Boat lighting-underway

[striper sniper]

When underway in the dark should I have a spotlight/floodlight shining out in front of the boat so I can see? 

If so, what type is best for this purpose?

Thanks,

Dave

[dreamsfloatjoe]

When underway in the dark should I have a spotlight/floodlight shining out in front of the boat so I can see? ...

     Dave, good question.  Short answer to your question is no.  Ruins night vision.  Other boaters will hate you and tell you so on your VHF.  Buy a spot/flood light of your choice for use in emergencies, not for use while underway so you can see.

A spot/flood light is used in emergencies as an example.  Example:  locate a MOB.

FWIW:  One of our local charter boat Captains goes flounder gigging at night, he is not well liked because he continues to light up his boat while underway, not just while they are fishing.  I can only imagine what his customers on board must be thinking as other boaters tell this Captain what to do with his 'lights', that are physically and sexually impossible.  Although, in NJ, unlike our area, I'm confident your boaters are much more polite on the VHF. 

Here is the one I have on board my personal boat, in case of an emergency.  Portable Spotlight

Maybe, take a boating safety course that includes operating a boat at night will help you.  RADAR is a good piece of equipment to have on your boat for night time/fog operations. 

Hope this helps and my 2 cents.

Enjoy your journey, 

[Luna Sea 5]

the only time a spot lite will work is if you have something to shine it ot.  When your on the water, no light will help your visibility.  Your lights on the boat are for other people to see you. 

[Capt. Carl]

yes, we in nj are indeed much more vhf friendly...infact, most of us dont use it at all to bitch at someone....we prefer the " run right up to your boat and yell to your face method" !!!!!!!!!!

[Luna Sea 5]

 

[ped579]

Yeah and don't for get the Jersey salute...

[Kenny]

 

[hareball]

Always good to have a spotlight on board for nights when there is not much moon. We have bouys marked on the plotter and when we see one coming up on the plotter we quickly identify it with the spotlight. Even better to have one mounted off the bow this way the light don't shine on the stainless and blind you.