Testing Procedures - True Colors

We set out to answer these simple questions – how well can you see the light at various distances? What factors played a role in a boat’s visibility?  And is there anything within reason that can be done to improve visibility so that others can see you and you can see them?

To carry out our test, we anchored a large power boat as our observation platform. Our test boat, a 22' center console power boat, had a combination red and green light mounted on the bow and an all 'round white light mounted on a 12" pole on top of the T-top. We outfitted each fixture with pin fittings so we could quickly connect and disconnect the various lights. We then moved the test boat ½ mile, 1 mile, 2 miles and 3 miles away from the observation boat and recorded feedback from the observers at each interval.

We evaluated each of the following products:

• The original lights that came standard with our eleven-year-old boat. Perko, bi-color $35.99. white $62.99 (The plastic lenses had an obvious weathered and slightly clouded look during a close-up visual inspection.)
• The original lights with new replacement lenses that cost about $15 for each fixture. Perko, bi-color $12.49, white $14.99
• A new single bulb LED light fixture Attwood, bi-color $52.99, white $96.98
• Two multiple bulb LED fixtures:
• Portable multiple bulb LED fixtures for both the bow and stern light – NaviLight, bi-color $49.99, white $49.99*
• Portable Navigation Lights for small boats less than 7 knots – Aqua Signal, bi-color $34.99, white $34.99**

*NaviLight portable lights require 3 "AAA" batteries. Not Coast Guard certified, but meets lighting requirements for boats under 12 meters (39’).

**AquaSignal portable lights require 4 "AA" batteries and are for use on crafts less than 7 meters (22 ft.) in length and a maximum speed of 7 knots (8 mph).