Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Stern Light Length
Posted by blacksmithdog on 09/15/11 - 12:55 PM
#1
The stern light that came with my Whaler is about 2 feet long (tall). I've never used it, but put it in the boat this past weekend, in case we were out after dark. I'm not even sure it clears the top of the engine.
How long (tall) are these things supposed to be from a law/legal standpoint? I see the one on the Specialty Marine web site is 55" long.
thanks
Posted by CES on 09/15/11 - 1:14 PM
#3
That depends on when your your boat was made. If, for example, it's a 1972 then the laws stating the length of the anchor light applies as that boat is grandfathered in.
My BW is a '66 model but I installed a larger anchor light to comply with current safety laws. I think the law states that the light has to be 36 inches above the highest point on the boat. I could be wrong because I haven't checked prior to writing this.
Edited by CES on 09/15/11 - 1:15 PM
Posted by tedious on 09/15/11 - 2:07 PM
#4
BSD, sounds like someone tried to use yours as a handhold and then cut off the bent part. Mine started out about 55", but mysteriously got a bit shorter - now it fits crossways in the seat locker of my 15.
Tim
Posted by blacksmithdog on 09/16/11 - 2:10 AM
#5
I think mine mysteriously got shorter at sometime as well, it doesn't have a bend in it.
So, where's the cheapest place to buy a new one?
Posted by Gamalot on 09/16/11 - 5:33 AM
#7
My light, which I believe to be an uncut original, 1974 Montauk is straight and 38 inches end to top. I find it interesting in the mounting position I have the ability to raise and lower it but only about 5 inches from the low to high position. My thought is the 5 inches is to accommodate getting the light above the various engine cowlings of the time.
Posted by wrangler on 09/16/11 - 6:07 AM
#8
The new Navigation rules state that the stern light must at least 1 meter or 39 inches above the red/green bow lights.
Since your boat was built prior to the law, (1978) it is exempt and as the law states "permanently" exempt. You can comply with the 1 meter rules or use the original light length it came with.
If the stern light is used as an anchor light, it must be able to be seen ALL the way around or 360 degrees. Any obstructions, bimini top etc and you are not legal. Make it high enough to be seen all the way around.
Posted by blacksmithdog on 09/16/11 - 6:42 AM
#9
I don't think my old one clears anything on the boat. I bit the bullet and ordered a new on from Specialty Marine.
Posted by Tom W Clark on 09/16/11 - 6:46 AM
#10
The small Whaler stern light has been 54" long since 1982 to comply with the one meter international navigation light requirement. Up until 1982 the stern light was 38" tall and the Kainer lights on the very early models were even shorter.
There may be 5" of slop in the stern light mounting but that is not vertical adjustment, the light pole is designed to stop at the bottom bracket. It can be loosened and moved simply to be removable and stored out of harm's way.
It is very common for the stern lights go grow shorter over the years because they are easily broken. The lights up until 1982 had poles made of chrome plated brass tubing. These were particularly easy to break. When the new 54" tall lights were introduced, Whaler had them made with stainless steel tubing so they would be stronger.
With the chrome plated brass tubing light poles, when they bent they crimped at the knurled knob. It is an easy matter to remove the light, use a tubing cutter to cut the light pole above the crimp and reinstall the plastic wire grommet in the bottom of the pole. The light would look like new, but be shorter. This can be repeated several times before there is not enough pole left. Been there, done that.