Utility 77 225° Bi-Color Bow Light – Combined Red/Green Lamp

The Osculati Utility 77 11.425.05 is an intelligent combined solution for a bow navigation light, integrating the functions of two lamps into one. Instead of installing separate port (red) and starboard (green) running lights, this model covers both sectors (112.5° each) with a single unit. This not only simplifies installation and reduces wiring and cut-outs on your bow, but also gives your vessel a cleaner, more professional look. The light covers the full 225° forward arc, fully satisfying navigation rules by ensuring that oncoming vessels simultaneously see both your red (port) and green (starboard) sectors and can accurately judge your heading. For boats up to 12 meters, this combined light is especially convenient and effective, offering all the benefits of standard bi-color lights in a compact format.

Osculati’s Utility 77 series is known for its robustness and reliability, and this bi-color light is no exception. The housing is made from high-quality white polycarbonate with a textured “orange peel” surface, which serves both aesthetic and practical purposes – it helps diffuse the light and conceal scratches. The device is engineered to be 100% waterproof: precision gaskets and solid assembly prevent ingress of water, dust, and salt spray into the housing. This means that even in adverse weather or when taking waves over the bow, the internal components remain protected and the light operates without fail. The Osculati Utility 77 has undergone certification tests – it’s RINA approved and conforms to COLREG72 requirements for vessels up to 12 m, which includes the proper light intensity and color for the side lights (red/green) and the visibility requirement (1 NM for each side).

The light comes with everything needed to function – an integrated socket and a 12 V, 10 W halogen bulb. Right after installation you have an operational running light for your bow. If you want to reduce power draw or extend the interval between bulb changes, the unit is compatible with equivalent LED bulbs (available separately) – swapping is simple and doesn’t require additional adapters. Installing the Osculati Utility 77 is straightforward: the design is for vertical mounting on the bow or on a bow rail/pulpit. It’s usually placed at the center of the bow, right on the centerline, to give a symmetric light distribution to both sides. Secure the fixture with two screws through the provided holes (stainless hardware is recommended for longevity). The compact size of the housing allows installation even on smaller bow areas or narrow rails. As with all deck penetrations, apply a suitable bedding compound under the base before tightening the screws to ensure watertightness. The final step is connecting the twin-core cable to your electrical system – ideally into the running light circuit controlled by your dashboard switch. Once installed, your boat will be equipped with a reliable combined navigation light that significantly improves its visibility to other seafarers and eliminates any chance of confusion about which side is which – because both are indicated simultaneously from a single source.

• Typical Use Cases: Suitable for all motorboats and sailboats up to 12 m, especially when bow space is limited or the owner prefers one combined fixture instead of two separate ones. Ideal for small powerboats, fishing vessels, RIB inflatables, and yachts where simplifying the setup saves time and reduces potential points of failure. The Utility 77 is also useful as an upgrade on older vessels – it can replace two outdated lights with one unit, providing fewer points of potential leaks and easier maintenance. Whether you’re refitting your boat or outfitting a new one, this light is a popular choice for making your bow lighting more convenient.
• Recommended Vessel Size: Designed for vessels up to 12 meters in length, this light fully addresses the needs of the small boat category in terms of visibility and coverage. Because it’s a combined unit, it’s optimized to give 1 NM visibility on each side (red and green) for boats in this class. Larger vessels would require more intense lights, but for your boat, Utility 77 offers the ideal balance of compactness and effectiveness. Owners of boats in the 5–12 m range will find it meets their requirements perfectly, providing the safety of separate lights in one neat package.
• Installation Tips: Mount the light as far forward and as close to the centerline of the bow as possible. If your boat has a bow pulpit rail, a convenient option is to attach the light to it (some models even allow for clamp-on rail mounting). Make sure the red sector faces to port and the green to starboard (usually there are internal marks or colored dots indicating which side is which). To avoid glare, ensure the light is angled such that it doesn’t shine onto your foredeck. When tying into your boat’s wiring, use an appropriately rated fuse (e.g., 3 A) to protect the circuit. At least once a season, check the lens cover and seals – opening the unit and cleaning off any salt deposits on the lenses will ensure maximum brightness. With proper care, the Osculati Utility 77 will provide faithful service for many years, enhancing the safety of every night voyage.