Hey Yakkers,
Not a report, but I was out shrimping last week (Wed, i think) near Patriots after night fall. I pulled poles about 9:30pm and looked up and there were about 20 yaks in the harbor headed toward the Ravenel bridge. Only little headlights on…
I was glad I saw them - I almost didnt. Seemed pretty cool, but if I were one of them I would want more lights so others could see me. Do Yaks not need Nav lights (red/green)?
SeaPro 180CC
“Well done is better than well said” - Ben Franklin
It was probably a coastal expeditions group trip, they paddle out of shem creek. And no, kayaks do not need red/green nav. lights. After sundown, a light is required by law. I have head that any light that shines 360^ is acceptable. I usually just use a headlamp.
Also, dont forget your pfd and whistle- required by law! And that helmet when you take that harley out on 26, oh wait, that’s not required. Gotta love the irony there.
Sadly, there is no page on the sc dnr website concerning kayak regulations, I would really like to see one materialize.
Mornin’;
…no if your in a kayak you don’t want to run Nav lights, just a 360 degree white light. With Nav lights if you don’t have the right of way, your expected to yield the right of way. Since you are not under power (of an electric or fueled motor), that can be impossible (in most cases) to do, leading to a possible accident. Don’t ever put Nav lights on a Kayak…their not required for a reason.
The Req might not be listed in the DNR pubs. But they are explained in Coast Guard rules.
a.k.a. "X-Fishin’ "
Just be careful out there, guys. I could easily see someone gunning for their shrimping spot and your little headlights getting lost in the background of the many lights in the harbor. It could be really ugly. Maybe blinking lights would help get more attention?
SeaPro 180CC
“Well done is better than well said” - Ben Franklin
