Dingy lights

Only issue is that a single light is not compliant with the rules unless you're somewhere that only an all around white is allowed. So whatever lights you use you need 2. And if the tri color Mantus light doesn't have a way to disable the white portion then technically you can't create a compliant setup with those lights.

I think how one uses their dinghy may have a lot of impact on not the necessity and legality of lights, but on how much money and effort one may put into them.

psneeld said:

Attwood clamp ons... $35-$40 available at even Walmart.View attachment 154669

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dito that psneeld, remove the bow light clamp and use velcro to attach to bow of inflatable. The unit breaks down that will fit into a small waterproof box that can keep your pertinence and such!!!!
Cheers J.T.

US Inland Rule 1 (b) (ii) states:
" All vessels complying with the construction and equipment
requirements of the International Regulations are considered to be in
compliance with these Rules." Copied from the current USCG Navigation Rules book.
So, on a vessel less than 7m in length and capable of no more than 7 knots the single all around white light allowed under COLREGS is also legal under the Inland Rules. It took me a while to find that, I thought it was in the lights section but it's in the first couple pages.

If you mount the all round white light on the outboard motor make sure it is tall enough to be seen over the people sitting in the dinghy or else it will not be all round. And it can be blinded if it is at eye level. I mounted mine on a pole in a bracket on the transom. Then a plate at the bottom of the light to shade the occupants to keep the light out of their eyes.

jgwinks said:

US Inland Rule 1 (b) (ii) states:
" All vessels complying with the construction and equipment
requirements of the International Regulations are considered to be in
compliance with these Rules." Copied from the current USCG Navigation Rules book.
So, on a vessel less than 7m in length and capable of no more than 7 knots the single all around white light allowed under COLREGS is also legal under the Inland Rules. It took me a while to find that, I thought it was in the lights section but it's in the first couple pages.

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Interesting.... with all the discussions about Navrules....I have never heard anyone use this rule to justify not complying with the "particular differences between international and inland)..... and in real life scenarios....I have never seen a commercial vessel NOT comply with switching lights when crossing the boundary.

Would love to see a full "interpretive" version of that rule.

To me it seems to apply to say a masthead light or similar piece of equipment.... if it meets COLREGs in size, construction and other particulars for International use...then it is OK for Inland use versus any particular USCG requirements for said piece of equipment.... but I am not sure that omitting the use of a particular light or substituting lighting configurations between International and Inland is allowed. Otherwise...why have so many Inland differences from the International COLREGs?

I loved the Navisafe until I had two fail from water intrusion while stored in the dinghy seat. They weren't submerged - just sitting in a 1/4" of rainwater that leaked into the seat area. It looks waterproof but not even close. I switched to these which have lasted much better (they have a colored bow light too). The suction cup holds surprisingly well but I tie a safety string in case it comes off. https://www.amazon.com/Innovative-Lighting-White-Stern-Suction/dp/B00108PPCE/ref=sr_1_3?crid=K670C51MT0Q8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rcFJeh1MoQhv2VlatXMaEV_I8CFXTeTgEaYyvBGW0PMpyKEicuBGhL69_FTmFwepqlt4hACCFPnUuRyVk_4u_z_4xN2YHcAsbUPLwNEcontFgh-I64mR8-LTOKstIf-qP0frvPRSRaVV4lZ6e4u1EqAcvQNsIHMQltwidr5V0vigLONMuhF-YXMOmzNGzsTi0ME3kpk-FC2fpkbKU-CW6-jRZOE4jgtyxnVR_gR8Kj0.fY-ldS5_rV2w6fQpBU3b_11-tnkvV-xIM3K0-7Q-lU4&dib_tag=se&keywords=innovative+lighting+stern+light&qid=1716836162&sprefix=innovative+lighting+ster,aps,169&sr=8-3&th=1

jgwinks said:

The "tricolor" light is legal on sailing vessels only, and that means being propelled by sails alone, no motor. If being propelled by machinery, the masthead light should be at least one meter higher than the side lights. The tricolor can't do that. There is an allowance for closer spacing if one meter isn't practical, but it still must be visibly higher.

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Of course you are correct, BUT. We see so many dinks heading to the mother ship with no lights. Anything that is easily visible and does not blind the operator (hence the need for a reasonably long pole mount) is worthwhile, maybe life saving.
Technically I believe if your mother ship is anchored and dink is on a tether, it should display an anchor light too in some jurisdictions, but most of us don’t. Not much enforcement out there so just be safe.

These work well for us. Amazon.com

I bought these for our 10' inflatable dingy because I wanted cheap and rechargeable. I've had them for a couple of years, but only used about 6-10 times. So far, so good. The all around white sits atop my hat secured with a rare earth magnet. Attribution for the white light mounting is due to a post somewhere I can't remember!
Botepon Kayak Navigation Lights... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BZT5C1S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I really liked our NaviSafe lights. Green/red on the bow, white all-around on a pole.