first modification, not so sure about it

[sailor ja]

ok so the previous owner had put a stern light on the boat that I have not seen on any of the other venture 21's so I am assuming it was aftermarket. it was busted.
so I figured I could go pick up a stern light at the local boaters world considering there is absolutely nothing local for sailboats in Richmond VA!

the first problem I ran into was the pole didnt slide down into the mounting piece like the salesman siad (go figure) so I did some mods on it to make it slide down, now it was a little to long but not a big deal I can always modify that later if I want. I am not sure if I like it sticking up and it is also kinda sloppy where they riveted the light holder.... so I am still not sure if I like this modification. ok I am reading and all the boating requirments state that I need a white stern light and that it must be visible for a certain distance but I dont seem to see anything much like that on the other Ventures or maybe I am not looking in the right place at these photos. anyways what do you guys think? any suggestions on something I can put there for a stern light that would look better and be solid? I cant stand this new plastic crap! if any can take a photo of an original stern light that would be great!

thanks

Josh

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

I assume you have the red/green nav light at the bow.

At the stern you need a white light that fills out the rest of the 360 degrees not covered by the red and green.



Under sail you turn on the red/green bow light and the white stern light. Under power you technically also need a forward facing white light that is usually mounted on the front of the mast. When using the motor you turn on all four lights.

The all around pole light you have installed is intended for a small powerboat as it serves as both the stern light and the forward facing white light required when under power. It does have to be higher than you have it to be visible all around and should be above the height of the red/green on the bow. You really don't want an all around that is as low as yours as it will shine in the cockpit and ruin you night vision.

On my venture 21 the stern light was simply a transom mounted white nav light like the lower left one in this picture.



In the place of the pole you could also just mount a surface mount one like the stern light in this picture. This is what most of the later Macs came with. It would flush mount over the existing hole.



Personally I would just look for a inexpensive one and mount it on the transom not up where the pole is. You should be able to easily drill a hole there and run the same wires to the new light. I think it would be much less prone to damage there than sticking up where stuff will snag it.

[Hamin' X]

BOATS UNDER 12 METERS (39.4')

Sailboats-Separate or combination red and green sidelights, 112.5°, visible 1 n.m. White stern light, 135°, visible 2 n.m. OR, tri-color masthead light.

Powerboats-Separate or combination red and green sidelights, 112.5°, visible 1 n.m., placed above hull at least 1 meter (3.3') below masthead light. Masthead: white, 225°, visible 2 n.m., at least 1 meter above side lights. White stern light, 135°, visible 2 n.m. OR, one all-round (360°) white light (should also have sidelights).

The light that your have is for power boats and is not legal for use on a sailboat not under power.

~Rich

On Edit: What Duane said.

[sailor ja]

thanks a bunch guys... this is the only source for anything because I just dont know and am trying to learn. I am going to replace it with one of the small ones. I saw on the parts list the stern light that was offered. but you guys explaining this has helped a lot. trust me I will have plenty more questions as I go on.

btw those stern lights are they mounted vertical as shown in those photos or on the flat side?

btw I do have a starboard and port light on the front it is still functional

[Hamin' X]

All is not lost. The light that you have can be used for an anchor light, if you can raise it above the level of your cabin.

A stern light is mounted on the flat portion of the transom, facing aft. It must have a white light that is visible for 2 nm at a total angle of 135º horizontally. Ones like that shown below are available at Defender for about $20.



~Rich

[sailor ja]

All is not lost. The light that you have can be used for an anchor light, if you can raise it above the level of your cabin.

A stern light is mounted on the flat portion of the transom, facing aft. It must have a white light that is visible for 2 nm at a total angle of 135º horizontally. Ones like that shown below are available at Defender for about $20.



~Rich

ok I feel like an idiot for having to ask this but... out of the two photos which is considered the flat part of the transom. I am thinking you mean the first photo


or

[Hamin' X]

The second one. For best visibility, it should be mounted toward your starboard side to avoid occlusion by your outboard motor. The object of the sternlight is to make you visible to other vessels behind you when you are under way. If they see a white light, they know that you are bearing away from them, or they are overtaking you. Similarly the red and green lights tell other vessels what tack you are on, so that they can decide if they are stand-on, or give-way vessels. This is why it is important that the different lights have a given arc of illumination.

A good place to start would be to take an online boating course such as that offered by BoatUS. The course is free and can be found at: Online Boating Safety Course.

You will find much needed info on equipment requirements, Aids To Navigation (ATNs) and rules of the road.

~Rich

[heinzir]

It looks like the light on a pole that you installed is a 360 degree all around light suitable for use as a stern light on a powerboat. It is not suitable for a sailboat for 2 reasons:
1) It does not meet the requirements for a sailboat as far as degrees of coverage (as shown in the previous posts)
2) your mainsheet or another line will get caught on the pole and rip it out the first time you go sailin.

[sailor ja]

Thanks everyone for the help, I still feel like a dummy for puting that light there but atleast I wasnt the one to originally cut that hole! I still must fill it with something though. I am going to take your suggestions for the stern light and put it on the opposite side.

[David Mellon]

It's a nice spot to put a solar recharged lawn light when you are at anchor! I use a few around the boat. One on each side of the arch for night boarding and some in the cabin as nightlights. They are cheap, weatherproof and use no battery power. Not for reading but great for nocturnal visits to the head and general safety.

[JoeVacs]

Heres you a picture of where the stern light goes. On mine , it's right above the boat name

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25826781@N ... 736968896/