anchor light location?

[66luders]

Does the anchor light have to be on top of the mast? Or can it be on the stern pulpit... kinda high up like the height of a radar or windvane pole?

[artbyjody]

I do believe it is supposed to be at the highest point of the vessel (ie: top of the mast - for boats greater than 26 ft). Regardless of the length of the vessel - it is supposed to be visible for 360 degrees and higher than all other navigation lights. On my boat since there is no anchor light on the mast - I hoist a battery powered one up on one of my halyards - its not technically 360 as the mast will obscure it - but with the combination of spreader light and the other - it works at least.

[sailingdog]

AFAIK, there is no requirement that it be on top of the mast.

From another website on anchor lights:

Anchor Light Requirements

The Inland Rules specify that any vessel under 50 meters (164.1') at anchor must exhibit a white 360-degree light where it can be seen and have a two-mile visibility in most situations. Vessels less than 7 meters (23.9') must display anchor lights when anchored in or near a narrow channel, fairway, or anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate.

A 360-degree white all-around light with two-mile visibility fulfills this requirement. Wire gauge and length of wiring, as well as battery condition, can affect a light's performance. Follow manufacturer's instructions to ensure compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.

[sailingdog]

BTW, they are not required on boats less than 20 meters in length when anchored in designated anchorage areas while in Inland waters.

[camaraderie]

Since the requirement is for 360 degree visability I believe masthead is all that is legally acceptable since the mast will block a portion of any lower light.
As a practical matter...we used a Davis Anchor light above the bimini to insure that we could be seen by power boats and others who were not looking up 65 feet. Never had any law enforcement issues with this approach...but we DO have a masthead light as well...just didn't use it.

[sailingdog]

In a crowded harbor, a lower than mast-top light would probably a much better idea.... since a mast-top light is often above the normal sightlines of boaters close to you.

[Gryzio]

I would think it need up top of the mast and as mentioned have one lower down. The lower light can help when walking around at night. So, it not hurt.

But, I have always assumed you need a light on top of the mast so airplanes not run into it. Well maybe not.

You could get a Vessel Safety Check by the USCG for free and they give the specifics and they not going to write a ticket if something missing.

Here the link.
http://nws.cgaux.org/visitors/ve_visitor/index.html

Read and then click; more information; "SafetySeal.net"
Then click; "I want a VSC" and enter your zip code.

[hellosailor]

"You could get a Vessel Safety Check by the USCG for free"
That's done by the USCG Auxiliary--not the USCG. If you hail a USCG vessel for the same inspection, they are obligated to write you up for any defects. The USCGA are volunteers, not paid USCG members.

[uspirate]

mine's mounted about 1/4th from the top of the mast. this was a factory mount on a 1980 25 footer, on my 30 i think it was on the top of the mast but cant clarify.

[sailingdog]

USP-

Are you sure it is an anchor light, and not a steaming light?? I can't see how it would qualify for 360˚ visibility if it was mast mounted.

Most of the time an anchor light is not mounted on the masttop, it is on a small post or hanging from the rigging.