Moving the "A" Frame

[Bobaw]

Finally got around to posting.... Thanks for the help John

Q: Does anybody know if there is any issue with the removal of my current "A" frame and the fitting of an up and over "radar style" arch above my centre console. Reason for the question is that the Nav lights will also move further forward and only be 1mtr from the bow.

I have not seen anything in the regs that could indicate there would be a problem as long as the lights are set up correctly, however, it's always best to check....

The rib is a 5.5mtr Cobra.

Any help greatly recieved..

Regards

Bob

[Alan]

I dont think you have a problem from a "lights and shapes" point of view on a 5.5m boat. I rather suspect actually that you could get away with one allround white light if you wanted to! I also think there is a lot of merit in weight distribution terms in NOT having a dirty great load of stainless steel at the stern of the boat!

HTH,
Alan

[Scubakid]

That,s where mine are and have not had any problems, also a lot of cabin cruisers have theirs in this position.

John

[Bobaw]

Thanks For the Info

Looks like I've got a job before the season

Regards

Bob

[Allan]

Looking at the colregs, the positioning would seem to be OK but as for trying to get away with an all round white light, that would appear to fall foul of Rule 23 (c) (ii) which states:

"(ii) a power-driven vessel of less than 7 meters in length whose maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots may in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule exhibit an all-round white light and shall, if practicable, also exhibit sidelights."

Fine until you get to the 7 knots bit!

Though if memory serves I seem to recall seeing R.N. ribs in Plymouth running an all round white on a transom mounted post.

Follow the example or follow the rule?

I suspect that it would remain largely academic until (god forbid) the vessel was involved in an accident and the courts became involved, at which point I expect that an all round white would not be acceptable.

[Bobaw]

Thanks Allan

Being an Aux Coastguard - I better stick to the colregs...

[Powerboat]

The other thing about this that not a lot of people know ( including RIB manufacturers ) is that the all round white should be mounted a metre above the port and starboard lights .

Best wishes ,

Stuart
www.powerboat.org

[Scubakid]

it's lucky that mine is then, more by luck than judgement though.