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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Optimum running lights sought
Posted By: Dan
Date: Wednesday, 13 December 2000, at 10:08 p.m.
Hi All!
I've been reading with great interest the string about strobe lights and their appropriate use.... concensus seems to be "Yes" for emergency signal and "no" for running light/locating beacon. Given my fondness for paddling at night and being partially hearing impaired, I've been concerned about the best way to display a light to let other night waterway users know that I'm there. Not wanting to take my hearing aids for a swim in the event of a capsize, I never wear them in my kayak. Of course that diminished hearing ability allows the closer approach of a boat, before I hear it and can respond by showing a flashlight beam to the oncoming craft. By the same token, any fixed lights on the deck of my kayak are likely to be invisible to craft approaching me from a quarter where my body blocks the view of the light(s).
My idea is to build a small diameter "mast" from a section of fiberglass fishing rod stock (to be bungi-mounted on the deck behind the cockpit) which would hold the lights a foot or so higher than my head. Since they sit behind me, they would be less likely to destroy my night vision, but due to their higher position, would be less likely to be blocked from view by my own hulk. Ideas or suggestions, particularly from anyone familiar with legal requirements?
And now for the more embarrassing SOS: somebody please tell me (a new-comer to using bulletin boards), What does it mean when someone's posting on the BBS is followed by *NM* or *NT* ? Thanks!
Dan
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