Nav Lighting help

Dieler

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So, the 18" dual bulb white lamp on top of the hardtop of my 265 Express has cracked at the base, requiring replacement. This may be an very elementary question, but need it cleared up. Any assistance appreciated.

My assumption was that this light functioned as both a Nav/Anchor light as I have no stern light for navigation and do not see anyplace it should be aft on the vessel. Based on this assumption I figured in Nav mode the rear section of the lamp should be lit and in Anchor mode both sections (front and rear) should be lit. However, whether I place the rocker at Nav or Anchor position both lights on the unit remain lit as light still works. It has 3 piogtails which come through the hardtop. When looking for a replacement I see Masthead/Anchor lights, all around lights and stern lights. The Masthead / Anchor light instructions would tell you to have it wired such that the forward (bow facing) lamp is illuminated when in Nav mode and both lamps illuminated for Anchor mode.

What am I missing, should I have a stern light that I just can't seem to locate? Is the Masthead / Anchor combo correct, when in Nav mode what exactly should be illuminated after sunset?

Thanks for any help, it is driving me nuts.
 

Pez Vela

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Dieler said:
should I have a stern light that I just can't seem to locate? Is the Masthead / Anchor combo correct, when in Nav mode what exactly should be illuminated after sunset?

For navigation, boats less than 12 meters may show sidelights and an all-around white light instead of 225º white masthead light and a 135º white stern light. That's what you have, and it is lit 360º while underway. Everything you described is normal.
 

Dieler

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Great, thanks for confirming...Seemed odd to me based on past vessels owned