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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: Optimum running lights sought
Posted By: Robert Woodard In Response To: Optimum running lights sought (Dan)
Date: Friday, 30 July 2004, at 9:10 p.m.
Just to add my 2 cents to this hot topic:
Thanks to Mike for keeping the rules straight. I've paddled in various light configurations over the years and had various 'real world' results.
1) Paddling with a single white light on the PFD or attached to the deck draws attention from other boaters. Besides being wrong as Mike pointed out, on numerous occasions when I paddled like that I had boats come in close to try and figure out what the bobbing light was all about.
2) The single flashlight works well, but I've had some CG aux folks tell me my flashlight wasn't bright enough (this was prior to my current flashlight). By paddling 'dark', in uncongested waters I usually passed unnoticed and without drawing attention. The flashlight would warn other boats away, but boaters often came in closer to check me out once they noticed my flashlight. In today's post 9/11 world, paddling 'dark' is probably not a good idea. I now carry a 6 volt (floating) flashlight which is good for warning off boaters and can light up reflective signs from a long distance.
3) My current paddling lights are red/green lights on the bow - those temporary LED ones that someone posted a link to. For the white stern light I just dangle my white light off the back of my PFD. It is only visible from the rear (not 360 degrees), but doesn't meet the angle requirements required by the USCG. My experience with this setup is it makes me appear more like a boat, and boaters don't come in close just to check me out any more. I also carry that big flashlight I mentioned earlier - it is still a great thing to have if I'm worried someone might not see me, or I need to light up the shore or channel marker to get my bearings. Of course, this setup is only if I PLAN to be out after dark. If I get caught late getting back, then the big flashlight is all I use. The monster flashlight seems to do a better job of keeping boats from coming in close to check me out.
I don't paddle in harbor-like congestion, but do paddle at night on waters near Washington DC. Channel 'crossings' are pretty well limited to approach channels to marinas or creek channels and take only a few paddle strokes to cross.
It is important for everyone to realize that those temporary red/green lights don't meet USGC requirements either. The rules specify the angle of the light emitted (to include the stern white light). If someone would market the 'correct' lights (preferabbly long battery life LEDs, although the rules also specify minimum brightness) with a kayak in mind as for mounting and ability to turn on/off from the cockpit, they'd make a fortune... Think how much simpler this thread would be if you could just say "Go buy Mike's kayak marker lights - they are the only lights on the market made for a kayak that meet the rules"
Woody
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