Safe boating after sundown requires heightened awareness. Double check your navigational lights and familiarize yourself with your route. Take it slow.
August 13, 2024
By Jeff Weakley
What’s the best way to run a boat at night?
“Don’t.”
That’s the advice I usually give to new boaters or persons fishing unfamiliar waters. If you’re out there after dark, go slow. Walk, don’t run, in other words.
For all the technology that we have—from light sources to chartplotters to night-vision cameras—the consequences of the slightest mishap while running in darkness are too great to justify the time-savings. Lighted navigational markers may fail. Other boaters may not heed lighting requirements for their vessel. I could go on for pages about incidents I’ve chronicled, some resulting in boats totaled, lives lost. In short, strike a piling or vessel at planing speed and the damage will be catastrophic.
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That said, there are portions of the Intracoastal Waterway and other areas where many of us safely pick up the pace—a little—on the way to and from fishing spots.
My own advice? Even on home waters that I’ve fished for decades, I reference my chartplotter (updated charts!) to remind myself of the position of upcoming markers—long before I reach them. However, I always visually confirm their position—with my own eyes—before passing.
Some I can see against the ambient background light; others may require a quick burst of a light source, like a handheld spotlight, but don’t overdo it. Running with a spotlight or light bar switched on all the time is distracting to other boaters. Coast Guard navigation rules stipulate that any lights “displayed” which aren’t part of the specific pattern required of your vessel class must not impair the visibility or distinctive character of the required lights. The familiar red/green bow lights of your powerboat, and the white all-around light, tell other boaters very important information about your status.
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Bring a spotlight, but if you can’t get from point A to B without it, go slow.
Another thing: I’m exercising particular humility these days as my vision isn’t what it was in my youth. I know my waters intimately, but I’m also respecting my own limitations. In my safe speed calculus I take into account not only the progress of my own vessel in relation to navigational markers, shoals, and other features, but the potential for the unexpected: the unlit boat, the kayaker, floating debris (particularly worrisome in tropical storm season).
To me, it’s a pleasure to be out there. No need to hurry.
It’s no secret that big snook come out to play after dark. They frequently hold near bridges and lighted docks. Bonus Pointers for Summer Safety Unsure About Your Boat? Get it Checked It’s easy to lose track of safety equipment rule updates, and to let some required equipment expire (such as nav lights, fire extinguishers, flares, batteries for handheld personal locator beacons). Put your mind at ease: Contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary (cgaux.org ) or United States Power Squadron (americasboating club.org ) for a free vessel safety inspection. Get your boat and engine serviced by a trusted mechanic. Don’t neglect trailer lights!
Freshen Up Your Skills The “Boating” tab at myfwc.com reveals a treasure trove of boating safety advice—plus links to valuable boating safety education courses.
Float Plan Tell someone where you’re embarking from, where you plan to go, how long you will be on the water, and where you will return. Provide details about your vessel if the other party is not familiar with your boat.
Boat Driving Under the Influence According to FWC, operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water and can lead to series injuries and consequences. In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, the same as in a vehicle.
Have a designated sober driver. Really, it’s best to leave all decision-impairing substances off the boat—especially at night. Keep yourself and your crew alert out there. Get your thrills from fishing adventures and Florida’s clean tropical air.
Gear: Durable, USB-Chargeable Spotlight Streamlight’s LED headlamp (left) and Waypoint 400 spotlight. A marine-grade spotlight is a should-have on a boat. After years of watching corded, cigarette-lighter spotlights deteriorate in the hold, I’ve settled on a small, rechargeable light which I take on as “as-needed” basis.
I currently use the Streamlight Waypoint 400 , which is a pistol-grip spotlight that delivers three levels of illumination: High, 1,400 lumens with 1,265 meters of beam distance; Medium (600 lumens/812 meters); and Low (38 lumens/120 meters). It has a couple of neat features including a built-in folding stand for stationary needs, and a mounting bracket that protects the switch from accidental operation. The light floats and is fully waterproof to IPX8 standards. Charge time at home on AC charger is about 4 hours and the run time is literally days.
In my experience, the lower levels of illumination are suitable for picking up reflective markers along the Intracoastal waters, and are better for preserving your night vision. But, it’s nice to know you have the option of a very powerful light if needed. Elastic strap LED headlamps, like thr Streamlight Enduro Pro , are a great option for yourself and crew, while fishing or attending to basic chores on the boat.
This article was featured in the June 2024 issue of Florida Sportsman magazine. Click to subscribe .
