.  It also has a clear lens on top, which can be used for...

LED: 18-LED Bayonet Tower - BA15D/1142 - Cool White Input Voltage: 10 - 30VDC Wattage: 2.5W Beam Angle: 360° Color Temperature: 6,000°K (Cool White) Lumen Output: 300 Lumens, Cool White (LM79) Base...

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USCG Navigation Lights Requirements

• By Boating Staff
• Updated: November 2, 2017

Powerboats under 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length must have separate or combined red and green sidelights covering 112.5 degrees and visible for 1 nautical mile. The white masthead light must cover 225 degrees, be 1 meter above the sidelights and be visible for 2 nautical miles. The white stern light must cover 135 degrees and be visible for 2 nautical miles, or you can substitute one 360-degree all-around white light. For larger boats, the sidelights must be visible for 2 nautical miles and the masthead light for 3 nautical miles.

Click here for complete USCG Recreational Boating Regulations.

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Boat Lighting – Complete Guide to Navigation Lights

I was sitting in the garage the other day admiring my boat when I noticed the green navigation light on the side of the hull, and it dawned on me that I haven’t had the boat out after sunset yet. It also got me wondering about the different places I’d like to travel this summer and what it would be like to navigate in the dark if I had to.

In addition to the legally required lights, I highly recommend having a marine waterproof spotlight in your boat at all times ( this is the one I prefer, which you can buy on Amazon with tons of good reviews ). The little headlight on a boat is nowhere near bright enough to safely navigate if you get caught on the water at night. Trust me, it can save you thousands in boat repairs and a dangerous situation.

I wanted to make sure that I fully understood everything there was to know about navigation lights, so I did some online research. I’ve put together a complete guide of the information I found online talking about the different navigation lights and what I needed to know about them.

What Are Navigation Lights On a Boat?

Boats require specific lighting configuration when operating between sunset and sunrise, or at times when visibility is restricted such as when it’s raining or foggy. Navigation lights are used to help other boaters see you when visibility is reduced, and it allows you also to see the other boaters to avoid collisions.

Navigation lights are also used to communicate with the other boats sharing the water. For example, the navigation lights can tell another boater, what size your vessel is, and in which direction you are heading. This information can be used by the boat caption to determine what the appropriate course of action would be as you approach each other.

By law, the navigation lights come in specific colors; white, red, and green. Even the arc of the illuminated light, the range of visibility, and the location is all specific to what type of vessel you are operating.

Do not assume that your boat came with the appropriate lighting or equipment from the factory or showroom. It is your responsibility to make sure that your boat has the proper navigation lighting configuration before you head out on the water.

What Type Of Boats Requires Navigation Lights?

Basically, in a nutshell, all boats require navigation lights if you’ll be operating them between sunset and sunrise, or whenever visibility is reduced.

This goes for the following types of vessels:

• Motorized vessels
• Non-motorized vessels
• Sailing vessels (Operating under sails)
• Sailing vessels (Operating under motor power)
• Vessels engaged in fishing
• Vessels engaged in trawling
• Towing vessels
• Anchored vessels
• Human-powered vessels such as Rowboats (Kayaks and canoes)

What Lights Are Required On a Boat?

Boats are required to have navigation lights. Navigation lights are required whenever you are operating your vessel between sunset and sunrise, or during any other times when your visibility is restricted from elements such as fog or rain.

The type of lights required depends on the length of your vessel as well as if it’s a powered or non-powered vessel. But in general, all navigation lighting systems will consist of red and green sidelights, as well as one or more white lights. A red sidelight indicates the port side of the vessel, while a green light shows the starboard side of the vessel. The white light in most cases is called an all-around light, which means it can be seen from any angle by other boaters.

Another type of navigation light is a yellow light. A yellow light is not very common to see, but if you do happen to see one, it would mean that a  lead boat is towing another boat. 

It is your responsibility to make sure you have the proper navigation lighting. It is also recommended that you take spare bulbs with you. The USCG doesn’t care if the lights were working when you left, they only care that the lights are not working when they are required.

Lights Required For Power Vessels Underway:

A powered vessel includes all motorized boats, including sailboats that use a motor.

Vessel length: Under 12 meters (39.4 FT.) Lighting requirement:

• One all-around white light that is visible at 360 degrees, and can be seen from two miles away. The all-around white light must be mounted at least 39 inches above the side lights.
• A pair of red and green sidelights that are visible 112.5 degrees and can be seen at least one mile away.

Vessel length: 12 meters to 20 meters (39.4 FT. to 65.6 FT.)  Lighting requirement:

• A white masthead light located at the front of the boat, pointing in the direction you are traveling. This must be visible at 225 degrees and from two miles away. The masthead light must be positioned at least 8 feet above the gunnel.
• A white stern light located at the rear of the boat that is visible at 135 degrees and can be seen from 2 miles away.

Lights Required For Non-powered Vessels Underway:

A non-powered vessel includes sailing vessels and all other types of vessels that don’t have motors such as paddled, poled, or rowed.

Vessel length: Under 7 meters (23 FT.) Lighting requirement:

• You are required to display a white light that can be seen by other boats. White light could consist of a flashlight, torchlight, or lantern.
• If you can, it is recommended that you have an onboard 360-degree white light all-around set on the horizon, with a distance of at least two miles.

Vessel length: Over 7 meters (23 FT.)  – NEED 3 IMAGES Lighting requirement:

• A pair of red and green sidelights, that are visible 112.5 degrees and can be seen at least one mile away.
• Alternatively, for sailboats of that are over 7 meters in length, they can display what is called a tricolor light A tricolor light can only be used while the vessel is underway using sails alone and never while underway by power. This light should also never be used at the same time that the regular sidelights are on. Either the tricolor light or sidelights can be displayed, but never both.

Lights Required For Vessels At Anchor (Less Than 50 Meters):

This rule applies if you are anchored away from a designated area such as a marina.

Vessel length: 12 meters to 20 meters (39.4 FT. to 65.6 FT.) Lighting requirement:

• White all-around light is required to be used so you are visible to other ships that could be in the area.

Due to variances in state boating laws/regulations, NASBLA does not provide state-specific information. You may contact your state boating office for the most accurate information. Contact information can be found here: https://www.nasbla.org/about-nasbla/boating-contacts .

Understanding The Difference Between Port And Starboard Lights

While standing on the deck and facing the front of the ship, the left side is called the Port and the right side is called the Starboard. The port is always red , while the starboard is always green .

This information is crucial to understand if you ever find yourself trying to navigate the waters at night or while your visibility is limited. For example, if you are sailing towards another vessel, you will be able to tell if that vessel is heading towards you, or if it is heading away from you based on which side the green and red lights appear to you. 

If you see a red light coming towards you, that would mean the other boat is on your right, which means that boat would have the right of way. If you see a green light from an oncoming vessel than you would know that it’s on your left, which means you have the right of way.

When Should Navigation Lights Be Displayed On a Boat?

Navigation lights are required to be displayed in between sunset and sunrise, and anytime that visibility is restricted. For example, due to fog or rain.

Where Can You Buy Navigation Lights?

As discussed earlier, not all boats automatically come with the proper display of navigation lights. It is your responsibility to ensure that your boat has all of the proper equipment for your safety and the safety of others.

The prices for navigation lights will vary anywhere between $9.00 to $100.00 depending on what style and manufacturer you buy. You could even spend as much as $500.00 on some of the higher-end navigation lightings.  Be sure to shop around and take a look at what is available, to ensure that you are finding the best lights, at the best prices. 

Definitions

       All-Round Light:  White (32pt/ 360°)        Masthead Light:  White (20pt/ 225°)        Sidelights:  Red (10pt/ 112.5°) & Green (10pt/ 112.5°)        Stern Light:  White (12pt/ 135°)   

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Small-Boat Navigation Lights

Tektite's Navlite and Mark III

From Issue   December 2014

The Navlite includes port and starboard lights secured in a case that can be folded to provide a baffle between the lights. It also minimizes the glare for a kayaker looking over the foredeck.

O n the water, you may know who, what, and where you are, but after dusk, that may not be apparent to other boaters. Illuminating your presence becomes not only prudent, but US Coast Guard required. Small sailboats under 23′ “shall, if practicable,” display running lights to make your boat’s position and direction known. Small sail, row, and paddle boats must have “a white light that shall be exhibited in time to prevent collision.” I’d rather have running lights indicate my presence long before that time, especially in populous areas where an encounter at night with a speedboat is likely. Large vessels have lighting and electrical systems built in, but lighting for small craft is often hampered by short battery life, difficulty adapting to your boat’s configuration, lack of waterproofing, and impaired night vision.

The red and green lights can be removed from the case and displayed separately. The white light has a split ring secured to the webbing loop to provide an easier way to secure the light to a halyard or other line.

Tektite has addressed all these issues. The Navlite system is a well-made, rugged, and easy-to-operate set of side lights. The red/green lights are housed in a sturdy Cordura pouch with Velcro straps. Grommets and a webbing attachment point make the system quick to secure to kayak deck lines. The fabric housing is designed primarily for kayakers and rowing shells but the strap fittings on each light broaden the lights’ use on other small boats. An O-ring between lens and housing seals out water and a firm twist of the lens illuminates the lamp. Power is supplied by three AA alkaline batteries, offering a listed burn time of over 50 hours. The LED bulbs have a 10,000-hour life and use about one tenth the power of an incandescent bulb. A pair of LEDs in each light illuminate a 2″-long white plastic insert in the lens that radiates the light in all directions. The red light has white LEDs, the green light has green LEDs.

Each light has loops for 1″ webbing. The red port light here has been removed from the fabric case and set on the gunwale.

The Navlite’s brightness was quite good 100 yards down our dark driveway. I lashed the red lamp to a telephone pole on a straight country road, drove away about ¾ mile, and could still make out its glow. I took the Navlite and Tektite’s white Mark III 1-LED Chemical Lightstick Alternative along on a short cruise in my newly built 20′ open sailboat, UNA. When the sun set on our first day of sailing we were 2.5 hours from our anchorage. I tied the white light from the mizzen boom. I took the red and green lights out of the fabric housing and with 1″ webbing passed through the lights’ loops and secured them forward under the gunwales. The lights shone steadily and glistened across the water. After dusk, a tug pushing upriver was headed our way. I hailed him on the VHF and learned that he could make out our lights at a distance of 1.25 nautical miles. The wind died with the daylight and the oars came out. It was a comfort knowing that with my back turned to the bow these lights showed my presence. At anchor for the night I put the white light aloft on the main halyard. The light was still strong at daybreak.

Eddie Breeden grew up racing Moths and Lasers and has a bit of offshore sailing— Bermuda and Block Island—to his credit. A native Virginian, he’s an architect, married with 4 children. As an amateur boatbuilder he has built a Sooty Tern, an Eastport Pram, a cedar-strip kayak and a couple of skin-on-frame kayaks, all described on his blog, Lingering Lunacy .  His yawl, UNA, is the subject of the Reader Built Boat in this issue.

The Navlite, retailing for $59.95 and the Mark III 1-LED, for $19.95, are manufactured by Tektite .

Is there a product that might be useful for boatbuilding, cruising or shore-side camping that you’d like us to review? Please email your suggestions.

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LED running lights

• Thread starter Sandy Stone
• Start date Jan 25, 2015
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

Sandy Stone

I am considering replacing the bulbs on my running lights with LEDs, but I have read that replacing the narrow incandescent filament with a wider LED light source affects the cutoff angle of the light, resulting in (for instance) an oncoming boat seeing both a red and green bow light. Anybody have any experience with this?  

justsomeguy

Do you have a single-bulbed bi-color bow light fixture?  

Sandy, I did that in a Aquasignal 25 single bulb, bi-colour bow light. I got across from my slip,(100 feet in front of my slipped boat) and with the light on with original bulb, I noted where I could see the light from the side then noted where the color changed.. I noticed no visible difference in performance with the LED "bulb" except it was a little brighter.. This is what I used in warm white.. Must be warm white to correctly render the lens colors http://shop.ledwholesalers.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=43_45&product_id=73  

I wish all the people who "read" something like this would state their source. Otherwise, it's incorrect heresay. A source, please.  

These bicolor fixtures can tell you that there is an oncoming boat but do not pretend to be able to figure out their actual relative course with any certainty. For that reason I do not think a change in bulb brightness will make any difference. What I read out of these fixtures is that I have a warning of oncoming traffic and that I need to be alert. The lights can also provide me with an indication of the closing speed; I can judge if it is a sailboat approaching or a fast mover. I have always when dealing with fast moving boats made decisive changes in course to telegraph unequivocally which course I'm taking.  

The problem may arise when replacing a festoon style bulb which illuminates 360 degrees, with an LED. You have to make sure you get a round or 4 sided LED replacement, not the standard flat LED that only shines forward.  

If you have USCG approved fixtures and change the lamps they might not be approved any more and the manufacturer can wash their hands of them. I change fixtures for navigation lights and lamps in all other. I leave the original steaming light as the engine is running whenever it's on. I worry about liability on these types of items.  

billyt14607

Replacement Bulbs I have gone thru and replaced all my interior bulbs with LED, was able to find an automotive supplier that charges not much more than $1.00 each (they are actually just tail lights for cars). However on running lights after looking around and not finding a suitable replacement I also noticed how crazed the plastic lenses were for my original lights and then chose to replace them with new units I located online that I am very happy with and were reasonable in cost. As far as the Anchor lite you can check with West Marine I think they do sell "approved" LED replacement bulbs thought at a premium.  

I have an Aqua Signal single-bulb bi-color bow light, 25W bulb. The caution I referred to came from a user review on one of the suppliers' web sites - don't remember which.  

Sandy Stone said: I am considering replacing the bulbs on my running lights with LEDs,... Click to expand

It is not recommended using a white LED in a running light with colored lenses. It is recommended that you buy the appropriate colored LED. I converted my forward Aqua Signal running lights and had constant troubles with water intrusion. At $47.00 a bulb, that became a pretty expensive proposition. I bought the proper, sealed LED running light fixtures for slightly more than the bulbs were costing, and now we have cheap to operate (electrically), efficient and reliable running lights.  

Ron20324 said: I wish all the people who "read" something like this would state their source. Otherwise, it's incorrect heresay. A source, please. Click to expand

ok here is a pic of my LED nav lights taken 15 mins ago the anchor light id on along with the steaming and deck light and the bow lights red and green the all have leds in them even the deck light and the red and green are the color of the lines it shines through it was almost dark thirty at that time still a little light for the horizon this was taken with my i phone  

Attachments

Thanks for the replies everyone, especially for the link Kloudie. As it happens, we are planning on sailing some long distances at night, and the bow and stern running lights combined pull about 4 amps at present. Our interior overhead lights are fluorescent, kind of old school, but they work and don't pull a whole lot of juice.  

woodster said: ok here is a pic of my LED nav lights taken 15 mins ago the anchor light id on along with the steaming and deck light and the bow lights red and green the all have leds in them even the deck light and the red and green are the color of the lines it shines through it was almost dark thirty at that time still a little light for the horizon this was taken with my i phone Click to expand

capta said: It is not recommended using a white LED in a running light with colored lenses. It is recommended that you buy the appropriate colored LED. Click to expand

Ron20324 said: Depends on the lens. Normally you'd put a WHITE LED, not a COOL WHITE LED in a lens that used to have incandescent white. Cool white and color changes the color characterisicts of the red/green. Click to expand

capta said: It is not recommended using a white LED in a running light with colored lenses. It is recommended that you buy the appropriate colored LED. I converted my forward Aqua Signal running lights and had constant troubles with water intrusion. At $47.00 a bulb, that became a pretty expensive proposition. I bought the proper, sealed LED running light fixtures for slightly more than the bulbs were costing, and now we have cheap to operate (electrically), efficient and reliable running lights. Click to expand

The thing with the white is that in order to render the colors of the bi-color lens, the "color temperature" of the LED should be close to 3000 or so. These are normally "warm White" in color and are multi wavelength emitters.. the "cool white" bulbs emit more in the blue range and do not render the lens colors correctly. Coast Guard does not "approve" nav lights. They have a "performance standard" that the lights must hit or exceed to be called navigation lights. The standard lists visibility at distance and cutoff angles. If a bulb is at least as bright as the OEM one and the color is correct and the cutoff angles are correct, it is a navigation light. Specifically, if the light can be seen for 2 miles (for a vessel more than 12 meters long) or 1 mile (!) for a vessel less than 12 meters, the bulb is bright enough.. you can see a candle at a bit over one mile, so it doesn't take much brightness to meet the standard.. the cutoff angles for the red/green are 112 degrees from directly ahead.. There is always some overlap with bi-color lights in the dead ahead sector.  

Capt Thomas

Have replaced all nav and interior lights with led and could not be more pleased. Started with the anchor light, got tired of replacing bulb every year or less. Led has been in place now for five years and is brighter and draws less current. Capt Thomas  

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Marine Lighting - Bow Navigation Lights

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LED Navigation Light Adapter Plates

These are packaged as pairs. This will fit both Hardin & Livorsi navigation lights. These are adapter plates only, lights sold separately! Note:  This replaces 730-LEDNLAP.

Polished Stainless Steel Pop-up LED Bow Light

Polished Stainless Steel LED Pop-up Bow Light

These LED Pop-up bow lights are made of stainless steel. Simply pull up for night use, and keep flush during the day. Green and Red lights.

• Keeps deck free of protruding lights.
• Marine grade 316 stainless steel.
• Folds down flush when not in use.
• Same Cutout as 680-204M for easy upgrading
• USCG approved 2 nautical miles.
• NMMA type accepted.
• Meets 72 Colregs.
• Flange measures 5.3" Long by 3.5" Wide.
• Flange is longer and skinnier than 730-LEDPUBL.

INSTALLATION

Each light is supplied with a cut-outtemplate. Use the supplied template to make a cut-out where the light will go. Fasten with three #10 screws (not included).

680-211-MC Cup SOLD SEPARATELY

Plastic Undercover Cup For Stainless LED Pop-up Bow Lights

For use with 680-211-M, Pop-Up Bow Light.

The LED Pop-Up Bow Light houses both port and starboard navigation lights in one convenient housing. Folds down flush when closed, opens with the push of a button. LED lights draw very littler power and stay cool to the touch, approved by USCG. 2 nautical mile range. Optional waterproof cup is available for water runoff.

• Made of marine grade 316 stainless steel
• Folds down flush when closed
• USCG approved for 2 nautical miles
• LED Red and Green lights stay cool to the touch
• Optional waterproof cup for water run-off
• Flange measures 4.43" Long by 4" Wide
• Semi-Oval Shaped Flange is shorter and fatter than 211-M
• Same part as 210-M

LED Pop-up Bow Light Cup

Polished Stainless Steel Pop-up Bow Light

These Pop-up bow lights are made of stainless steel. Simply pull up for night use,and keep flush during the day. Green and Red lights.

• Uses a #78 bulb.
• USCG approved 1 nautical mile.
• Overall width is 3-1/2" and length is 5-1/2".

Plastic Undercover Cup For Stainless Pop-up Bow Lights

For use with 680-204-M, Pop-Up Bow Light.

Billet Pop-Up Bow Light Bezel

Billet Pop-Up Bow Light Bezel (Each)

This bezel is machined form 1/4" 6061-T6 billet aluminum. It is designed to fit the stainless steel pop-up bow lights #680-204-M and 680-211-M.  Available polished or in your choice of powder coated colors. Does not fit the LED Pop-Up Bow Light ( 730-LEDPUBL ) Fits: Pop-up LED bow light 680-211M  and Pop Light 680-204M

Side Mount Bow Lights

Side mount bow lights that are flush mounted in the hull of your boat. Sold in pairs. Measures 7-3/4" Long by 2-3/8" Tall. Light Fixture is 3" Deep

Suction Bow Light

These running lights are tested to meet or exceed A-16 standards and meet lawful requirements for inland and international waters when properly placed on your boat.

• Uses 4 AA batteries (not included)
• It floats and is waterproof
• Double o-ring seal
• Shock resistant rubber housing
• Rubber booted on/off switch

Attwood Pulsar Side Light Deck Mount Port - Red

"For use on boats up to 39.4' (12 m) in length, provides 1-mile visibility. Twist/bayonet lock design secures lens and cover to base. Includes an 8-watt wedge base lamp and 7" wire leads for connection to 12 VDC power supply. Install directly to deck with (2) #10 fasteners. Cover and lens conceal installation fasteners and seal out water. Lights are visible 112.5°. Size: 2-3/8" dia. x 1-7/16" vertical height."

Type: Port, Lens: Red, Housing: Black, Case: 6

Attwood Pulsar Side Light Deck Mount Starboard - Green

Type: Starboard, Lens: Green, Housing: Black, Case: 6

Attwood Pulsar Side Light, Raised Base, Green Lens

Pulsar Sidelight w/Raised Base, Green

• Twist/bayonet design secures lens and cover to base
• 7" wire leads connect to 12V power supply
• 3" high. Black housing
• Includes 9-watt wedge base lamp
• Sold individually, not as pairs

Type: Starboard, Lens: Green

Attwood Pulsar Side Light, Raised Base, Red Lens

Pulsar Sidelight w/Raised Base, Red

Type: Port, Lens: Red

Combination Bow Light Chr Zinc

Combination Bow Light Chrome Zinc

• Size: 2-7/8"L x 2-9/16"W x 1-1/2"H
• Die cast chrome zinc
• For replacement use only

BATTERY OPERATED LED PORTABLE NAV LIGHT KIT (ATTWOOD MARINE) - Attwood C-Clamp Mount Portable LED Nav Light Kit With Telescoping Pole, Gray (Uses 3-AAA Batteries Not Included)

Type: Telescoping Pole, Mount: C-Clamp, Color: Marine Gray

Be seen and be safe with these compact and portable LED navigation lights. All new portable navigation lights are more durable, easier to use, and include Attwood's strongest mounting and pole configurations. Ideal for personal water craft, camping, and hunting. Kit includes red/green LED bow light, white LED stern light, quick release mounts, pole, and hardware.

BATTERY OPERATED LED PORTABLE NAV LIGHT KIT (ATTWOOD MARINE) - Attwood C-Clamp Mount Portable LED Nav Light Kit With Threaded Pole, Camo (Uses 3-AAA Batteries Not Included)

Type: Threaded Pole, Mount: C-Clamp, Color: Real Tree ® Max-4 Camo

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• Boat Lights

Boat Navigation Lights

Portable LED Boat Bow Navigation Light w/ Suction Cup

Innovative Lighting Portable LED Boat Bow Navigation Light w/ Suction Cup This Portable LED Boat Bow Navigation Light w/ Suction Cup features molded brass threaded mounting bushings with shock resistant neoprene accents. Rated at 100,00 hours LED...

Attwood Frosted Globe All-Round Boat Navigation Light

Attwood Frosted Globe All-Round Boat Navigation Light This Attwood Frosted Globe All-Round Boat Navigation Light uses a standardized lamp that is commonly available in marine, auto, and convenience stores. It provides a 2-mile 360 degree...

Portable Clamp-On Boat Bow and Stern Lights

Attwood Portable Clamp-On Boat Bow and Stern Lights The Attwood Portable Clamp-On Boat Bow and Stern Lights feature a water-resistant, shatterproof polycarbonate lens. They are composed of shock-proof composite housing and have durable, portable LED...

Perko 36" All-Round Boat Navigation Light

Perko 36" All-Round Boat Navigation Light This Perko All-Round Boat Navigation Light helps preserve night vision and provides a reduced glare. With a black polymer top and collars, the amount of light wasted outside of the visibility zone is...

Portable LED Boat Bow Navigation Light For Inflatable

Innovative Lighting Portable LED Boat Bow Navigation Light For Inflatable This Portable LED Boat Bow Navigation Light For Inflatable uses 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs. It is fully buoyant and features shock resistant neoprene accents and...

Attwood Stainless Steel LED Boat Side Light

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Attwood Bi-Color Boat Navigation Light

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Perko Vertical Mount Boat Navigation Side Lights

Perko Stainless Steel Vertical Mount Boat Navigation Side Lights These Perko Vertical Mount Boat Navigation Side Lights are certified for use on sail or power driven vessels under 12 meters (39.4 ft) in length. They feature both red and green...

Stainless Steel Deck Mount LED Navigation Lights

Stainless Steel Deck Mount LED Navigation Sidelights Innovative Lighting's Stainless Steel Deck Mount LED Navigation Sidelights feature long-lasting LED lights that offer 50,000 hours of service light with a low energy draw. Each sidelight has a...

Perko Stainless Steel Boat Side Lights

Perko Stainless Steel Boat Side Lights These Perko Stainless Steel Boat Side Lights feature a black plastic base and a stainless steel top. Sold in pairs, they come with one Starboard (Green) light and one Port (Red) light. They also include a...

Attwood Bi-Color LED Boat Side Light

Attwood Bi-Color LED Boat Side Light This Attwood Bi-Color LED Boat Side Light features an anodized pole that raises the light head above the trolling motor, anchor or other equipment mounted to the bow. Being completely sealed and...

Perko Bi-Color Slant Boat Bow Light w/ Deck Mount

Perko Bi-Color Slant Boat Bow Light w/ Deck Mount This Perko Bi-Color Boat Bow Light w/ Deck Mount features a chrome plated zinc alloy top with a polymer base. It offers one mile of light visibility between 0° - 20° declination as well as a...

Attwood Vertical Boat Transom Navigation Light w/ Flush Mount

Attwood Vertical Boat Transom Navigation Light w/ Flush Mount This Attwood Vertical Boat Transom Navigation Light w/ Flush Mount features a translucent body made up of 304 stainless steel with a plastic body and watertight lamp socket. It provides...

Perko Combo Masthead Boat Navigation Light

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Attwood Anchor Masthead Boat Navigation Light

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Stainless Steel LED Bi-Color Boat Bow Navigation Light

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Attwood Bi-Color LED Boat Bow Light

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Sea Dog Flush Mount Boat Navigation Side Lights

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Portable LED Boat Bow Navigation Light w/ C-Clamp

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Perko "Classic" Combination Boat Bow Navigation Light

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Boat Navigation Lights: Safety with the flick of a switch

When visibility on the water is low, ensure that you have the right marine navigation lights installed from Wholesale Marine. From yachts, to cruisers, small boats, PWC's or even kayaks we offer a variety of portable navigation lights.

Boat stern lights offer a bright white light for visibility on the water. Stern lights come in a variety of mounting options, the two most common are a mounted fixed light or a drop in light on a pole. Boat side lights come in a starboard side (green) and port side (red) light. You can mount a separate light on either side or use a bi-color light that contains both. If your vessel meets the requirements you can always use a tri-color light that combines both stern and side lights.

The size of your vessel determines the United State Coast Guard navigation light requirements you must meet. The requirements are for either a main masthead or sternlight head with a pair of side lights. The lights are required to meet a certain nautical distance shine from dead ahead.

Boats that are less than 39.4’ (12 meters) require sidelights with visibility up to 1 nautical miles and a white stern light up to 2 nautical miles.

Boats that are less than 65.7’ (20 meters) require sidelights with visibility up to 2 nautical miles and a masthead light up to 3 nautical miles.

Boats over 65.7' and less than 164' (20 meters - 50 meters) require sidelights with visibility up to 2 nautical miles and a masthead light up to 5 nautical miles.

Whether you’re searching for bow lights or side lights, Wholesale Marine stocks trusted marine brands including Attwood ,  Perko Marine , and  Innovative Lighting . Find reliable boat navigation lights for every type of water vessel.

Marine Navigation Lights That Meet Requirements

Whether you’re piloting a small fishing boat or large power boat, trust that Wholesale Marine has the right boat navigation lights for you. As you are equipping your boat, it is important to be mindful of navigation light requirements for your style of boat. Power driven vessels are required to have a stern light , and either a pair of side lights or a bow light.

Perko Marine side lights such as the  Perko Vertical Mount Side Light are equipped with a red and green marine navigation lights. Gold plated contacts provide excellent conductivity while holding up against normal wear.

Depending on your application, you may opt-out of boat side lights in favor of a bi-color deck light. Bi-color deck lights like the Attwood Bi-Color Boat Navigation Light , function the same as a side light, but features red and green lights contained in a single unit. This bi-color dual side light offers a universal fit, sitting on a 14” straight 2-pin locking collar pole.

Increase your visibility on the water with the  Attwood LED All-Round Boat Stern Light . This boat stern light offers bright white light and is designed for 360° visibility on boats up to 39.4' in length. This marine navigation light is one of many that we stock that is US Coast Guard Approved for 2 nautical miles.

When your boat is anchored you are required to use a 360° anchor light that is visible up to 2 nautical miles. A perfect choice is the Attwood LED Anchor light . Constructed from enhanced 316 stainless steel and corrosion resistant alloys, this navigation light is designed to hold up. The powerful LED’s are rated for over 50,000 hours of use and produce a light bright enough to be seen up to 3 nautical miles away.

For ease of operation, we recommend Innovative Lighting’s Portable LED Stern Navigation Light . It features a suction cup mount that attaches virtually anywhere and its rugged construction is able to withstand even tough marine environments. Many of our portable navigation lights for boats use LED bulbs, which consume less power and have a longer service life than regular incandescent or halogen bulbs.

Choosing the Right Navigation Lights

Trying to decide between different boat light options? Our customer service team is composed of boat enthusiasts that are eager to offer real-world advice on the boat navigation lights. We would be more than happy to help you get the light best suited for your boat and boating activities. We’re here for you Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM EST at (877) 388-2628.

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The Best Battery Powered Navigation Lights for Boat, Canoe & Kayak

Written by J. Harvey / Fact checked by S. Numbers

Boat owners should know the vital role of navigation lights. These marine accessories provide visibility for other vessels to acknowledge your presence whether you’re moored or underway. They’re also a must-buy due to the mandate of local regulations and international laws. With these concerns, you can turn to battery powered boat lights.

The best battery powered navigation lights are dependable in providing your needs as well as being compliant with the laws. To ensure that you purchase them, take a look at these factors:

• Knowing the Application of Navigation Lights

Before everything else, you have to know very well the applications of battery operated nav lights. You should know what you’re up to before buying a light kit. For instance, kayak navigation lights are submersible while portable ones are dinghy navigation lights. With these details, you can perceive that the smaller the vessel, the smaller the lights should be. So, choose bigger lights for larger vessels.

• Depends on Your Boat Size

Another important factor that you have to look at when buying battery powered boat navigation lights is your boat size. Find something that fits your canoes, dinghies, rowboats, and inflatables.

• Light Color

What you can find in the market are bi-colored, tri-colored, and white lights. Apart from color varieties, there are also options whether the lights can be temporarily or permanently installed. Rest assured that all battery operated nav lights installation is a straightforward process. C-clamps, suction cups, and pole mounts are the usual parts for assembling them.

Color is not only for your boat’s appearance but to comply with the regulations. You have to select the recommended size and color for a specific boat navigation light. Running lights, stern lights, and bow lights come in different sizes, colors, and even forms.

• Great LED Lights

What sets LED lights apart from other types of light is the low draw of energy. Every boat owner will find it favorable as battery operated navigation lights are generally with LEDs.

After you take note of these features, you don’t have to spend a lot of time looking for excellent battery powered navigation light as they are listed below:

• Made for marine use
• Has camouflage color
• Versatile mounting equipment

• Pretty easy installation
• One-year warranty
• Spectacular brightness for safety

• Four-position switch toggles
• Waterproof and survives saltwater
• Comes with the necessary batteries

Table of Contents

1. attwood 14191-7 Clamp-On Boat Navigation Light

2. botepon marine boat bow lights, 3. bright eyes be-btlgt-gr-1 marine led boating lights, 4. shoreline marine portable clamp-on navigation light, 5. innovative lighting 560-1110-7 portable led bow light, 6. deals4you portable marine led boat lights, 7. aqua signal 27440-7 battery-powered led stern light, factors to consider when choosing battery powered navigation lights, what are the most trusted battery powered navigation light brands, what navigation lights are required for human-powered vessels, why are navigation lights red and green, top 7 battery powered navigation light reviews.

These clamp-on battery powered nav lights are perfect for my 14-foot Jon boat . I don’t have to deal with bad switches on navigation lights anymore! The visibility it creates at night is superb and it’s what every boat owner needs when going sailing, hunting, or fishing at night. I don’t have to hurry to go back home when the dark falls.

The LEDs in this navigation light kit do their job well. They guarantee my safety and they’re also the items for the observance of the regulations. With its brightness, no doubt that nearby boats can see me in the dark.

You can get a white LED stern light, LED bow lights in color red and green, poles, quick-release mounts, and pieces of hardware. Everything is pretty good, however, I just wish that the stern light was taller. Installation is a piece of cake but this part requires additional work. I think not everyone should do some modification.

The changes that I made were not complicated at all as the mounting equipment is versatile. You can be creative like me and mount it in many ways on small boats. I like how the clamp holds firmly, so I don’t have to worry about it. Additionally, it’s easy for me to add or remove the lights in its designated area.

• Has brightness that can create superb visibility at night
• Guarantees safety and observance of regulations
• Has versatile mounting equipment for modifications
• Clamps hold firmly but can be removed and attached easily
• Has camouflage color that is helpful for hunting
• The stern light needs to be taller for some

I’m happy and content with these portable boat running lights. They’re well-designed and functional with a one-year warranty. The brightness coming from this red and green light is spectacular as I can enjoy watching the moon at night with my kayak. I can be seen even from 0.6 miles away. Night outings and activities become fun because of them.

These are battery navigation lights that warrant my safety and compliance with water regulations. I don’t have to be afraid of getting run over by motorboats. Even bystanders who are hanging out along the bank can spot me. They’re great to use when sailing on small bodies of water. I placed them on the bow rails and you may also attach them on a cleat.

Whenever I’m out of the lake or river, occasional splashes of water are unavoidable. I’m glad that these lights still function despite those encounters. Initially, I have them as dinghy lights but I’m impressed with their abilities. Therefore, I even bought some of them for my main boat because they work wonderfully as a backup light. They can be a great helping hand when I go out with my fishing boat with their brightness.

• Well-designed and functional with a one-year warranty
• With spectacular brightness for safety and compliance to water regulations
• Can be attached on bow rails or cleat
• Doesn’t get damaged with splashes of water
• Can be used as backup lights with lighting modes
• May rust from saltwater

I salute these portable navigation light boats for promoting boat safety lighting solutions. When I found them, I knew right away that they were perfect for my inflatable pontoon. Nonetheless, they’re also great for kayaks, canoes, skeeters, and other small boats. Although these are tiny lights, the brightness is incredible!

They’re super bright, so they can show you the way in poor visibility, like when you’re night boating. With their brightness, they will pass as emergency lights. Sometime in the past, I met local marine police who congratulated me for correctly choosing and installing navigation lights. Hence, I owe these lights for not getting in trouble.

They’re effective portable navigation lights for small boats because they’re relatively waterproof. They had contact with saltwater but they remained functional. The LED lights are not only waterproof but the silicone sleeve as well for covering. They’re reliable as there’s a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee that every buyer can avail of.

I inserted the silicone loops on the 1 1/8 inches OD frame tubes in my pontoon. They’ll fit rails that have a diameter of around an inch or 1 ½ inches. However, my brother needs to put some 100 mph chrome tape as the lights become loose for his thin boat rails. They must be stable in facing the direction where the light should project.

• Promotes boat safety lighting solution with its brightness
• Can pass as navigation lights
• Relatively waterproof and survives saltwater
• Gives buyers a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee
• Has four-position switch toggles
• Needs to add 100 mph chrome tape when placed on boat rails below the one-inch diameter

The stern light in this kit did the trick. I adore the simplicity of clamping the light and inserting the batteries to obtain the illumination I need. Moreover, I don’t have to struggle to assemble wires and switches. There’s plenty of brightness coming from the LED lights. The light won’t run out of batteries all night as LEDs don’t draw much energy.

Thus, I don’t have inhibitions to go night fishing. I usually set off in the evening and continue until midnight or sometimes, early morning. During those periods, I can get a hefty catch. Also, the safety of everyone and my boat is guaranteed because of its brightness. Its abilities also adhere to the legal directives.

This boat stern light has a 24-inch pole mount which is the right height for my 20-foot pontoon boat. The available mounting hardware included in the kit can be transformed into different configurations. Because of this, these boat lights will fit any boat type. What only bothered me was the button that seemed to be made of hard plastic. It would be much better if it’s made of pliable rubber.

Since this light works in any boat, I didn’t hesitate to recommend it to my friends and family. My brother put it on his 12-foot aluminum Jon boat. He thanked me for introducing this light as it doesn’t rattle even though his boat has a single-cylinder outboard.

• Can simple clamp the light and insert the batteries
• Plenty of brightness
• For safety and legal directives
• The mounting hardware can be in different configurations
• Fit for any boat type
• Durable enough to stay in a marine environment
• The button could have been better in pliable rubber

This battery powered bow light is terrific as it has stayed with me for years! It’s a provider of sufficient low-setting light so I can go paddling and fishing in the evening or at night. You may even go water skiing with this in the dark. Favorably, I don’t need to drill or follow a process that can mess up the surface of my kayak. But it adheres well with solid brightness that ensures safety and observance of regulations.

It stands out among options of battery powered navigation lights for kayaks. However, it’s suitable for other small crafts like a canoe. It comes with a nice suction cup for straightforward installation and placement on the bow. But it needs to be on a flat surface and I was able to move it on the side. Another way to mount the cup is through the threaded brass insert.

To my surprise, it has some cords that I can link to the rigging if ever the suction cup fails, which never happened. Due to this concern, I added a lanyard so I could retrieve it quickly. The only thing that should be changed about this light is the on or off switch because the lip is slightly raised. I understand that they made it this way to prevent turning it on unintentionally, but it’s hard to do it when paddling.

• Can last for years
• The low light setting for safety and regulations
• Suitable for small craft
• With suction cup and cord for easy installation or placement
• Well-built and waterproof as it works even after being submerged
• The on or off switch has a slightly raised lip

I was first cynical about these battery operated boat lights, but the size is not the main factor in giving off the right amount of brightness. These 12V LED navigation lights are the perfect example. They can take on various roles, such as running lights and backup lights. Thus, fishing and boating at night can be safe and fun. Since my town requires red light and green light, they’re perfect for my needs, even for small vessels.

My kayak can be seen even from two miles away because of these battery operated boat navigation lights. The brightness is magnificent with three lighting modes which are solid brightness, slow blink, and strobe. They don’t only work as a small vessel or inflatable boat navigation lights since a set of these lights is good for a pair of paddles. They’re also useful in other outdoor activities like camping.

You’ll be amazed at how the battery lasts on these as it’s filled with LED light . They serve me for hours or throughout the night on my dinghy that is anchored with my sailboat. Since the batteries can last long, my friend also uses these lights on his rafts every night. You’ll find extra batteries from its package but I suggest that it’s better to buy quality ones.

• Can be running lights and backup lights
• Has magnificent brightness with three lighting modes that can be seen from 2 miles away
• Energy-saver as batteries can last for a long time
• Durable and waterproof to withstand rugged marine use and heavy salt air
• Buying better batteries than the free ones

This white light is much brighter than the stern light that I had before. It delivers the brightness that I need when paddling in the evening and night fishing with my kayak. The strong LED light is fantastic for marine use. Thus, I can be seen even from miles away. It can be an all-around light or a flashlight for power outages.

There are different mounting options available. I mounted it using the sophisticated suction cup to a dry, clean surface. A carabiner clip comes with it too. Some people even place this over their outboard motors as it doesn’t come off even when the boat moves at high speed.

If you are still wary of the suction cup, you can opt for the nice brass inserts and small set screws. These pieces of hardware are for the permanent installation of this wonderful battery powered boat stern light.

You can also customize the mount set-up to give way to your vessel’s structure. A mounting clip and several stainless screws are in the package to help you with the installation. But then, it’s inevitable that you may need other types of materials and parts. Boat owners who purchase some essential things didn’t complain since this stern light serves its purpose well.

• Bright and strong for marine use
• An all-around light that can be seen from miles away
• Can be mounted in different ways and even for customization
• The suction cup doesn’t come off even though the vessel moves at a high speed
• Not relatively bulky with a dependable pole
• Has good battery compartment
• Need to buy other types of materials and parts when customizing the mounting part

Battery powered navigation lights for boats come in several distinct ranges of visibility, an arc of illumination, and location. Variations of colors are also available. Here are their distinct forms.

• Masthead light

Boats operated with a motor or engine need a masthead light. It’s a white light that beams forward and creates an arc of 225 degrees. This has to be placed at least a meter apart and on the top of the sidelights. The acceptable range of its light is two nautical miles. It’s fine to not add this light on sail boats.

Navigation boating lights also stay on the boat’s left and right sides. Hence, the term, ‘sidelights’, came into existence. The green light is placed on the right while the red light is on the left. This pair of lights should go beyond one nautical mile and it’s most suited for boats that are up to 12 meters long. As you can see, it only offers a limited range of scope, which is not relevant to the needs of larger vessels.

• Stern Light

Stern light is the white light found at the stern or rear section of a vessel. With this, the vessels behind you can see you.

• All-around White Light

This is required for vessels that are less than 12 meters long and powered by an engine. The effect of this light is similar to combined masthead light and stern light. Once you have it, you’re visible from any direction.

There are several perks to take advantage of when you add excellent battery operated boat lights to pose as navigation lights. First of all, they’re convenient and practical to use because you don’t need to hardwire an electrical system. You can call it wireless boat navigation lights! Moreover, it’s reliable in times of emergencies like power outages and other unfortunate circumstances.

This type of light is generally uncomplicated to install, provided that you follow the instructions in the user manual. You don’t need the skills of an expert to put things in order. In most cases, you only need to clip or mount it effortlessly. They are also built with durable construction to last in a marine environment.

You can’t only get brightness from them but various colors that meet your needs or legal requirements. Thus, you remain seen despite dark areas or bad visibility. Safety and security are guaranteed when you have them in your boat. Controlling or operating them is super easy. They’re crafted as portable items that can be stored with no complications. In addition, it’s not a burden to take them everywhere you go.

Even though these battery powered lights offer several benefits, they come with an affordable price tag. It won’t be challenging for you to get the right size and color for your boat. Consequently, the case of battery replacement is the same. You can get them without trouble from stores. They can last as long as you work on caring and maintenance.

There are so many battery powered lights in the market, but only some are reliable in providing good service. To get your money’s worth, you can search for reputable brands. You won’t be sorry when you get battery operated navigation lights from Attwood, Bright Eyes, Shoreline Marine, Innovative, Lighting, Botepon Marine, Deals4you, and Aqua Signal.

These companies are recognized in the marine industry as producers of top-quality products. You don’t have to be bothered by issues when you use the lights that they’ve created.

Navigation lights won’t allow you to go astray in the dark. Every human-powered vessel needs a masthead light and stern light regarding this matter. They’re like a pair of safety lights when you go out at night, dawn, dusk, or with low visibility in the waters. Unlike powered vessels, you don’t need the starboard and port sidelights in the same color.

A white light that beams in various directions will be fine for human-powered vessels. However, you’ll need starboard and port lights when you maneuver a larger vessel.

• Starboard Side Light

It’s a green light that is always on the right or starboard side. The main role of this light is to let others be aware that you’re approaching. You can compare it with traffic lights as the green color also means go. Turning this green light on will make you obtain the right of way. Although you have it, you still need to be careful with your actions to prevent collisions and accidents.

• Port Side Light

On the other hand, the port side appears in red and it notifies other vessels that you intend to pass on the left side. You also place it on the left side and it has the same nature as traffic rules. When you see this light, you have to stop and give way to other boaters.

Do you ever wonder why there are red and green navigation lights on the vessel’s sides? As mentioned, these lights are not different from the traffic lights when it comes to meanings and significance. Red is about stopping and green is a go signal. Always remember that these colors have a permanent place on a boat. The red light is always on the left or the port while the green one is fixed on the right or the starboard.

The majority of the boaters prefer the port side when passing other vessels. When it happens, the red light needs to be flashed. Be mindful of flashing the green light as it means asking for the right of way. Upon seeing the green light from another, you have to prepare to give way.

You won’t regret investing in the best battery powered navigation lights as they can provide the much-needed illumination and service for a decent period. Crossing the waters at night, after sunset, and before sunrise is safe and easy because of their brightness. So, don’t forget to turn them on when you’re underway or your boat is moored.

“I am James Harvey – founder of Boating Basics Online. It is established with the drive to help out first-time boaters, which are those desiring to explore their way through the water. So if you are new to boating, start from here with me. “

Driver in suspected DUI crash that killed 2 children may have left Monroe County tavern earlier

B ERLIN TWP. — Police investigated and a community mourned Sunday, the morning after a car crashed into a boat club building where a birthday party was being held, killing two young siblings — ages 5 and 8 — and injuring more than a dozen other people.

A 66-year-old woman, whose name was not released, was driving the vehicle that crashed and was arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated causing death, a 15-year felony, and taken to the Monroe County Jail, authorities said. More criminal charges are expected, police said.

In addition, authorities said Verna’s Tavern in Newport, where the driver of the car may have been just before the crash, had been shut down and was under investigation. The bar was back in operation late Sunday morning when a Free Press reporter and a photographer stopped by.

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The Swan Boat Club — where the party was being held at 6332 Brancheau Road, about 30 minutes southwest of Detroit — posted on Facebook it would be closed Sunday, the result of the "terrible accident" with many injuries and much damage.

Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough’s voice quivered as he spoke to news media.

He appeared to hold back tears as he read a statement that described the scene after the car went through a wall at about 3 p.m. Saturday. It was, he said, "extremely chaotic and with high level of emotions of those directly involved and those who witnessed this horrific incident."

Goodnough said 15 people, including adults, were injured.

The vehicle, he said, slammed into the north wall, moving fast enough to go about 25 feet into the building until it stopped. A doorbell cam video posted online shows what appears to be an SUV speeding toward the boat club, go out of view blocked by a stand of trees, and then a cloud of dust suddenly coming from offscreen. People can then be seen rushing out of the building.

Multiple agencies scrambled to reach the scene and try to provide aid.

During the news conference, those listening let out an audible ― and heartbreaking — gasp as the sheriff identified the dead children as brother and sister. The 5-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister never had a chance to even get medical treatment. First responders pronounced them dead at the scene.

A GoFundMe fundraiser for the family, linked on the boat club's website , says the children's mother and older brother were also injured and remain hospitalized in critical condition.

The sheriff said that nine people, three of them children, were driven by ambulances and airlifted by two medical helicopters to area hospitals. As of late Saturday, they were facing serious, life-threatening injuries. Several other people, the sheriff added, were rushed away by nonemergency vehicles.

At the end of the news conference, the sheriff, in response to a reporter’s question, confirmed that the suspect may have been at Verna’s Tavern in Newport.

"We went in, we shut the business down," Goodnough added when pressed whether the tavern would be facing police scrutiny. "We are in the process of executing a search warrant for information as to the business conducted at that day."

A sign for the eatery describes it as "Home of the ½-pound Verna Burger" and a place for "good times & great friends since 1938."

After the crash, Goodnough said, investigators were working at the scene to process evidence, identify victims, interview witnesses and reunite family members separated in the sudden chaos of the deadly and tragic crash.

In a sad twist, the area where the tragedy unfolded has long been a place to enjoy life.

The boat club, which was started in the 1940s as a place for boating enthusiasts on Swan Creek to meet to play cards, have a beer and kickback, mostly during the hot summer months, has faced its share good and bad times over the years. It is just off Lake Erie.

The club, in its early years thrived, its website suggested .

The club history boasted of hosting "great regattas," "snow mobile races" and "famous chicken dinners," which it still offers. At one time, the club noted, its membership included Michigan’s Gov. G. Mennen (Soapy) Williams.

In the '70s, the website said its membership dropped to less than 50 members. But since then, the club — which now also offers dockage for more than 125 member boats up to 40 feet long — said its numbers have rebounded and was “sound and prosperous with a card-carrying membership of over 250!"

Names of the crash victims were not released.

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Driver in suspected DUI crash that killed 2 children may have left Monroe County tavern earlier

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How Ukraine is keeping the power grid running amidst war with Russia

Jenna McLaughlin

An international team found a creative solution to help keep Ukraine's lights on amidst Russian attacks. That same solution could help everyone from the military to commercial pilots.

ARI SHAPIRO, HOST:

From wars in Ukraine to the Mideast, modern militaries rely on GPS to guide missile strikes and drones. They're also messing with GPS signals to confuse their enemy. And it's not just warfighters who are impacted by electronic warfare. NPR's Jenna McLaughlin tells us more.

JENNA MCLAUGHLIN, BYLINE: Last spring, Joe Marshall was digging into a hearty meal at the Sundance Steakhouse (ph) in Palo Alto, Calif., when inspiration struck.

JOE MARSHALL: The whole thing was just one bit of dumb luck stacked on top of another. You know what I mean? Like...

MCLAUGHLIN: Marshall is a cybersecurity expert at Cisco, a top U.S. technology company. He was at that Sundance Steakhouse with a visiting delegation of Ukrainian energy officials. They were all with the government's main electric utility, Ukrenergo.

MARSHALL: So it was the entire Ukrenergo delegation, and they were literally just in town.

MCLAUGHLIN: It had been over two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Ukraine's power grid was being attacked relentlessly by bombs and cyberattacks alike. But those weren't the only problems with keeping the lights on.

MARSHALL: And they were just going through a litany of issues. And of course, the kinetic strikes were high on the list and, also, just indiscriminate bombing as well, right? And sort of sandwiched in between all of that, one of the executives said, you know, we can't even get reliable GPS time because of jamming and interference.

MCLAUGHLIN: Hold it right there. GPS - the thing we use to get driving directions - what could that have to do with the power lines? I spoke to Sergey Galagan, Ukrenergo's chief information officer, to get to the bottom of it.

SERGEY GALAGAN: The metering device just stopped sending right information.

MCLAUGHLIN: The metering device wasn't sending the right information. It's a complicated system, but here's how it works, Galagan says. Ukraine's power grid has a bunch of monitoring devices that help it know how much power to send and where at all times. They have to be synchronized. Linking them to GPS helps accomplish that. Losing that connection can mess everything up. To explain, Joe Marshall takes us back to high school.

MARSHALL: The metaphor I like to use is a marching band, right? But this Marching band is, you know, 25,000 kilometers long. The tubas cannot see the woodwinds. The trumpets cannot see the clarinets. But we need to make sure that everyone is stepping at the same time over an incredibly long distance. And, well, we probably need a clock to do that.

MCLAUGHLIN: Unfortunately, for this gigantic marching band which represents the Ukrainian power system, GPS jamming and interference is a major part of modern warfare. Both Russia and Ukraine do it. They use giant radio dishes to send out noisy signals to block the tracking technology. They do it to prevent their enemy from precisely targeting missiles and from piloting drones over the border. The fact that the power grid also relies on GPS - it's another casualty of war.

GALAGAN: So we are dealing with a thousand different problems and obstacles.

MCLAUGHLIN: Electronic warfare was one of many of Ukraine's problems, says Galagan. Sometimes they'd have to go outside and fix a bombed-out fiber-optic cable. Even at the office, they're ducking into underground shelters as missile sirens erupt, sometimes four or five times a day.

But GPS jamming disrupting the flow of power - this was one problem Joe Marshall became obsessed with. First, he suggested Ukraine buy a bunch of atomic clocks. They're a lot more resilient to interference, but they're also really expensive.

MARSHALL: I sort of did what I call the American hand-wave, right? Go buy the most expensive thing to fix your problem.

MCLAUGHLIN: He would have to be more creative and find something that was good enough and cheap enough to do the job in a war zone. Luckily, another team at Cisco had already developed what's called an industrial Ethernet switch.

MARSHALL: So inside of our industrial Ethernet switches, we have something called an oven-controlled crystal oscillator. The acronym is OCXO.

MCLAUGHLIN: Let's unpack that one a little bit. Put simply, inside most clocks are tiny little crystals, like quartz - pass an electric current through them, and they vibrate at a consistent rate. A crystal oscillator - bingo, you've got time. But if those crystals get too hot or cold or get damaged somehow, they don't work as well.

MARSHALL: And it turns out that our internal oscillators were already built to be ruggedized, right? And so it was - the answer was really sitting right in front of us the whole time.

MCLAUGHLIN: Within weeks, Marshall and his colleagues were working on prototypes.

MARSHALL: Some of our government partners were like, look, we've got a humanitarian aid flight already leaving. Get this to me in five days. You can hitch a ride with your prototypes. And one of the best days of my life was - it works.

MCLAUGHLIN: Within six months, the devices were embedded in Ukraine's grid.

GALAGAN: And it works right now.

MCLAUGHLIN: The whole problem demanded a lot of ingenuity. Here's Sergey Galagan again.

GALAGAN: Oh, yeah. We are pretty creative. So we do need, let's say, nonstandard solutions because, in other case, we lose the war.

MCLAUGHLIN: Otherwise they lose the war. It's life and death for Ukraine. But their discovery reveals a larger problem - overreliance on technology like GPS. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration - or the FAA - says GPS jamming in major conflicts is on the rise in places like Ukraine and Israel. That poses a major flight safety risk to commercial planes, they say.

And it gets worse. GPS jamming is one thing, but adversaries can also spoof GPS signals - make it seem like a plane or boat is somewhere completely different than where it actually is.

MARSHALL: That is a much more difficult problem to solve.

MCLAUGHLIN: Knowing Joe Marshall, he probably won't let that problem go either.

MARSHALL: It might be my next challenge. Who - at this point, who the heck knows?

MCLAUGHLIN: Jenna McLaughlin, NPR News.

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Light turnout, blurry controversy marks PA primary on election day in Bucks County

Amid light voter turnout and some controversy, Bucks County's party-line voters went to the polls to choose their candidates for the November election during Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary.

No one could complain about the weather, a jewel of a spring day, but some conservative Republicans were rankled by the official GOP sample ballot, which blurred the names of unendorsed candidates, including that of congressional candidate Mark Houck, presidential contender Nikki Haley (since withdrawn from the race), and AG candidate Craig Williams, a state representative from Delaware County.

"So much for sending them (Bucks County Republicans) a protest vote," said one GOP voter.

Pennsylvania primary results: Polls close in PA primary; Bucks County election results to come

Patricia Poprik, who chairs the Bucks County Republicans, said that the ballot is not an official state ballot, but solely reflects the county party's candidate endorsements.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

"This is not the first time we've blurred out names," she said, adding that the county GOP literature reflects the votes of committee people.

"Mark Houck got 11 votes out of 121," she said.

Houck's name was among those blurred out on the sample ballot handed to GOP voters on their way into the polls.

Houck, a conservative from Montgomery County running on a limited-government platform that supports Trump's bid for president at the top of the ticket, mounted a longshot campaign in Pennsylvania's First Congressional District against incumbent Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, who continues to tout his moderate stance and bi-partisan approach, for the party nomination.

Election stuff Haven't mailed your ballot back for Tuesday's PA primary? Here's how to still vote

"This is the work of the swampy creatures in our county," said Patricia DeBlasio, holding one of the GOP sample ballots as she handed them to voters at Tullytown Borough Hall on Main Street. "I just think it's wrong. If they got their signatures and they got on the ballot, show their names."

The blurred names didn't sit well with Houck supporter Paul Durle, who reacted by covering a Fitzpatrick lawn sign with a towel outside the polling place at St. Paul Episcopal Church in Falls. An armed county constable was called, who told Durple he couldn't do that.

"Am I ticked off? No," said Durle. "I'm a practicing Catholic, after all. I'm filled with joy."

But he wasn't happy in the moment.

"That's not democracy," he said, pointing to the blurred ballot names. "That's banana republic."

However, in the voting booth, the three names are visible and Republicans are free to vote for them.

The latest Incumbent Fitzpatrick leads challenger Houck in funding on primary day

Another feature of the primary election: far fewer Democrats arriving to cast votes than Republicans. Poll workers on both sides of the tickets is acknowledged this, and had the same explanation. Democrats long ago embraced no-excuse, mail-in voting, while Republicans haven't. That flip gives the Dems an advantage, they said.

There was also no real contest for the Democrats to vote on. President Joe Biden will easily take the party's nomination and the congressional candidate, Ashley Ehasz, was running unopposed. Only one state representative race in the county was opposed.

At the Bristol Township municipal building polling place, which is heavily Democratic in terms of voter registration, two GOP poll workers were alone amid a trickle of mostly Republican voters. There were just two campaign signs immediately outside the place — both for the GOP.

"The other side hasn't even set up a table to hand out ballots," a woman said. "Their votes are already in the bank."

But not all was gloom for disheartened Republicans, still skeptical of mail-in voting.

Dave McCormick , running a second time for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, pulled up in his campaign tour bus early Tuesday in front of Bensalem High School. Some GOP brass was on hand, including Mayor Joe DiGirolamo, state Sen. Frank Farry and former Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley, now president of Rosemont College.

McCormick was running unopposed for his party's bid and will face incumbent Sen. Bob Casey in November. Casey also ran unopposed Tuesday.

"I was in New Hope last night and had a great reception," said McCormick, as he made his way through well-wishers in the sun-drenched plaza in front of the school. "Every place I go, it feels like there's unity, that the party has come together to win."

JD Mullane can be reached at 215-949-5745 or at [email protected].

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Sam Hubbard Sheds Light on Offseason Ankle Surgery: 'Excited to be Back With The Guys'

Hubbard had a couple of things to fix.

• Author: Russ Heltman

In this story:

CINCINNATI —   Bengals  defensive end Sam Hubbard had more extensive surgery than previously reported this offseason as he winds down the final month of rehab.

Hubbard noted it was a TightRope and deltoid procedure to fully repair his injured ankle.

"There was a lot of instability (in the ankle) that we found out later," Hubbard said to reporters."Probably should have been fixed earlier, but you didn't know until we went in there and got the X-Ray."

The veteran decided to be there for his teammates amidst Joe Burrow's season-ending wrist injury.

"I kind of wanted to just be out there and was doing the best I could," Hubbard said about his choice to play through the pain. "I did want to burn that film from the back half of the year, but I'm going to get back to my old self. Got a long offseason of work ahead and I'm excited to be back with the guys."

Commitment like that has helped breed a fantastic  locker room  environment as Hubbard continues to be a catalyst for success on that front and on the field.

"Thankful that I made it out with no cartilage damage and stuff like that, but it's all fixed," Hubbard said.

Sam Hubbard “feeling really good” 3 months following deltoid repair in his right ankle. First surgery of any kind in his entire football career, high school, college or pro. pic.twitter.com/kGxpAtUyQ1 — Mike Petraglia (@Trags) April 22, 2024

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