Nav Lights on a Bass Boat?

[ElijahH]

So I'm getting my first boat ready for the water and Ohio requires new boat owners to take a state approved safety course. The course however has a lot of info related to sail boats and large bodies of water, which is not the type of boating I'm going to do and it has a lot of rules I don't know if I need to follow for small lakes. 

 I'm told side navigation lights are required, as well as an all around white light (or red/green bow/stern lights) But I'm not planning on any night fishing at all, so I didn't know if it was still required just on small lakes in the day? I've fished with several friends in their various boats and I know for a fact they don't have any side lights on them. To me this feels directed more toward larger boats on large lakes etc.. But I also don't want to run illegal. What am I missing? 

[Bankc]

You'll have to check your state laws to verify.  There are USCG regulations, but states make up their own laws that supersede USCG regulations.  

 

https://ohiodnr.gov/rules-and-regulations/rules-and-regulations-by-division/state-parks-and-watercraft/boating-rules/navigation-lights

 

Looks like Ohio requires them.  So I'd probably invest in some, as they're relatively cheap and easy to install.  Probably less than the cost of a ticket.  And while the odds of getting a ticket aren't high, why mess with it?  Besides, you might find yourself needing them one day if you get stuck out late or run into unexpected fog or heavy rain.  

[gim]

That's interesting.  If you don't intend to fish at night, I find it a little odd that navigational lights would be required.  The very first family boat we had growing up did not have lights.  It was just a small 16 foot tiller and we never fished at night time in it.  Its not like you turn your navigation lights on during the daytime.

 

I'm in Minnesota so maybe its probably different than Ohio.

[Dogface]

It's a safety thing. Break down or get stranded after dark and it could become an issue.

 

I have lights on all my boats and I have portable / battery powered lights for my canoes or kayak if I operating early in the morning or late at night. 

[GaryH]

Easy as pie.

As for your boaters course. Go online it’s simple to do.

[MN Fisher]

47 minutes ago, Dogface said:

It's a safety thing. Break down or get stranded after dark and it could become an issue.

 

I have lights on all my boats and I have portable / battery powered lights for my canoes or kayak if I operating early in the morning or late at night. 

Even though I'm normally not out until well after sun-up and back well before sun-down - it's like this

 

"Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it."

 

I'm mounting lights to the F-9 even though I'm still looking at only daylight fishing.

 

And like Dog said - I had battery lights for the canoe...just in case.

[gulfcaptain]

Always have them on a boat, safety first. Just like a throw cushion, fire extinguisher.  Found out in Nevada  my auto inflation life jackets weren't  applicable  unless I was wearing them unless I had a non auto  inflation one in the boat. Safety on the water is just that, just like a kill switch. Easier to attach the cord and be safe then accidently get thrown out and have my boat looking to run me over as it circles. Boater safety and rules of the road should be known by all who operate  a vessel. Sorry about my rambling.

[Way2slow]

They are not just for "night use".  Most states require them to be on a certain time before sunrise and sunset, which is really not very dark.  Also for low light conditions and fog.  So, if you don't have them, what that does is keeps you from getting on the water early and requires you to be off the water at sunset, and they go by the daily posted sunrise and sunset times, not actually sunrise and sunset, which there is a huge difference in time. 

You don't have to have them on a boat during the day when there is clear visibility, and they are not going to give you ticket if the boat does not have them, look at all they kayak's and canoe's that don't have them.  They will however nail you in a heartbeat if you don't have some turned on when the law requires them to be turned on.   I used to keep those portable battery powered one for my canoe and jon boat so if I did want to be out before sunrise and after sunset time or when it might get foggy. 

Also, the red/green don't have to be on the side of the boat.  On the bow and visible at 180 degree angle is all you need for the average boat.  After they get over a certain length that changes.  The white light has to be at least a certain height and seen at 360 degrees for a mile or two, what ever law states. 

[Johnbt]

"Also, the red/green don't have to be on the side of the boat.  On the bow and visible at 180 degree angle is all you need for the average boat. "

 

Looking at that 180 requirement, I think a lot of folks need a taller bow light. I can't count the number of boats I've seen with the red/green bow light blocked on one side by the trolling motor.

[Bankc]

If the boat is under power, then most states (like Ohio) will require red and green nav lights.  Usually, the only time you can get by with a white 360 light is if it's under oars.  

 

And it's still illegal in most places to not have those lights installed, even in broad daylight.  Though, you probably won't get a ticket for it, as I'm betting most law enforcement officers aren't interested in being that petty.  Most of those guys you run into will understand the point of the law, and aren't looking to enforce it arbitrarily, but are just looking to keep people safe. 

 

However, I've had enough run-ins with law enforcement and court systems in small towns to say that it's also possible to find yourself in a situation where a cash strapped town is looking for any excuse to hand out a ticket.  And more than once, I've had them make that excuse up.  

[A-Jay]

On 5/11/2022 at 3:04 PM, ElijahH said:

So I'm getting my first boat ready for the water and Ohio requires new boat owners to take a state approved safety course. The course however has a lot of info related to sail boats and large bodies of water, which is not the type of boating I'm going to do and it has a lot of rules I don't know if I need to follow for small lakes. 

 I'm told side navigation lights are required, as well as an all around white light (or red/green bow/stern lights) But I'm not planning on any night fishing at all, so I didn't know if it was still required just on small lakes in the day? I've fished with several friends in their various boats and I know for a fact they don't have any side lights on them. To me this feels directed more toward larger boats on large lakes etc.. But I also don't want to run illegal. What am I missing? 

https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/wcm/connect/gov/371feeee-ce73-4bb9-b6f9-40dc90bc5ea7/Req+Eqpt.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CONVERT_TO=url&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_M1HGGIK0N0JO00QO9DDDDM3000-371feeee-ce73-4bb9-b6f9-40dc90bc5ea7-nINWAkd

 

The link above lists the Required Equipment for Boats in Ohio 

This chart is intended for quick reference only and is not a substitute for knowledge of the specifics of Ohio boating laws.  If a vessel is exempted from carrying specific equipment, that does not mean that a wise skipper would not carry it anyway.

Following the lighting requirements is not only a solid plan regulation wise, it might just keep you from being run over by a larger and or faster vessel.

Believe me, they're out there.

Also, as a man who was tasked with enforcing these standards on a federal level,

In 20 years or so, I will tell you that I NEVER issued a single warning, not one.

Did site operators Citations when indicated though. 

The warning is the regulations themselves; Read them, know them & follow them.

Attempting to interpret / circumvent them, makes you a hazard to navigation.

I don't recommend it. 

Stay Safe

A-Jay

 

 

[Chris Catignani]

Not only is it a safety precaution for you...but possibly for the other boat that hits you.

The rear nav light is so someone doesnt run up the back of your boat (you cant see the red and green lights from behind).

In TN...the rear nav light needs to visible for two miles.

[GaryH]

On 5/11/2022 at 3:04 PM, ElijahH said:

So I'm getting my first boat ready for the water and Ohio requires new boat owners to take a state approved safety course. The course however has a lot of info related to sail boats and large bodies of water, which is not the type of boating I'm going to do and it has a lot of rules I don't know if I need to follow for small lakes. 

 I'm told side navigation lights are required, as well as an all around white light (or red/green bow/stern lights) But I'm not planning on any night fishing at all, so I didn't know if it was still required just on small lakes in the day? I've fished with several friends in their various boats and I know for a fact they don't have any side lights on them. To me this feels directed more toward larger boats on large lakes etc.. But I also don't want to run illegal. What am I missing? 

Remember as the captain of the boat your responsible for everyone on your boat and for other boaters that you may endanger. 

[cyclops2]

If the captain of a sailboat can not steer it ? he is injured / sick.    Can you start the engine & lower the sails so you can go to rescuers coming to help you. 

 

Been there with his wife.  & mine.  It does happen.

[FishinBuck07]

They are required in Ohio in low light times, sunrise, sunset and at night.  Should have them in the boat in case you would break down and have to be out in low light.

[WRB]

On 5/11/2022 at 12:04 PM, ElijahH said:

So I'm getting my first boat ready for the water and Ohio requires new boat owners to take a state approved safety course. The course however has a lot of info related to sail boats and large bodies of water, which is not the type of boating I'm going to do and it has a lot of rules I don't know if I need to follow for small lakes. 

 I'm told side navigation lights are required, as well as an all around white light (or red/green bow/stern lights) But I'm not planning on any night fishing at all, so I didn't know if it was still required just on small lakes in the day? I've fished with several friends in their various boats and I know for a fact they don't have any side lights on them. To me this feels directed more toward larger boats on large lakes etc.. But I also don't want to run illegal. What am I missing? 

There are several mfr’s of running lights for bass boats. Most bass boats already have the receptacle wired and switched at the bow and stern. Removable running lights simply plug onto the receptacle, a short pole with red/green bow light and a taller then the OB engine white light pole for the stern. 

You simply keep the removable light poles in the rod locker for use when needed.

Tom