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No lighting on PWC?
- Thread starter NX EXA
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PWCs are a creature of their own breed. Lights are just one of a group if things that keeps them simpler than boats.
Sound producing devices, lights, blower motors, oars ect ect.
Sound producing devices, lights, blower motors, oars ect ect.
bigJake
Well-Known Member
not unless you are wearing a facemask you don't. had my ski on the lake once past sunset on a test ride and got smacked in the face with more bugs than you would ever want to.
Dr Honda
Well-Known Member
Honestly... the law really could be changed. (for the modern, huge, heavy PWC)
Originally, PWC were of the "Stand up" variety. (starting in the early 70's) Then... even into the mid 90's... the majority of the PWC would tip easy if loaded to full capacity.
The problem is... even if they changed the law now... there are too many of the old style ski's out there, and it would be unsafe.
Sportster-2001-951C-Stock
Well-Known Member
You can't sneak in and out of harbor if the lights are on, where's the fun?
Dr Honda
Well-Known Member
That's part of the problem. There are WAY too many of the older "Sit Down" skis that will tip over easy, if you get off center, or get hit by a wake/wave.
So... the real issue is... if you started a petition to make a change... you would have to specify what skis would be legal. Then the next issue is... even if you can get the USCG to make a change in the rules... will any of the states follow?
I guess if I were going to start... the law would have to read:
1) Some minimum hull length. (TBD, but probably around 10'4". That will get rid of most of the old, unstable hulls)
2) Max passengers decreased by one, for stability.
3) Properly retrofired lights.
4) Battery size increased to allow a minimum for 30 minutes of running lights, and still safe for re-start.
I don't know, but I would say it didn't. I've been riding these things for a number of years and boats don't see you during the day and it would be even worse a night. It's like riding a motorcycle you have to learn to drive defensively. PWC's are too fast and too low to the water to ride at night. Sorry if you guys don't agree and it is just my opinion.
As a boat owner myself I sometime have trouble seeing PWC's.
Lou
Dr Honda
Well-Known Member
I agree.
Also... the issue is... you sit "IN" a boat... and you sit "ON" a PWC. That distinction alone is a huge factor in safety. I know I've been sitting still on my XP... and a small wake can push me into the water, because I wasn't ready for it.
But... on the flip side of that... My Genesis is more stable than a typical "John Boat". SO... I can understand why guys would want to be out at night. But that again... a john boat doesn't carry 135 hp.
I wouldn't waste my time trying to convince the USCG... but if you guys want to chase it... I'll sign the petition.
a set of lights would be nice if maybe you was stuck out on the water, and then making it late -- in the dark, and here is a thought, cause living in florida, we have had numerous boats through the years, why dont they make solar powered boat lights, like my malibu lights -- or do they ??
Dr Honda
Well-Known Member
Never seen solar lights... but they make a battery powered system. It almost looks like 2 flashlights, with clamps. (one is Red/Green, and the other is white, on a pole)
NX EXA
New Member
I am aware of how unstable some of the PWCs can be, especially the stand up and older sit-ons. As mentioned earlier some of the small boats (john boats, etc.) can easily tip over too but those are allowed past nightfall, right? It's one of those "weigh the odds" deal. Just like motorcycles.
As for lighting I was thinking LED as well since they draw very little power.
I'm going through a boaters safety course and I haven't seen anything about jet skis after dark (or I've not come to it yet), yet canoes, kayaks, rowboats can?? At least the jet skis have the power to quickly move out of the way in the event a large boat doesn't see a smaller boat. "How fast can you row that boat, partner??"
As for lighting I was thinking LED as well since they draw very little power.
I'm going through a boaters safety course and I haven't seen anything about jet skis after dark (or I've not come to it yet), yet canoes, kayaks, rowboats can?? At least the jet skis have the power to quickly move out of the way in the event a large boat doesn't see a smaller boat. "How fast can you row that boat, partner??"
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