Did you ever wish the boat in front of you had a set of brake lights? It may sound silly, but actually, I’ve had this experience several times.
So I wonder if this is a good idea or not. The trouble, as I see it, is that an intermittent amber light at the stern has no universally understood meaning. Or if it does, I’m not aware of it. Any thoughts from our talented readers?
On with the press release!
Waterways can be dangerous, especially when cruising around other boats that can suddenly decelerate without warning, possibly leading to a damaging collision. Creating a safer recreational environment, Powersport Innovations introduces the Safety Alert System for outboard motors. An amber LED light mounted on the outboard motor alerts other boaters that the craft is decelerating.
Helping to avoid injuries, costly repairs and downtime due to an accident, the patented Safety Alert System features a microprocessor-controlled G force sensor. As a boat decelerates, this module provides power to the LED to alert surrounding boaters to take timely corrective action.
“The Safety Alert System helps make boating safer and in the end more fun,” said Powersport Innovations CEO Paul Grzebielucha. “There’s no better cause for our company to be associated with than helping increase safety on the water.”
Completely water- and vibration-proof, the Safety Alert System is designed to withstand harsh marine conditions. With an extremely low voltage draw of only 170 milliamps, boaters won’t have to worry about battery drain. It comes with all necessary wiring.
The kit includes a high-intensity LED that mounts on the dash, lighting up simultaneously when the outboard motor LED is lit. Further increasing safety, this system doubles as a flashing distress signal, alerting others when boaters are in need of assistance. The Safety Alert System for outboard motors is also imperative when night time cruising or docking.
The Safety Alert System comes with a three-year unconditional replacement warranty. This patented system is available as an OEM or aftermarket retail product and has a suggested retail price of $238.95.
9 responses so far ↓
Richard Rodriguez // Jun 2, 2009 at 11:11 am
When good ideas go bad.
An amber light, actually part of the 72 ColRegs, signifies towing astern. Rule 21: d) “Towing light” means a yellow light having the same characteristics as the “sternlight” defined in paragraph (c) of this Rule
Flashing lights also have a specific significance, depending on color. According to the rules, strobe lights in International Waters (all in Puget Sound and the Salish Sea) shall be avoided.
What were these guys thinking?
Richard Rodriguez // Jun 2, 2009 at 11:22 am
Additionally the 72 ColRegs state:
(b) The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights which cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out.
(g) “Special flashing light” means a yellow light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 50 to 70 flashes per minute, placed as far forward and as nearly as practicable on the fore and aft centerline of the tow and showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of not less than 180 degrees nor more than 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to abeam and no more than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.
Dan Corcoran // Jun 2, 2009 at 7:19 pm
This is a terrible idea. Back to the drawing board.
My ideas might be no better, but some thoughts:
1) Instead of amber, make it a normal white stern light. When decelerating make the brightness increase by a factor of 3x … anyone behind you would instantly and uncontiously get the sensation that their boat is closing in on you fast, and would slow down.
2) Add a sound signal. Maybe that noise cars make when they are backing up, to grab attention.
3) Display green/red navigation lights off the engine when decelerating or going in reverse, that should get someone’s attention !! (a terrible idea … just seeing if your paying attention)
Richard Rodriguez // Jun 3, 2009 at 6:30 am
Dan,
There’s already a sound signal for operating reverse propulsion, specially; three short blasts.
Dan Corcoran // Jun 3, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Three short blasts, there we go !!
Logan Nelson // Jun 9, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Amber is the color the US Coast Guard decided to use for deceleration lights on boats and personal watercrafts, and the light only flashes when you put it into an emergency mode, also approved. While the boat or pwc is slowing down the light stays solid.
Bill Priot // Jun 9, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I have one on my ski……..I’m quite sure this thing saved my ass from getting run over more than once by boats and other ski’s….guys at precision watersports installed it for me and I’ve never been happier with service from them and the dudes who make it. DON’T BE A HATER!
Bill Sunday // Jun 10, 2009 at 5:44 am
I have one on my PWC and love it. As my friends ride with me they like it that they know when I am slowing down… they are buying theirs this week.
Maritime Monday 165 // Jun 27, 2009 at 12:33 am
[...] “When Good Ideas go Bad” which is actually commentary on Navagear’s post “Brake lights for outboards: Powersport Innovations Safety Alert System“. I agree with the comments that this is a bad idea. In many places there are already enough [...]
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