Starting to get dark and sunset are not the same thing. It's actually quite light for over a half hour after sunset. That's where most of us make the error. Legally, we need the lights on at sunset. By the time we think it's getting dark we've been illegal for probably half hour to 45 minutes. I think that's part of what the OP was talking about.

Bob

I've been in the boat for some real close calls. It is hard enough driving across the lake at night without having to watch for boats without lights. It is a sure thing for a mid-lake "education".

What about boats that are moored out,like say sail boats outside a marina. Why dont they need to be lite?????

On a personal note. I dont always get my stern light to work, sometimes it does, sometimes it dont. It is the luck of the draw for some reason. But there again, it keeps the bugs at bay a little missing the rear light and only having the bow opporational

Hate to buy a new one when the electrical system will be changed out in the off season and not compatable with the current one.

I personaly turn on all lights way before sunset. The $300 dollar ticket makes that an easy decission. Not to mention the run-n-gun fishers who don't care about the 50mph speed limit. If you are not lit, or they are running by GPS you are not going to be able to get out of their way fast enough. Death comes swiftly. I find it hard enough to miss the dock that are a half-a-mile long, or the rafts anchored out 1/4 of a mile. Then all of a sudden a boat pops out of no where flicks his light on and yells at you. Do you catch more fish when you do it illeagle?

You can by a flashlight for a couple of bucks. Have it for a back up. Cheeper than a ticket or a funeral. They have portable bow lights and stern lights with c clamps that just have flashlights attached. The bow light has a green and red lens. Cheep prevention of a serious accident.

FYI...your Lowrance GPS unit will tell you the sun/moon rise and set times. It is in one one of the menus. I have this on my H2O, and my 520c. I use it frequently.

Also, for a couple of bucks, I just put a spare set of light bulbs in my boat...just in case.

Jon

Borch- Contact me and I may be able to help you out...

"I drives me nuts and I scan for unlit boats driving the boat in the dark. Sure wish I could hand out those $300 tickets."

mjmartin10 at hotmail dot com

mm

If we're going to be out near dark we bring one of those 2 million candle handheld lights with us. Makes trailering a lot easier, plus you can turn it on every hundred yards or so to spot any obstacles for the next 150 yards of boating.

If only Sheriffs officals had this info.