Port Canaveral to St Augustine

[Freeebird]

Again, it's all about seat time. As for lighted markers, it's not necessary that they all be lighted. It's to give you a clear, point to point pathway. You won't find an unlighted marker in your path if you can see far enough ahead to pick up the lighted ones. Trick there is to watch your charts/plotter to make sure you're picking up the right ones in areas where there are turns.

Did you by chance check your mileage outside vs inside?

[Reefgeorge]

Glad to hear that you are starting to get a feel for docking. Sounds like you are on your way.

Ya, lighted usually indicates direction change. Its a combination of sight, spotlight, gps and radar.

George

[Freeebird]

Being a marker lighter upper with a spotlight can get you a good cussing.

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Being a marker lighter upper with a spotlight can get you a good cussing.

Considered bad form around here old boy.

[Reefgeorge]

Where you cruise, others will swear at you for lighting up a marker to confirm safe travel at night?

What's bad form, using a spotlight or swearing at those who do?

Confused,

George

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Where you cruise, others will swear at you for lighting up a marker to confirm safe travel at night?

What's bad form, using a spotlight or swearing at those who do?

Confused,

George

Spotlighting. Often someone who'll light you up as well.

[Freeebird]

Where you cruise, others will swear at you for lighting up a marker to confirm safe travel at night?

What's bad form, using a spotlight or swearing at those who do?

Confused,

George

It can be illegal, depending on what kind of mood a water cop is in, but it destroys the night vision of those around you.

[Freeebird]

Running the rivers up here is the worst. You have pontoon boats with "headlights", and Q-Beams blasting in every direction. The whole idea of lighted markers is to give you a clear path that keeps you in the channel. Short of moonlight, the darker the better when it comes to keeping your bearings.

Coming into a marina with private markers is a different story, but there is really no reason to use a spotlight beyond that. If you don't know where you are and want to confirm a channel marker number, ease up to a lighted one and hit it with a light at an angle vs blinding anyone and everyone who is headed your direction.

[Freeebird]

Spotlighting. Often someone who'll light you up as well.

I've been known to return fire to get the point across. Lit up a duck trooper one night who thought it was a good idea to sit in the middle of the channel with his lights off in an effort to watch for drinking boaters who were leaving a fireworks display. He was the bigger danger, so I did my duty to protect my fellow boaters.

[Reefgeorge]

Interesting. 35 years of boating and I don't think I have ever pissed anyone off with a spotlight. I only use it sporadically to confirm in a dicey situation and usually in the sparse open ICW in east central Florida.

You learn something every day.

George