Tips to Increase Visibility:

In our observations, we were able to make some general conclusions about the products and have compiled a list of tips that can help visibility when operating a boat at night.

• Assure that all fixtures are working properly by checking prior to departure and replace any burned out bulbs. You should always carry a spare or two.
• Clean all light lenses with something soft once a season. Grime and insects can sometime build up on the inside too.
• Inspect lenses for fading, crazing, or cracks that might affect light output. Our eleven-year-old lenses were cloudy, reducing overall effectiveness.
• Replace any broken or faded lenses with new ones. This is a simple fix and it really makes a difference.
• Be certain light fixtures are mounted properly. The white stern light should be placed high enough so that it does not cause operator blindness.
• On average, LED lights were more visible than comparable incandescent fixtures. Although more expensive, LED lights draw less energy and have a much longer life expectancy.

Basic Requirements for Small Boats
In general, a boat is required to display navigational lights from sunset to sunrise and in or near areas of reduced visibility. While underway, no other lights may be displayed that could be confused for a navigation light.

For power boats under 12 meters (39 feet) the red and green sidelights (or combination red/green single fixture) must be visible for 1 nautical mile (NM) and the all ‘round white masthead light or stern light must have a visible range of 2 NM. This includes sailing vessels under power and motor sailing.

Boats larger than 12 meters but less than 20 meters (39-65 feet) have a 2 NM requirement for side lights, a 2 NM requirement for stern light and 3 NM requirement for masthead light. A sailboat under sail alone does not have the 3 NM requirement for the masthead light. At anchor, both power and sail less than 65 feet must have a 2 NM all ‘round white light. For an interactive lighting requirement diagram check out the Coast Guard’s Navigation Center.

Navigation lights should be used in all
times of restricted visibility, even at dusk
before the sun has set. This boat would be
easy to miss against the backlit trees if not
for its navigation lights, despite the all
'round light being obstructed.