On my sailboat I just bought, the electric panel showing a switch for a steaming light and an anchor light. Only the light at the top of the mast comes on. so two questions - without having the electric already run for the mid-mast light, would they have it on the panel? (saving me alot of work besides finding/replacing the exterior part on the mast) and two - which is which? Is the top the anchor light and the mid-mast one the steaming light/ light you use when under power at night? Thanks!
steaming light is to be on when nav. lights are on and moving with the MOTOR running, with or without sails, light is about 3/4 way up the mast facing forward....anchor light is just thaqt , on after sundown while at anchor.
Steaming light is 32 point so it only faces forward. it is needed when motoring for other boats know your under power. Climb up it is usually a connection or bulb.Check the switch first then at the base of the mast there will be connections make sure there is power there before U head up.
On my boat, a 1981 Seidelmann 37, the steaming light and anchor light are in a single fixture, on top of the mast. It is split, with two bulbs, the front half being the steaming light, and both are the anchor light. This may be the setup you have. While most have the steaming light half or three quarters of the way up on the mast, as far as I know the set up like my boat is perfectly legal. These fixtures are easily available, as I just replaced mine a short time ago, and was no problem finding one.
Your steaming light is located approx half way up the mast and should be used when you are motoring and using your deck running lights. (port/Starboard, stern lights) It is white and is only visible from locations in front of you. Your anchor light is located at the top of your mast and is visible in a 360 degree radius. It is white and should only be used while at anchor, all other navigation lights off.
Kevin has it right. your masthead anchor light is used only while at anchor and shows white light 360 degrees. Your Steaming light is normally mid-mast and shows forward 225 degrees white light and is shown with your port/starboard - red/green navigation lights along with your stern white light which shows 135 degrees from the stern, so that when under power you are showing 360 degrees white light as well as your red green navigation lights.
