Docking lights - from KDFWR - Surprise!!!

[jimih280]

which is more important, saving a life or temporarily having a light in your eyes? we meet cars all the time with lights directly in our eyes. if your eyes are adjusted to the dark, don't look directly at the docking lights. if you're driving your boat, the instrument panel lights will adjust your eyes so meeting another boat with docking lights won't blind you. i go fishing when i get a chance whether it's new moon or full. i've been fishing before when i couldn't see past the front of the boat. if i can't see safely in front of me, i'm turning on a light and i don't care who is offended. temporary blindness is better than permanent deadness.

[ranimated]

So for your own safety you are willing to endanger everyone in your path? While you CAN see, you may be causing 10 others to be UNABLE to see. Now if you turn them off for approaching boats, that's not a problem. But if you insist on endangering others by leaving them on as you pass other boats, then that is inconsiderate and selfish to the extreme.

[artcarney_agr]

This arguement is never going to end! Ha ha ha !!!!

Here's my overall outlook on it:

If you want to run with docking lights on to feel comfortable on the water at night, do it! But when another boat is approaching, just like meeting a car on the highway, politely dim the lights for a few seconds, and once passed, go right back to what you were doing! Simple as that. :)