John I respectfully to what you have written. Yes the M17&15 and Sage 15/17/SageCat under sail can use a flashlight if it "isn't practical" to have the fixed running lights. Though when under power it gets less clear as, "your power-driven vessel is less than 23 feet (7 meters) in length and its maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots, then it may display an all-round white light and, if possible, sidelights, instead of the lights prescribed previously . (International Rules only.)" I read this as being a fixed light, not a flashlight. The states are pretty clear that they want powerboats of all lengths to have lights and have stricter rules than set internationally and by USCG. Same for sailing boats. When I received USCG certificate for building the Sages it was made clear by the inspector that fixed running lights were required for nighttime use of the boats. There are many great portable running lights that can be attached to the boats. I especially like, and sold with the Sages ,especially the S15 & SageCat, the LEDs made by Navilight (a USCG approved design/units). :: Dave Scobie :: M6'8" #650 :: SV SWALLOW - sv-swallow.com :: former owner M17 #375 SWEET PEA - m17-375.com :: former owner M15 #288 SCRED - www.freewebs.com/m15-named-scred/ On Mon, Dec 28, 2020, 7:33 PM John Schinnerer via montgomery_boats < montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
We are under 23 feet (except for you lucky M23 owners ;-) so we don't legally need any of that on our 15's or 17's.
One all-around white light is sufficient; a headlamp/flashlight shone on the sail is sufficient.
Also when anchored outside designated anchoring areas, all around white light, adequately visible. Does not have to be on masthead; in practical terms, no need to be higher than on a small power boat at anchor.
I mention this because having a hard-wired light on the mast can be a pain, especially for trailer-sailors who rig up and down frequently.
Some already have all that in working order, so no additional hassle there. And if the boat is in the water for the whole season, no big deal to connect and disconnect once a year.
But if it's not already installed, and one rigs up and down frequently, different story.
My M17 came with the stock/OEM bow bi-color and white stern lights. All I need is an all-around white and I'm set.
It could be a separate portable battery powered one, or one that plugs into house wiring, like on a stick with a socket in convenient place, or clip to a shroud or pulpit or aft end of boom or run it up the burgee line if you have one...
cheers, John