What's wrong with this picture?

[Little Bear]

Two irresponsible kayakers, paddling without lights about 15 minutes after sunset. What if one of them got hit by a powerboat, then who's fault is it?

[Bear Guy]

NH law only requires paddled vessels to display a flashlight. These kayakers may not be operating illegaly.
https://www.boat-ed.com/abc/abc_spec...dfs/nh_law.pdf

This thread includes opinions of many regarding the risks associated with this specific choice in boating on the lake:
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ad.php?t=20565

[Knomad]

NH Saf-C403.16(a) states:
"Boats propelled by oars, paddles or other human or natural device except sails, operated on any public water, shall, between sunset and sunrise, display one white light in a conspicuous position, so placed as to show all around the horizon."

This means a white light that can been seen without obstruction for 360 deg for 2 miles. Most flashlights do not meet this requirement.

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rule.../saf-c400.html

[fatlazyless]

So, for a C&L Echo sailboat, which is 11'10" in length, that has a main sail and a jib plus two oars, no registration sticker required; is it legally required to have a red/green bow light, plus a white 360-degree light on the stern, or to just have a single white light visible for two miles from all directions?

[Slickcraft]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

So, for a C&L Echo sailboat, which is 11'10" in length, that has a main sail and a jib plus two oars, no registration sticker required; is it legally required to have a red/green bow light, plus a white 360-degree light on the stern, or to just have a single white light visible for two miles from all directions?

See page 8:
https://www.boat-ed.com/abc/abc_spec...dfs/nh_law.pdf

I suspect that for a small sail boat the "If practical" would apply and standard nav lighting is required. But likely not for a kayak where only a lantern or flashlight shining as per illustration 3 is required.

[Just Sold]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

So, for a C&L Echo sailboat, which is 11'10" in length, that has a main sail and a jib plus two oars, no registration sticker required; is it legally required to have a red/green bow light, plus a white 360-degree light on the stern, or to just have a single white light visible for two miles from all directions?

From: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rule.../saf-c400.html

(b) Any other type of non-motorized vessel, when propelled by sail alone, shall carry only the combined light or separate side lights as appropriate to its class. Additionally, one white light at the stern so constructed that it shall show an unbroken light over an area of the horizon of 12 points of the compass so fixed as to show the light 6 points from right aft on each side of the vessel.

Figure 400-1 Running Lights:
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rule...s/image002.jpg

[Knomad]

Common sense dictates that if you are out at night you want to be seen by another vessel heading your way no matter from what direction it is approaching your vessel. If you are paddling, rowing or sailing, you already have your hands full and would not have a flash light in your hand. By the time you get to it, turn it on, and shine it so the other vessel can see you, the other vessel could be right on top of you - literally.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Knomad

Common sense dictates that if you are out at night you want to be seen by another vessel heading your way no matter from what direction it is approaching your vessel. If you are paddling, rowing or sailing, you already have your hands full and would not have a flash light in your hand. By the time you get to it, turn it on, and shine it so the other vessel can see you, the other vessel could be right on top of you - literally.

1. This thread does not appear to be about common sense.
2. Why would anybody be interested in the least possible lighting?
3. I hope the flashlight guy doesn't aim it at the helmsman in the oncoming boat and blind him/her.
4. Recall a couple of years ago a couple in an unlighted kayak (between Bear and Shep's?) were run over by a powerboat? They were rescued, no injuries. It was reported to MP, but since there were no injuries and property damage was less than $1000 (one kayak destroyed), it was not a reportable accident.
5. There are no laws prohibiting stupid. There is a requirement to keep a proper lookout (applies to both vessels, right?), so who's at fault?

[Top-Water]

Originally Posted by Little Bear

Two irresponsible kayakers, paddling without lights about 15 minutes after sunset. What if one of them got hit by a powerboat, then who's fault is it?

Seen this post the other day right after it was posted. I wonder what my situation would have been if I hit a boat that night on Winnisquam that same evening at about 10:30.

Originally Posted by Descant

There is a requirement to keep a proper lookout (applies to both vessels, right?), so who's at fault?

My lookouts were one officer from the Marine Patrol and two officers from the Laconia Police.

The single boat and single officer on duty needed an assist at Pot Island. While not fearful of navigating the lake at night on my home lake, my number one fear while getting them out there in a hurry was hitting someone with no lights.

No lights at night or just a flash light ......... really stupid.

Luckily everything went ok and got the three additional officers out there quickly without incident.