i finally ordered some navigation lights for my kayak.

[Darth-Baiter]

days are getting shorter.  this past weekend, i had to hang back to wait for the sun to come up, while other kayakers eased out into the dimly lit lake.  thanksfully they turned right, when my hopes laid left.    as it was, i left earlier than i should have. 

 

well, i just ordered lights.  SAFETY FIRST.  i opted for the Wireless Guardian Angel products, since i can cross use them on my bicycle, and truck, and house, and dog.....

[Bankc]

Check your local regulations, as they can differ.  But generally, for a kayak all you need is a flashlight or lantern that is easily accessible, under USCG rules.  Unless you have a trolling motor, then you only need an all-around white light, so long as your kayak isn't capable of speeds more than 7 knots.  

[Darth-Baiter]

I need the red/green and white, as far as I can tell.  

 

beside REGS, it feels unsafe out there with a headlamp.  

[Woody B]

I don't have a clue what the laws are for yaks, but you definitely want people to be able to see you.  I'm not familiar with the lights you're getting.  If you get a light on a pole that's above your line of sight it won't mess with your night vision as much.  Also most of the bugs will be above you too.  

[flyfisher]

5 hours ago, Woody B said:

I don't have a clue what the laws are for yaks, but you definitely want people to be able to see you.  I'm not familiar with the lights you're getting.  If you get a light on a pole that's above your line of sight it won't mess with your night vision as much.  Also most of the bugs will be above you too.  

Usually the light requirements are white light visible 360 degrees when anchored and if your kayak is powered, you follow the powered vessel arrangements.  While my kayak is powered and I do not go out at night on lakes without a HP restriction, I have chosen to NOT install the red and green navigation lights for various reasons which I won't disclose here out of respect to the rules of the forum but if interested, feel free to PM.

[KYKBassing]

I think you’ll like the Guardian Angel lights. I have the standard model in red/green for the bow of my kayak and a mini in white that I mount to my kayak crate.
 

They mount pretty strongly with the magnet and put off some bright light. 

[Darth-Baiter]

2 hours ago, KYKBassing said:

I think you’ll like the Guardian Angel lights. I have the standard model in red/green for the bow of my kayak and a mini in white that I mount to my kayak crate.
 

They mount pretty strongly with the magnet and put off some bright light. 

I ordered incorrectly. I have both sized in the micros.  I should have gotten the bigger one up front.  On the bright side, the small one stickers to my bike nicely. 
 

charging then now. 

[Darth-Baiter]

Interesting 

 

 

[TnRiver46]

^looks pretty slick! 

[KYKBassing]

I didn't see a huge difference in light output of the standard vs the micro, just that the charge lasted longer.  As long as you're not trying to use it to night fish the entire night, I'm guessing you'll be fine.

 

They're handy to have around and the magnet mount comes in handy working on other projects.

[Darth-Baiter]

7 hours ago, KYKBassing said:

I didn't see a huge difference in light output of the standard vs the micro, just that the charge lasted longer.  As long as you're not trying to use it to night fish the entire night, I'm guessing you'll be fine.

 

They're handy to have around and the magnet mount comes in handy working on other projects.

I think so.  I had to change a tire in the dark with nothing but a cell phone.  had to take my kayak out of the back of my truck to get the spare lowered.  a light I could magnet stick the the truck would have been AWESOME.

 

thanks KYK....

[Koz]

On 9/7/2023 at 9:59 PM, Darth-Baiter said:

I need the red/green and white, as far as I can tell.  

 

beside REGS, it feels unsafe out there with a headlamp.  

Chances are your state requires only the white light at the rear of the craft and does not want the red/green lights on the kayak.

 

I have a Yak Attack VisiPole safety flag that has the light. It's designed so people can see it far away but it doesn't cast a lot of light on the water or the deck. 

[J Francho]

USCG state the law clearly. Just a white light. You wouldn't want to mistaken for a larger power boat. Nav lights are not only illegal, they are a bad idea in my opinion. 

[Darth-Baiter]

Game warden gave me bad info if you all are correct. 

[J Francho]

Inland waters are generally policed by sheriff boats. Talk to them about boating  rules and safety. 

[J._Bricker]

If you have a motorized kayak-

Under California state law Navigation Lights: All vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during times of restricted visibility.

 

Safety Equipment - Division of Boating and Waterways - CA.gov

[J Francho]

Not many fishing kayaks are over 16'. 

[Darth-Baiter]

not sure how being mis-recognized as a big power boat is possible or even the downside of it.

 

the boat sheriff went past me yesterday.  my lights were on and I tried to wave him down, but he waved back and blasted past me.  hahhah..  he waked me!   pretty funny.  I know where they dock and will talk to them when I get the chance.  

 

my friend takes his green light and suspends it under a float to attract crappie.  totally waterproof.