Night boating question

[mjc89]

Ok guys i have a question for all you night boaters. I recently was looking for some navigation lights for my boat and i bought some portable led lights that use batteries. I got both the red/green light and the stern light. I havent opened them because i want to make sure there are ok to use otherwise ill go return them and get the other lights that go connected to a battery. So can any of you tell me if i will be ok with these lights? They are made by innovative lighting inc. I will be most likely night fishing corona lake and irvine lake for catfish. Thanks for any help.

[heydaad]

You are totally legal with batt. powered lights. The LED's are so batt. friendly, you may only need to change batts. once a year or so. On private lakes you are less likely to be hassled for infractions. The Coast Guard has "glow lights" that they will let you have if you are out after dark ... just be polte, and say your batteries died. No one is looking to hassle you.

[Viejo]

It isn't about getting hassled....it's about being seen so another boater doesn't run you over because you couldn't be seen. As stated, you are legal with battery powered lights (my sailboat's lights are battery operated....albeit a bigger battery bank). Carry a flashlight as well to signal your prescence if someone if getting close.

[DockRat]

You can also carry a red & green light sticks for when a light fails or battery dies.

[mjc89]

You are totally legal with batt. powered lights. The LED's are so batt. friendly, you may only need to change batts. once a year or so. On private lakes you are less likely to be hassled for infractions. The Coast Guard has "glow lights" that they will let you have if you are out after dark ... just be polte, and say your batteries died. No one is looking to hassle you.

Do the batteries literaly last a year?

[mjc89]

It isn't about getting hassled....it's about being seen so another boater doesn't run you over because you couldn't be seen. As stated, you are legal with battery powered lights (my sailboat's lights are battery operated....albeit a bigger battery bank). Carry a flashlight as well to signal your prescence if someone if getting close.

Thanks for the reply. I will keep that in mind.

[mjc89]

You can also carry a red & green light sticks for when a light fails or battery dies.

Thats a good idea. Thanks

[dixoncider]

Running lights have everything to do with the size of the boat. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent#rule23
but if your fishing irvine of some other pay lakes they really do not seem to care.. I would suggest bring some manner of bright flashlight to fend off the rent skiffs that will try and run you over..and to help you if your way back in the trees...

[mjc89]

Running lights have everything to do with the size of the boat. http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent#rule23
but if your fishing irvine of some other pay lakes they really do not seem to care.. I would suggest bring some manner of bright flashlight to fend off the rent skiffs that will try and run you over..and to help you if your way back in the trees...

Thanks for the info dixoncider. Ill make sure to take a flashight.