No lighting on PWC?

[racerxxx]

Hmm, I thought all jet skis have bilge pumps. I know small boats aren't required to have a horn, but they must have some type of sounding device. As for paddles, whether it be required or not, I was going to have a set on my PWC just for the sheer dumb luck I break down in the middle of nowhere and have it as a backup plan.

I did happen to stumble across the Florida PWC law:
"PWCs may not be operated during the hours between one half-hour after sunset to one half-hour before sunrise. Due to navigation light requirements, PWCs without navigation lights may operate only between sunrise and sunset."
I see the key phrase being "without navigation lights may operate between sunrise and sunset", says nothing about PWCs WITH lights.

I'm complete opposite. I am always on the alert around me. I treat it no different than driving a car, always looking out. Here in Florida no boater's license is required if you're born before 1, January 1988. It's also not required for me to have a safety course but the safety course I am taking anyway.

I've ordered lights for my PWC and test them out in FL. If I get caught and they say no more then I'll just hop on over to Alabama where they allow after dark operation WITH navigation lights. Not that I'll be riding a lot at night anyway.

Here you are do not pass GO and do not collect $200

Straight from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Personal watercraft may not be operated from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, even if navigation lights are used. Remember, both federal and state law requires the use of navigation lights from sunset to sunrise.


Here's the link go down the list to Personal Watercraft Regulations, it's the 3rd bullet point down. Sorry to deflate your dingy, but it's black and white, probably the same colors the ticket would be in.

http://myfwc.com/boating/regulations/#nogo

 

[Lboogie]

Finally the videos.

First one with two skis on the trailer showing lights. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh0MMurC0BA

Second one of someone testing out the lights either inclement weather or dusk. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh6XJ9yzSZ4

Last one took me forever to find it. Two riders out with navi lights. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XszJnujuJpQ

After watching those I definitely don't want to ride at night at alll. Doesn't seem safe. It is definitely illegal in New York so it is a moot point for me.

 

[NX EXA]

Here you are do not pass GO and do not collect $200

Straight from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Personal watercraft may not be operated from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise, even if navigation lights are used. Remember, both federal and state law requires the use of navigation lights from sunset to sunrise.


Here's the link go down the list to Personal Watercraft Regulations, it's the 3rd bullet point down. Sorry to deflate your dingy, but it's black and white, probably the same colors the ticket would be in.

http://myfwc.com/boating/regulations/#nogo

Very well then. Not sure why that site states differently than this one: https://www.boat-ed.com/florida/handbook/page/39/Requirements-Specific-to-PWCs , oh well. I will still install them just as a safety measure if anything happens or I'm further away from the dock than I think and end up getting back at the dock later than nightfall.

 

[racerxxx]

Very well then. Not sure why that site states differently than this one: https://www.boat-ed.com/florida/handbook/page/39/Requirements-Specific-to-PWCs , oh well. I will still install them just as a safety measure if anything happens or I'm further away from the dock than I think and end up getting back at the dock later than nightfall.

The only thing I can think of is the link you provided they may "generalize" the info for the boat-ed possibly?? It can't hurt to have them, but I wouldn't count on them to get me out of a ticket is all.

 

[bigJake]

Just curious, why do you even feel the need to ride your pwc at night?

 

[LouDoo]

I think this thread has run it's course, I'm going to close it. If there are any legitimate objections I will re-open it, PM me.

Lou