Test Background - Do You See What I See?

A nearly full moon presented more problems than expected when light reflected
off the rippling water causing observers to question what they were seeing.

The Findings test focused on observations relying on the naked eye and spoken commentary from our volunteer test subjects. Observers ranged in age from the mid-twenties to mid-fifties. One observer was color blind. All are boaters and have previous nighttime experiences on the water. Our tests were not vision tests per se, nor were they intended to specifically verify manufacturers’ claims. Rather, the tests focused primarily on visibility – more precisely, determining whether the lights could be easily recognized and identified at the distance for which they were intended.

On the night of our testing, we had calm sea and wind conditions, a nearly full moon, and good visibility. Ideal conditions for nighttime boating and one would think, for nighttime observations and testing. We found, however, that with such calm and clear conditions, running lights and navigational aids reflected off the water, literally causing us to see double at times. The moon cast light on the water, and its reflections were multiplied by ripples and boat wakes. The lights of houses, docks, bridges – even passing cars also further distracted our observers.

It is worth noting, however, that our observations may have been significantly different on a pitch black night—or out at sea.