Head Lights on Boats

[bassmaster]

Hey guys, I've drank a beer or two and then drove my car. I'm sure there's been a time or two where I might have had just a little bit too many and shouldn't have driven. But I got away with it. So screw you guys and your families. I'm going to keep doing it so that I don't have to pay a taxi or leave my car at some bar. There's no telling how many ugly women I would have spent the night with if it wasn't for my drunk driving.

Isn't that what you guys are saying?

You can't be serious? Comparing driving your boat at night with spotlights and headlights to drinking and driving? I'm sure most would agree, how many drunken drivers kill or injure innocent lives each year? How many boating accidents are directly attributed to spotlights or headlights? NO comparison. Not that this is the place or time to argue drunks but you brought it up. I don't shine my spotlight on another boat just as many on here have stated. I have no problems with someone even "shining" me as long as it only for a second to find their way safely. If someone shines a light on you, then shutdown and get out of the way, for your "families safety". I do what I can to keep my family safe in those situations and I'm not gonna count on the other guy to be sober, or not, or to operate his boat safe or not. My point is these two issues are not related (analogy or not) in anyway shape or form. I have had experiences in the past with both of these issues, a mom who was killed by a drunk driver and a near tragic boat accident by boaters (almost ran over us if not for a large stickup) who were both drunk and not using a light to run on Herrington. My partner and I hauled these folks in as there boat sank from a large tear down the side from a stickup which is very common on Herrington. Let's all keep it safe.
Good discussion but poor analogy,
Tim Lane
bassmaster

[creeker]

I only drive drunk a little bit and you only use your lights a little bit. Either way we're both breaking the law, right? Are you vindicated because the law you broke is "less" of a law? And while you might say it a little more eloquently, you really are saying "screw you guys, I don't care about you, its only about me and my stuff". Isn't that pretty much what a drunk driver is saying too?

[the_donger]

I do not think the analogy is comparing which one is worse. The way I understood it, is all laws are equal and should be obeyed. People driving with headlights on on their boat are still endangering lives. Period. Where do you draw the line when breaking laws?

Like I said, it wil not get through to many people.

[bassmaster]

I do not think the analogy is comparing which one is worse. The way I understood it, is all laws are equal and should be obeyed. People driving with headlights on on their boat are still endangering lives. Period. Where do you draw the line when breaking laws?

Like I said, it wil not get through to many people.

Huh? I didn't say that it was comparing which is worse. Someone innocent getting killed by either is not any better or worse than the other. Comparing drinking and driving deaths and injuries to blinded boaters injuries or deaths...I would like to see the stats? I agree all laws should be obeyed. Stealing worse than murder? Endangering lives with headlights? Then let's take 'em off cars. Your argument makes no sense, tell me how headlights or spotlights endanger lives, if you can then we must take them off of our trucks and cars. How many times have you met someone who didn't dim their lights? I bet you flashed 'em back. Show me the law that says spotlights are illegal, headlights I'm not sure about, but spotlights? So let's all run with no spotlights or headlights and this is safer how? You are right about one thing Donger, I don't get the argument that spolights and headlights endanger peoples lives. However, if it's against the law to use them, you are correct in the fact that it's no better than one being drunk and having poor reaction time. I read the statistics the other day about the thousands of innocent lives lost or affected by running our spotlights and the many lives affected by drunken drivers who blinded their victims with headlights (this is sarcasm). If I have offended or blinded anyone in this post or on the lake at night, I apologize and it won't happen again. I'll point my light down only a few yards in front of my boat, like usual, to keep from hitting logs or maybe even boats who don't have on any lights (seen this many times as we al have). It's not illegal to drink in most places, just illegal to be drunk and drive. Just as it should be legal to operate a baot at night with lights to see where we're going....both case need the same attention...which would be to use the best judgement for the safety of all.
bassmaster

[gizzard shad]

This topic sure has gotten a lot repsonses, - but nobody has been able to show me where in the boating regulations that it states it illegal to operate a boat while using a spot light. If I ever get a ticket I will appeal the fine because it is not stated in the regulations that it is illegal. If is stated somewhere will somebody please indicate where it is stated.

Thanks

[Embrey]

lets just all drive around blind all night...that sounds like a fantastic plan. lets leave our running lights off too...whats the worst that could happen?

[billm_usa1]

http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/301/006/020.htm

Section 2. Lighting Equipment. (1) Between actual sunset and sunrise:

(a) Power driven boats less than sixty-five and six-tenths (65.6) feet in length, including sailboats operating under engine power, shall have:

1. Red and green sidelights. The red and green sidelights shall:

a. Have a red light indicating the port (left) side, and a green light indicating the starboard (right) side of the boat;

b. Be visible to another boat approaching from the side or head on;

c. Be visible from at least one (1) mile on a clear, dark night if the boat is less than thirty-nine and four tenths (39.4) feet in length; and

2. Either:

a. An all-around white light which shall be higher than the sidelights; or

b.(i) A white masthead light that shines forward; and

(ii) A white stern light visible from the rear of the boat.

(b) An operator of a manually-powered vessel or sailboat less than twenty-two (22) feet, nine (9) inches in length shall:

1. Carry aboard and have immediately available for use a white light of sufficient intensity to illuminate the vessel and its occupants; and

2. Display the white light in time to prevent a collision from an approaching vessel.

(c) A person operating or responsible for a vessel anchored or adrift in a normal navigation channel or passageway, shall display a white light visible in a 360 degree arc.

(2) Combination or separate red and green lights shall:

(a) Have an arc of visibility extending from dead ahead to 112.5 degrees on either side of the vessel;

(b) Show the red light on the port side, and the green light on the starboard side, of the vessel; and

(c) Be visible at a distance of at least one (1) mile on a dark night with clear atmosphere.

(3) White lights required by this section shall be visible at a distance of at least two (2) miles on a dark night with clear atmosphere.

(4) On a vessel under way between sunset and sunrise, an operator shall not display other lights which could be mistaken for the lights specified in this section.

[gizzard shad]

http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/301/006/020.htm

Section 2. Lighting Equipment. (1) Between actual sunset and sunrise:

(a) Power driven boats less than sixty-five and six-tenths (65.6) feet in length, including sailboats operating under engine power, shall have:

1. Red and green sidelights. The red and green sidelights shall:

a. Have a red light indicating the port (left) side, and a green light indicating the starboard (right) side of the boat;

b. Be visible to another boat approaching from the side or head on;

c. Be visible from at least one (1) mile on a clear, dark night if the boat is less than thirty-nine and four tenths (39.4) feet in length; and

2. Either:

a. An all-around white light which shall be higher than the sidelights; or

b.(i) A white masthead light that shines forward; and

(ii) A white stern light visible from the rear of the boat.

(b) An operator of a manually-powered vessel or sailboat less than twenty-two (22) feet, nine (9) inches in length shall:

1. Carry aboard and have immediately available for use a white light of sufficient intensity to illuminate the vessel and its occupants; and

2. Display the white light in time to prevent a collision from an approaching vessel.

(c) A person operating or responsible for a vessel anchored or adrift in a normal navigation channel or passageway, shall display a white light visible in a 360 degree arc.

(2) Combination or separate red and green lights shall:

(a) Have an arc of visibility extending from dead ahead to 112.5 degrees on either side of the vessel;

(b) Show the red light on the port side, and the green light on the starboard side, of the vessel; and

(c) Be visible at a distance of at least one (1) mile on a dark night with clear atmosphere.

(3) White lights required by this section shall be visible at a distance of at least two (2) miles on a dark night with clear atmosphere.

(4) On a vessel under way between sunset and sunrise, an operator shall not display other lights which could be mistaken for the lights specified in this section.

Thanks Billm USA

[crazyfishinnut]

Bsass master the problem with your argument is when head light from a car come at you it IS the front of the car On a boat you never not even a little bit ca see anything but the white lights no red green notta. After the fire works on barren last year we waited till all had almost cleared out ... like a hour later from state was running to narrowscame up on 2 boats and went to pass when all of a sudden there was a smaller boat coming at us missed it within 3 feet... couldntg see it ...the boat I was going to pass was coming at me with head lights and I thought it was the back till it blinded us and almost killed about 15 people. DUMB DUMB DUMB Law says "All vessels when underway between
sunset and sunrise must display proper navigation lights. Navigation lights on boats are restricted to the colors of red, green and white. From sunset to sunrise in an area
where other boats navigate, all vessels shall display a steady white light visible 360 degrees at all times." The Key word being resticted

[Embrey]

im sorry, but who the hell shines lights BEHIND them when driving? seriously

[crazyfishinnut]

that is the point you cant tell what is what till you are on it. not everyone even runs headlights the same all just a guessing game because the law dont apply

[bigboyjon]

For those that disagree on using lights how do you avoid floaters. Do you fish in the spring? Do you just idle around? Do you hammer down and hope for the best? Do you stay home till the floaters are less likely. I realy would like to know how you do it. I got good eyes only 30 year old and I cant pick out most floaters with out funning a light. Teach me how you do it. I willing to learn.