stern light base

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by Heshani31

Does a boat need a stern light if the boat is less than 20m in length?

Here ya go! U.S. Coast Guard Requirements - Lighting

Coast Guard minimum equipment requirements vary with the size of your boat, type of propulsion, whether operated at night or in periods of reduced visibility, and, in some cases, the body of water on which it is used. Boats carrying passengers for hire have additional equipment requirements. For more complete details on how many and what types of equipment you must have aboard your boat, request a copy of the free brochure, "Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats", either from your local BoatUS Marine Center, the BoatUS Foundation, or from the Coast Guard Customer Info Line at 800-368-5647. Please note that requirements shown below hold true for most areas, but local regulations are intricate. Be sure to check with your local government for marine safety regulations in your area. You can visit your state's boating page by surfing to the Foundation website at

http://www.boatus.com/onlinecourse/statehomepg.html.

Navigation (Running) Lights Required on boats between sunset and sunrise. A sailboat under motor only, or under sail and motor, is considered a powerboat, and must display appropriate lights. BOATS UNDER 12 METERS (39.4') Sailboats-Separate or combination red and green sidelights, 112.5°, visible 1 n.m. White stern light, 135°, visible 2 n.m. OR, tri-color masthead light. Powerboats-Separate or combination red and green sidelights, 112.5°, visible 1 n.m., placed above hull at least 1 meter (3.3') below masthead light. Masthead: white, 225°, visible 2 n.m., at least 1 meter above side lights. White stern light, 135°, visible 2 n.m. OR, one all-round (360°) white light (should also have sidelights). BOATS 12 METERS (39.4') TO 20 METERS (65.6') Sailboats-Separate or combination red and green sidelights, 112.5°, visible 2 n.m. White stern light, 135°, visible 2 n.m. OR, tri-color masthead light. Powerboats-Separate or combination red and green sidelights, 112.5°, visible 2 n.m., placed above hull at least 1 meter (3.3') below masthead light. Masthead: white, 225°, visible 3 n.m., at least 1 meter above side lights. White stern light, 135°, visible 2 n.m

Hope this helps answer your question. But again, in all cases, go to your states rules and see what they require since there are differences from state to state. Oh, and n.m. = Nautical Mile.