Are you a pontoon boat owner If so, you know that there are a few different types of lights that are required on your boat. But what are they, and why do you need them
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the different types of lights that are required on a pontoon boat, as well as why you need them. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right lights for your boat.
So whether you’re a new pontoon boat owner or you’re just looking to brush up on your boating knowledge, read on for all the information you need to know about lights on pontoon boats!
So What Lights Are Required On A Pontoon Boat?
Required lights on a pontoon boat
Navigation lights:
White lights on the bow and stern, green lights on the starboard side, and red lights on the port side.
Anchor light:
White light visible all around the boat.
Running lights:
White lights visible from ahead and astern, and red and green lights visible from the sides.
Masthead light:
White light visible from all around the boat.
Towing light:
Amber light visible from all around the boat when the boat is being towed.
What Lights are Required on a Pontoon Boat?
Navigation Lights
Navigation lights are the most important lights on your pontoon boat. They are used to indicate your position to other boats and to help you avoid collisions.
- A white light must be visible from all around the boat.
- A green light must be visible from the starboard side of the boat.
- A red light must be visible from the port side of the boat.
Navigation lights must be turned on at night and whenever visibility is reduced due to fog, rain, or other conditions.
Running Lights
Running lights are used to make your boat more visible to other boats during the day. They are typically white lights that are located on the bow and stern of the boat.
Anchor Lights
Anchor lights are used to indicate that your boat is anchored. They are typically red lights that are located on the bow of the boat.
Towing Lights
Towing lights are used to indicate that your boat is being towed. They are typically yellow lights that are located on the stern of the boat.
Other Lights
In addition to the required lights, you may also want to consider adding other lights to your pontoon boat. These lights can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:
- Docking lights
- Interior lights
- Navigation lights
- Safety lights
When choosing lights for your pontoon boat, it is important to consider the size of your boat, the type of lighting you need, and your budget. You can find a variety of lights available at boating stores and online retailers.
Also Must Read This: What Are Strakes On A Pontoon Boat
FAQs: What lights are required on a pontoon boat?
What are the different types of lights required on a pontoon boat?
There are three main types of lights required on a pontoon boat:
Navigation lights: These lights are used to indicate the position and direction of your boat to other boaters. They are typically red, green, and white, and are located on the bow, stern, and sides of the boat.
Anchor lights: These lights are used to indicate that your boat is anchored and should not be approached. They are typically white, and are located on the bow and stern of the boat.
Running lights: These lights are used to make your boat visible to other boaters at night. They are typically white, and are located on the bow, stern, and sides of the boat.
What are the requirements for each type of light?
The requirements for each type of light vary depending on the length of your boat. For example, boats that are less than 12 meters long are only required to have navigation lights, while boats that are 12 meters or longer are also required to have anchor lights and running lights.
The specific requirements for each type of light can be found in the US Coast Guard’s regulations on boat lights.
How should I mount the lights on my pontoon boat?
The lights on your pontoon boat should be mounted in a way that they are visible to other boaters, but not so high that they are obscured by waves. The lights should also be mounted in a way that they are not damaged by the elements.
Here are some tips for mounting lights on a pontoon boat:
Mount the lights on the highest point of the boat.
Mount the lights so that they are at least 6 feet above the waterline.
Mount the lights so that they are at least 3 feet away from any obstructions.
How often should I replace the lights on my pontoon boat?
The lights on your pontoon boat should be replaced every 5 years. This is because the lights will eventually become dim and will not be as visible to other boaters.
You can also replace the lights on your pontoon boat if they are damaged or if they are not working properly.
Where can I buy lights for my pontoon boat?
You can buy lights for your pontoon boat at a variety of stores, including marine supply stores, hardware stores, and online retailers.
When choosing lights for your pontoon boat, be sure to choose lights that are approved by the US Coast Guard. You can also find a variety of lights that are specifically designed for pontoon boats.
