its not about the law its about physics
Posted by: WSKayak on Sep-21-11 3:22 PM (EST)
All power boats > 16ft (state laws may vary) need the running lights. Its not very common for them to be put on kayaks and canoes. Therefore its misleading but not illegal.
Moreover the low elevation of these lights
-make them harder to see, especially with waves
-create an optical illusion that the kayak with these lights is much further away than actual (closer to the horizon)
-can create an illusion that a craft is sinking
-can create an illusion that the lights are being flashed if are significant seas
-can create an belief that the kayak is a powered vessel and able to cope with a big wake
A bright white light on a tall fiberglass rod will make your presence known more effectively, especially if it moves back and forth as you paddle.
You will need an additional light on your PFD in case you capsize.