I don't anchor the small boat(s) overnight but we do swing on our keelboat's ground tackle. That boat came with a non-working masthead anchor light and I havent climbed or paid for a rigger to go up the 45' stick to replace the bulb or fixture. Instead, we use a Davis Mega-Light Utility Light (LED). Although not USCG Approved specifically as an anchor light, it does meet the visibility requirement as an all-around white light visible for up to 2 miles (farther if using the supplied incandescent bulb). It plugs into the 12v ACC/lighter socket via an extension cable. I hoist it on the main halyard with a carabiner securing it to a two-line bridle clove hitched to port & stbd lifelines. It lights the foredeck, has a dusk/dawn sensor, and burns less than an amp overnight. It takes only a couple of minutes to rig it up (vs simply flipping the anchor light switch on the panel). I completely agree with the idea to illuminate the deck and cabintop (which puts it closer to the line of sight of the drunk nighttime powerboater), and the potential issue of an operator mis-identifying a masthead light as a star or planet. It also helps identify our boat in a crowded anchorage.
Rick Whitaker wrote a few persuasive points for the placement of the anchor light. There is only one undeniable reason to place the anchor light at the top of the mast; to create the only unobstructive view for viewing (under approach from a distance) the boat's location at anchorage. Otherwise I would recommend hanging a 12v light from the back stay midway up. First, the light refracts its light onto the deck for passing boats to identify your boat's location from the water line up for viewing while others maneuver the anchorage at night. 2.) 360 degree light solves the marine safety rules for a 360 degree light for the anchor light. If none of the above are able to incorporate your needs, use your steaming light with a quarter turn on the roller jib which catches the steaming light so others see your position in the anchorage.
My anchor light is a round 360 degree battery operated LED camping light that i clip on the jib stay and then tie to my bow line. Like David R. I like that it illuminates the cabin top and foredeck. It's cheap and easy to rig. I also like to avoid lighting the cockpit which i often sit in after dark, because I don't want to attract bugs there.
Rick we are in agreement, the msat light should not be placed at the top of the mast as a first choice. However, my first choice is not allowed by the CG; to use a white strobe light strobe with a five second pause flashing once every five seconds would be best.
My boat is 29'. When my masthead anchor light was non-functional, I raised a Luci Light up a spreader halyard. Technically illegal. But it seemed to do the job. Does the back stay idea meet legal rules?
I don't anchor the small boat(s) overnight but we do swing on our keelboat's ground tackle. That boat came with a non-working masthead anchor light and I havent climbed or paid for a rigger to go up the 45' stick to replace the bulb or fixture. Instead, we use a Davis Mega-Light Utility Light (LED). Although not USCG Approved specifically as an anchor light, it does meet the visibility requirement as an all-around white light visible for up to 2 miles (farther if using the supplied incandescent bulb). It plugs into the 12v ACC/lighter socket via an extension cable. I hoist it on the main halyard with a carabiner securing it to a two-line bridle clove hitched to port & stbd lifelines. It lights the foredeck, has a dusk/dawn sensor, and burns less than an amp overnight. It takes only a couple of minutes to rig it up (vs simply flipping the anchor light switch on the panel). I completely agree with the idea to illuminate the deck and cabintop (which puts it closer to the line of sight of the drunk nighttime powerboater), and the potential issue of an operator mis-identifying a masthead light as a star or planet. It also helps identify our boat in a crowded anchorage.
We used a hurricane lantern as an anchor light. No backstay, so hung from the boom on our Paceship 20.
Rick Whitaker wrote a few persuasive points for the placement of the anchor light. There is only one undeniable reason to place the anchor light at the top of the mast; to create the only unobstructive view for viewing (under approach from a distance) the boat's location at anchorage. Otherwise I would recommend hanging a 12v light from the back stay midway up. First, the light refracts its light onto the deck for passing boats to identify your boat's location from the water line up for viewing while others maneuver the anchorage at night. 2.) 360 degree light solves the marine safety rules for a 360 degree light for the anchor light. If none of the above are able to incorporate your needs, use your steaming light with a quarter turn on the roller jib which catches the steaming light so others see your position in the anchorage.
My anchor light is a round 360 degree battery operated LED camping light that i clip on the jib stay and then tie to my bow line. Like David R. I like that it illuminates the cabin top and foredeck. It's cheap and easy to rig. I also like to avoid lighting the cockpit which i often sit in after dark, because I don't want to attract bugs there.
Rick we are in agreement, the msat light should not be placed at the top of the mast as a first choice. However, my first choice is not allowed by the CG; to use a white strobe light strobe with a five second pause flashing once every five seconds would be best.
My Amphicar is no more, so this might be next.
Sea levels are rising. I NEED an amphibian. What coastal dweller doesn't? And more ramps to go with them!
My boat is 29'. When my masthead anchor light was non-functional, I raised a Luci Light up a spreader halyard. Technically illegal. But it seemed to do the job. Does the back stay idea meet legal rules?
On first sight, I thought this might be an AI generated fantasy. Still, it's kinda crazy.
😂