Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Docking Lights, Blue Lights, and Spotlights
Date:	7/4/2014 11:28:45 PM

Well, we had our usual share of self important or maybe just plain ignorant boaters on the lake tonight under way in open water with their docking lights on.  Not only is it against the law, it is totally ineffective as a way to see other boats.

Then there are all of the boats with blue lights along the side.  Coming back from the fireworks those lights were bright enough to interfere with other boaters night vision and on some it was hard to see the nav lights because they were obscured by the blue lights.

But the one that takes the cake is the idiot who decided he/she would use one of those million candlepower spotlights to identify the other boats in the area.  Needless to say they temporarily blinded the pilots of the boats they spotlighted.

But the fireworks were good as usual and I hope all made it back safely.

Name:	Ulysses E. McGill -	Reply
Subject:	Docking Lights, Blue Lights, and Spotlights
Date:	7/4/2014 11:48:08 PM

I was also wondering about the blue lights, seems to be a snowballing fad.....those have to go from asafety standpoint. And what about the 1000000 Candle power under water lights on the back of boats? They light up the water, but they also blind the drivers behind (a boat in front of us had them on and they were not completely submurged; I had to change course or be blinded).  And yes, the "docking lights are my headlights" people....those idiots are out every year and it never seems to change.

That said, we couldn't have asked for better weather for our Independance Day. As L&G stated earlier, PERFECT; Happy Birthday, America!!

Name:	250 SEL -	Reply
Subject:	Docking Lights, Blue Lights, and Spotlights
Date:	7/5/2014 10:42:13 AM

I agree with the side lights on the pontoon boats. They are now intended for use while underway. However underwater lights properly installed I font to be very helpfull. They make it very east to see you are approaching a boat from behind because the wake is lighted and very visible. I find it much more difficult to see a small white light. 

Name:	jalcz -	Reply
Subject:	Docking Lights, Blue Lights, and Spotlights
Date:	7/5/2014 7:52:39 PM

"I agree with the side lights on the pontoon boats. They are now intended for use while underway. "

Not now, not ever.

Name:	lakngulf -	Reply
Subject:	Docking Lights, Blue Lights, and Spotlights
Date:	7/5/2014 7:58:16 PM

The way his sentences read, it was obvious that he meant "not" instead of "now".  That sentence reads better that way.

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Docking Lights, Blue Lights, and Spotlights
Date:	7/5/2014 9:34:36 PM

That was the way I read it as well.

Name:	250 SEL -	Reply
Subject:	Docking Lights, Blue Lights, and Spotlights
Date:	7/5/2014 9:43:07 PM

Sorry Fat Fingers

Name:	DSCR -	Reply
Subject:	Docking Lights, Blue Lights, and Spotlights
Date:	7/6/2014 11:48:34 PM

And, as usual every year, I saw another pontoon with the front nav lights on the wrong side. Duh. I hope I'm seeing the same dude every year and not an increasing number of idiots.

And, I had the audacity to follow the rules and expect a boat approaching my port side to give way to me approaching his starboard. We have a go boat and crossed at least 100 yards ahead of the pontoon. I still got the spot light blast to indicate his displeasure at my invading his straight line path.

its amazing that collisions aren't more frequent.

Name:	JTenn -	Reply
Subject:	Docking Lights, Blue Lights, and Spotlights
Date:	7/7/2014 8:52:43 AM

There are a lot of folks that don't know port from starboard

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Docking Lights, Blue Lights, and Spotlights
Date:	7/7/2014 12:15:51 PM

Not growing up around the water I had a problem remembering until I realized one's more common name had the same number of letters.  Also, knowing several folks through the years with the nickname "Red" , the nav lights became easy to remember as well: "my friend Red left".

i am sure there are others.....whatever works!

Name:	HP HQ -	Reply
Subject:	Docking Lights, Blue Lights, and Spotlights
Date:	7/7/2014 3:30:35 PM

I always remember it by saying "Red ain't right"!!

Name:	DSCR -	Reply
Subject:	Docking Lights, Blue Lights, and Spotlights
Date:	7/7/2014 6:47:56 PM

I know it can be confusing, but if one was concerned about it at all and was confused, they would give way just in case. That's what I did while I was learning because I had the mistaken idea that everyone else knew the rules and followed them. I wasn't going to be the "new dummy". But it seems that most folks don't even know that navigation rules even exist, or just think they always have the stand on position, just cause it's them.

its easy at night, if the lights are on the correct side. If you see red and white, give way. If you see green and white, stand on. Red stop, green go. But the same rules apply in daylight without the lights to remind you. And Lord help the guy with lights on the wrong side, bless his heart.

yeah, I know. Beating a horse skeleton.  Just play dodge boat.

Name:	lakngulf -	Reply
Subject:	Docking Lights, Blue Lights, and Spotlights
Date:	7/7/2014 8:23:38 PM

Please explain further.  I still cannot remember.

Name:	DSCR -	Reply
Subject:	Docking Lights, Blue Lights, and Spotlights
Date:	7/8/2014 1:02:31 AM (updated 7/8/2014 1:11:56 AM)

I'm not sure you were asking me to explain further but if you were, this about sums it up.

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