Mine were factory installed by Skeeter.

I don't know the total numbers, but the big reason the USCG was disturbed is that every unit of some models produced was adding to the population of non-compliant boats due to an improper lighting design. So, everything they built with that defective design was all going out non-compliant. Speaking theoretically, if an approach to lighting hasn't been vetted properly, everything coming out of a plant could be wrong. The CG indicated they don't have the manpower to inspect every plant/model, so they count on manufacturer awareness and self-policing for compliance. That's why they were looking for ways to put compliance back in a priority above style, aesthetics, or consumer expectation for a pimped out look.

Bass boat example: In the past, a boat manufacturer often easily met sidelight regulations by slapping a well-refined industry standard fixture (bi-color light assembly on a short pole) on every boat they built. Boom, done, problem solved, fully compliant. All the detail of compliance was shifted to the supplier of that fixture who happened to be well-versed in just what it took to be complaint. Enter the LED bling fad with consumer desire for slick and cool looks. The boat manufacturer responds with a change in lighting, but this manufacturer who has been building boats for decades may not not realize the minute ramifications of their cool lighting that everyone just loves. They're there to sell boats! The marketing pressure is immense and somet things can get overlooked.

I view that LED strip technology and the fancy that consumers have taken with it have contributed extensively to lighting violations. I've seen quite a few photos of boats with extensive red/green LED strips on the side, and even one with virtually the full length of the rubrail. It's impossible to believe these installations would be technically compliant if checked. Individuals are installing them, marine repair shops are installing them, typically with little understanding of detailed requirements - more/brighter green or red is better, right? (not necessarily!)

If you want to improve safety but insure your boat remains in compliance, one good idea is to replace the existing incandescent bulbs with brighter LED substitutes. Many common bases for 12V incandescent bulbs have now been adapted to substitute LED products drawing a fraction of the current of the old incandescent bulb. They run much cooler, so higher lumens of intensity can be achieved with no excess heat issue for the existing fixture.

This ^^^^^ works for me. If I ever get a ticket for the lights I will show this in court. They are so much easier to see from a distance it only makes sense. I'm not in to splitting hairs and have had no problems with any game wardens on the lake. My LED's are wired into the pole lighting so the pole still works too if I choose to use it. Personally I like people being able to see me better.

At anchor this is legal:)

On this link:
http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/safety/vessel_requirements/

No where does it state that you must have USCG approved lights. It does state that your PFD must be USCG approved though.

Is that white or green light?

8ft green
8ft blue
white strips on the transom
red interior lights to see and keep some of my night vision.

My ticket was for unapproved coast guard lighting. This was on Lake Austin from APD.

At anchor, only the white ones would be legal.

I believe this is correct. The goal is for a vessel at anchor to be discernable as anchored because it does not display any light other than the while light.

Under power, red/green down the length of the hull exceeds the 112.5 degree rule, so they wouldn't be legal then. On the bright side, you can turn them on when the boat is on the trailer. (If you want extra bling while towing, you may want to check with DOT about lighting on towed boats.)

this is legal, rub rail lighting is not legal



If you do not believe me, call up one of these guys to have a look at your boat. I have worked with them to handle stuff like this when i was to busy and believe me, they would love to inspect your boat and be happy to tell you whats legal and whats not. The Coast Guard Auxiliary are great people and love helping out the maritime community. I see them quite often on Lake Ray Hubbard, give them a shout. You will be happy you did

http://www.cgaux.org/

Here is a direct link to the page to get a vessel checked by them, you can either take it to them or they will come to you, FREE OF CHARGE!!!!!

http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=i-want-a-vsc

That's just a summary. You have to look at the actual law to see what the standards are.

� 31.064. Lights
A vessel or motorboat when not at dock must have and exhibit at least one
bright light, lantern, or flashlight from sunset to sunrise in all weather. A vessel
or motorboat when underway between sunset and sunrise in all weather must have
and exhibit the lights prescribed by the commandant of the Coast Guard for boats
of its class. No other lights that may be mistaken for those prescribed may be
exhibited.
Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 1405, ch. 545, � 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg.,
ch. 422, � 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.

Properly mounted that means meet the requirements of approved lighting.