Where to locate a stern light

[KPL]

Hey all,

I'm getting my 16 ready for evening sailing.  I recently mounted a bow light on the rail, now I am looking to mount the stern light.  I also am mounting an all-around white on the masthead as a steaming/anchor light (i'll turn the stern light off when powering).  I'm using an Aquasignal 25 series stern light, but can't seem to find a place with an unubstructed view  it's with blocked by the swim ladder, the motor mount of the rudder. 

Any ideas?  I'm not in a position to buy stern rail at the moment, but I'm beginning to think it's the only real alternative.

Love to hear your input.

[Paul]

My stern light is located just to the right of the ladder.  Actually, kind of in the way.  I'm considering keeping that location, but changing the frame to a dome, thereby avoiding the sharp corners on the current model.

Haven't heard of any issues regarding the location/obstruction.  But it does make sense.  Any others find that location obstructed?

Paul

[Craig Weis]

On the C-P 16 I saw today, one of the last ones built. The stern light was mounted on top of the cockpit combing on the stern, but lower then the bottom of the tiller and to the port side of the tiller.

On my friend's C-P 19 the stern light is embedded and flush in  the hull to the port side of the tiller assembly below the cockpit combing. Even though she is fitted with a stern pulpit.
Stern lights are to seen only 135 deg when view from the stern of the boat.

On my other friends C-P 19 and on mine we have our stern lamps mounted on the stern pulpit. I moved mine from on top of the cockpit combing to the stern pulpit when I installed my stern pulpit.

AS TO "I'll turn the stern light off when powering" at night I assume. I don't think that is what you meant to say???

No!  Two lamps. A 360 deg white lamp for anchor. Good for two miles. And a 225 deg white lamp at about the spreader height and facing the bow for steaming.

The port red, starboard green lamps are 112.5 deg only when viewed abeam of the hull.

A steaming lamp is for a sail boat under power, with or without the sails up at night. If the boat is moving, then don't show an anchor lamp. skip.

[KPL]

Skip,

This is what I'm thinking about the light situation.

1) Sailing - bow lights & stern light



2) Powering - bow lights & all around white on masthead (I'll need to turn off the stern light as to not show two white lights from astern.)



3) Anchoring - All around light on masthead



I'm basing it on this info:

http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/equ_nav.htm

I want to do it this way so I don't need an all-around and a steaming light on the mast (more wires, more cost, more to break)

Kevin

[multimedia_smith]

Hi KPL...
Here is a pic of the original stern light: you can find it in the owners gallery shots under "gas outside"

http://www.com-pacowners.com/gallery2/displayimage.php?album=49&pos=18

I changed it out with a more rounded one because my main sheet would sometimes catch on the square one... also someone could get hurt on the sharp corners...  Here is a pic of the new one... (Sorry not a close up, but you can get the idea.. it's in the lower right hand corner)  I got it at West Marine.  You can find this shot also in the Owners Gallery under "extreme ends"

http://www.com-pacowners.com/gallery2/displayimage.php?album=49&pos=17

Best Regards
Dale

[Paul]

Dale and Kevin:

Thanks for showing these details.  That's exactly what I needed.

Paul

[Craig Weis]

KLP
Skip here,

#1~I agree with.

#2~I have a problem with. I like a stern lamp on my stern and viewable only from the stern. Leaves no doubt.
And #2 a...If I'm a sail boat underpower I'd switch on my steaming light that can only be viewed from the bow.

Note that a steaming light would not be visable from the stern of the sailboat but only from the beams and fwd quarters [the danger zones of collosion] and the bow [head-on].

Showing two white lights at night as a [360 deg masthead and a 225 deg stern lamp]could be mistaken. These lights could look as if one is above the other from the stern view, and that could be a boat dragging a fishing net. USCG info.  A bit conflicting hey?


#3~I agree with and  Ok for sitting on the hook. One 360 deg white lamp.

Other chime in. skip