Poor Man's Anchor Light

John Haley (haley@sgenaa.cc.geneseo.edu)
Tue, 02 Mar 1999 12:22:50 -0500


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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Greetings,

My P15 was not rigged for lights. I had a flashlight that had a split lense
that would show red/green. I had a small flashlight that converts to a
lantern for a running stern light or cabin light. For my anchoring light I
used a chem stick. These are 6-8 inch long tubes filled with a chemical
with a small glass vial inside with another chemical. Bend the tube to
break the interior vial and the two chemicals generate light. Used them in
the military for all sorts of stuff. I would run a white one up the main
halyard to the mast head.

The light only lasted 8-10 hours and dims at the end of this time, and
although bright I have no idea about how far away it was visible. They were
just super handy to have on board for all sorts of uses. Zero fire risk.
Long shelf life. Disposable (attach one to anchor line for fun with fish).
And like the man said, for where I was moored a light was not legally
needed for a 15' craft but I thought it prudent to display something.

Regards,

John Haley
P18
Rochester NY

John Haley

Systems Manager
Administration and Finance
SUNY Geneseo
haley@sgenaa.cc.geneseo.edu
716.245.5548