Boat Lights

What is the requirements for lighting on a cat at night ?

Port light (red) on the port hull.
Starboard (green) on the starboard hull
Mast Head Light (White) on the cabin
Stern light (White) on each hull aft ? or just one on the cabin aft

Thanks -

 

The light for a catamaran at night is exactly the same as any boat and is dependant on size. No you don't need a separate stern light for each hull.

 

......and a white steaming forward facing light if under power.

 

It would actually be easier if each hull has it's own stern light.

Since the cat would be trailable I have decided to have three independant wiring sustems - one each hull and one for the cabin. Whatever controls need to be done between then gets controlled with remote control.

The other Q I have, since it's a power boat, the above lighting setup applies.
But it is also a sailor, so do I have to implement the sailing vessel lights as well for when I sail, ... do I just stick to the above ? or quickly start the motors when someone looks...

 

Two stern lights would actually be illegal. You have to show the relevant lights for the type of propulsion or activity you are using. So you'll need multiple circuits to enable you to flick the relevant switches. For example if you show a steaming light while under sail you may cause a collision because someone under sail will assume they have right of way over you.

 

Mmm... that makes it a bit more complex, but not a train smash. You are right of course.

Hade a look of your web site... nice boat but I'm a wiiiide cat fan

Saw an interesting hull last time we were fishing... It is a cat but with a short front centre 'fin' or hull if you wish. The guy claims it's the best hull since sliced bread and the rinse toilet and aparently it handles very well and acts stable in big seas due to the small front hull. He also said it planes very easily and quickly.

 

If you have transom hung rudders you almost always have to mount it central to avoid the rudders covering the light. Never two as pointed out it would be illegal and confuse.

 

I like a tri-colour mast head nav light because because deck level nav lights can be obscured in waves.

 

Handy but not so good inshore in tight quarters, the small boat fishermen don't always look up.

Really you need the full house, port, stb, stern, steaming, anchor and a tri for good measure at sea.

 

I agree with that, Deepsix, but would it be legal to use the lights on the mast if powered by the motors ? Would be nice if everyone gives way

Don't worry, I'll have it done right

 

Yes so long as you have the steaming light which is often placed 2/3 - 3/4 mast height. If the rig rotates you must keep the mast fore and aft in-line when running the tricolour else its deceptive.