Navigational Lights

[crankbait2009]

According to my state laws, I need to have a white stern light which must be visible for 2 miles.

The red/green sidelights must be visible for 1 mile.

I have a 14' Jonboat. I have one battery in the boat which controls my trolling motor. I am trying not to do a couple of things here. 1) I don't really want to add another battery at this time (a lot of cost), 2) I don't want to hook these lights up to my existing battery and have it take up a lot of power which the trolling motor would use.

So, my question is this. I have seen LED battery operated lights which cover the colors needed per state laws. Can the battery operated lights put out enough light to be seen from 1-2 miles away? are there any lights that work just as well as a 12v power source would?

I have seen some battery operated lights at local Walmart/BPS but the mounting clamp seems very cheap in quality.

Does anyone run off of battery powered navigational lights that can provide assistance?

[Jig Man]

It's not like you would have them on all night. Here in MO we only have to have them moving and the anchor light on if we are more than 50 yds off the bank.

[Glenn]

Might want to double-check on your laws. Most states only require a portable light for vessels under 16' (a flashlight will do)

[Red]

Might want to double-check on your laws. Most states only require a portable light for vessels under 16' (a flashlight will do)

Not the case in Texas. Game warden told me I have to have all the same lights as a "big boat" on my 8' Pelican. Plus a whistle or horn! He let me off the hook with a warning though.

[crankbait2009]

This is straight from my state regulations book:

Visibility of lights On A Power Driven Vessel

On boats less than 39.4 feet in length the white masthead light and stern light must be visible for two miles. The red and green sidelights must be visible for one mile. Boats greater than 12 meters in length have requirements of greater visibility.

The picture diagram shows a stern light on the back of the boat, whether it is in the center or the right side, doesn't matter. Also the red/green side lights can either be right in the center of the front of the boat or one red light on the left and one green on the right......again, choice is mine

[Team_Dougherty]

Might want to double-check on your laws. Most states only require a portable light for vessels under 16' (a flashlight will do)

that is usually for canoes, kayak and row boat. in other words Unpowerd boats. Here is PA's Law http://fishandboat.com/boatcrs/03boathandbook/chap2_09_night.htm