Mast-Head Lights

[Jeff and Sarah]

Many of those garden-type solar lights fit very well directly into your winch socket (no need to use the post they come with). I keep one in a winch whenever I am not underway and it does a great job providing enough light to move around the cockpit safely.

I also have reflective tape on my masthead and spreader tops. It is very visible from the helicopter and it costs nearly nothing.

[moctrams]

Helicopter?

[Jeff and Sarah]

Helicopter?

Yes- Depending on where it is placed, it obviously may not help being seen by other boats in an achorage but it is certainly helpful when being searched for in an emergency! I fly CG helicopters and can confirm reflective tape is very visible.

[Jim Walsh]

Interesting in that I've never come across any mention of this. You'd think the CG would promote the placement of reflective tape if it is generally accepted as a an aid to spotting a vessel from the air.

[Jeff and Sarah]

To be clear, the use of reflective tape on the mast is from personal experience in flight and is a prudent safety precaution I have chosen to take on my boat- it is not something the CG is officially taking a stance on as an organization.

[Steve Laume]

I picked up four 4 X 4 patches of reflective tape quite a few years ago. I put one piece on each side of the mast, just above the sail cover. This keeps it low enough to be seen by the sweep of a search light. It works even when at anchor or moored with the sail cover on. The stuff is extremely bright when a light shines on it.

At some point, I found the other two pieces laying around the boat and figured that in this case, more was better. I now have a 4 X 8 patch on each side. When viewed from any angle other than right on the center line these things light right up when you shine on them. If a helicopter was directly overhead I would think they would have already seen you. There might be some merit in placing a bit more at the mast head. I never considered the tape in a rescue situation. I put it on so that other boats could definitely see me when coming into an anchorage, with a spot light and so it is easier to find my own boat when coming back to her at night, Steve.

[tjr818]

Coincidentally, John Vigor has spoken out on this very topic this week.
Here is the link:
http://johnvigor.blogspot.com

[Jim Walsh]

Coincidentally, John Vigor has spoken out on this very topic this week.
Here is the link:
http://johnvigor.blogspot.com

Thanks for sharing. I haven't read his blog for a while and his observations are always interesting. When it comes to anchor lights, he and I think essentially alike. I continued to be intrigued by the mention and use of reflective tape though, so I researched the subject. I've found that there is one which meets the COLREGS and USCG standards for marine use. It is Reflexite M82 SOLAS Marine Prismatic Reflective Tape. I will apply some to my mast in the spring. It simply seems like a good idea. My life raft, my ditch bag, and my foul weather jacket all have reflective tape on them so why not have some on the mast?

[CD_Sailor]

... we have decided to go ahead and add a mast-head anchor/tricolor/strobe to Evergreen. We will let everyone know the final outcome and how it works out ... I think the masthead anchor lights are useless ... the tricolor and strobe are useful when going offshore ...

Howdy Philip. Hope you and Sharon are well.

I have a "collection" of anchor lights, and each has been useful at some point. Here are a few comments on the gear you're considering.

First, a masthead fixture solves a lot of problems, esxpecially when it features a tricolor sailing light. When fitted with an LED bulb (an expensive item for sure), this light is a big help when sailing offshore. I have heard this from commercial traffic at sea more than once. Even if you forget to turn it off during daylight hours it still uses little battery,

Second, I have yet to encounter someone who actually benefited from a masthead strobe (neglecting those morons at Salt Pond BI who leave it on to locate their boat after a night of revelry). Last time I looked a masthead strobe was not even difined in the Colregs and it generaly signifies nothing in particular. This may have changed in recent years.

Third, a masthead anchor light helps when it's nasty outside and you don't want to go to the trouble of going on deck to set a riding light. Just flip a switch while snuggled below and you're legal. Yes, lower lights are often more visible in harbor, but you get the idea.

Finally, a masthead anchor light can be used while steaming, assuming you have a method for disabling your stern light. Then with red/green forward, the all-around white serves as both a steaming light and a stern light for certain size yachts. Since your boat is under 39 feet (I know you have steering gear and other stuff hanging off the boat and in fact may now measure over 39, but anyway ...), you will be legal. When steaming offshore this rig is usually more visible than the traditional steaming light/stern light combo.

As for mast wiring, CD spars typically have a smaller sail track inside the spar that you can fit with wiring slides to secure the wires running up there.

Just finished reading you 2013 maritime trip. Nice job once again.

Regards.

Armond

[Neil Gordon]

>>... assuming you have a method for disabling your stern light.<<

You mean like removing the bulb or covering the lens with tape?

[CD_Sailor]

>>... assuming you have a method for disabling your stern light.<<

You mean like removing the bulb or covering the lens with tape?

I suppose there are several methods, with some better than others. The method I used was to install a double-pole single-throw switch in the electrical panel to disconnect the device. When you and I sailed the Boston Harbor Islands together on Kerry Deare in June 2010, I forgot to emphasize that modification.

Regards.

Armond

[Neil Gordon]

I forgot to emphasize that modification.

Had it been approaching sunset or if there was a threat that visibility might be reduced, I'm sure you would have remembered.

[CD_Sailor]

I forgot to emphasize that modification.

Had it been approaching sunset or if there was a threat that visibility might be reduced, I'm sure you would have remembered.

Neil, I have already admitted that you, among others, are smarter than I.

Caution: this is not an accolade that guarantees economic prosperity to you or your family, not does it make your yacht sink-proof.

[Neil Gordon]

Neil, I have already admitted that you, among others, are smarter than I.

You clearly demonstrated that one by having a drink and taking a nap while you left me to navigate Boston Harbor.

[Jim Cornwell]

Aha! Now I have an idea why Yankee's masthead (steaming) light, deck floodlight and anchor light are so oddly wired. It was an aftermarket job! Thanks for this information. All wiring was led under the cabin sole and deteriorated in that miasma quite some time ago. None of the lights have functioned for a couple of years now and I've had to be careful to navigate only in daylight and to use an old Guest 6V portable anchor light hung from the staysail halyard on the inner stay. Mast has to come down for several reasons next season, and new lights and wiring are on the list.