Tri-Color Masthead Navigation Light – 21cm Inox Pole with Nylon Base (Sailboat)

The Tri-color masthead light 02616 is specifically designed for sailing boats that need a combined lantern at the top of the mast. Instead of installing separate sidelights (red/green) and a separate stern light, the tri-color configuration integrates all of them into one unit. The upper part of the lamp contains the colored lenses – red and green each covering 112.5° (together spanning the 225° forward sector), and white covering 135° aft. When your yacht is under sail (and the engine is off), this single lamp displays the required colors in all directions, indicating to other vessels which side of your boat is port, which is starboard, and where your stern is.

The lamp is mounted on a short stainless steel pole 21 cm in height and 19 mm in diameter. While 21 cm might seem modest, this length is carefully chosen to raise the light above any potential obstructions (e.g., antennas, mast hardware, or furled sails) and to achieve an optimal light arc. The stainless pole is made of high-grade 316 steel polished to a mirror finish – this provides maximum corrosion resistance at the masthead, where conditions are most extreme (sun, salt, wind). The polishing prevents salt and dirt buildup and gives a premium look.

The base of the lamp is made from tough plastic (nylon). It is installed in a fixed position, typically directly onto the masthead (wooden or metal) or on a dedicated bracket. The plastic base has several advantages: it electrically isolates the stainless pole from a metal mast (preventing galvanic corrosion), it’s UV-resistant and maintenance-free. Since the light is fixed (not frequently removed), the plastic base is built to withstand constant load and vibration.

Inside the tri-color light, there is one 12V/10W bulb, which through a system of lenses/reflectors illuminates all three sectors. This simplifies maintenance – you have only one bulb to replace. The 10-watt halogen lamp provides the necessary brightness per standards: the white stern light must be visible for at least 2 nautical miles, and the colored sidelights for 1 nm on boats under 12 m, and this fixture meets those requirements. Of course, you can swap the bulb for an LED equivalent (if compatible) to reduce power consumption – the housing allows for such an upgrade, but initially it comes with a classic filament bulb for maximum reliability and to maintain certification compliance.

Usage & Recommendations:

• For small to mid-sized sailing yachts: This tri-color light is especially suitable for sailboats up to about 10–12 meters that frequently sail at night. By mounting it at the masthead, you significantly increase your visibility to other ships – tri-color lights are high above the water, which is an advantage compared to deck-level sidelights that can be obscured by waves or other vessels.
• Reduced energy consumption: Using one combined lamp instead of three separate lights can save energy (one bulb instead of three) and simplifies wiring (one cable/two conductors instead of three separate runs). This is important for sailors who rely on batteries during long overnight passages.
• Mast installation: It’s recommended to install the tri-color light at the very top of the main mast (or the only mast on a single-masted vessel). Ensure that nothing around it will block the light – for example, a VHF antenna is usually thin and won’t interfere, but there should be no flags or other objects that could shadow the sectors. The light’s compact size minimizes wind resistance and the risk of lines getting tangled.
• Usage: The tri-color light is used only when sailing under wind power. If you start your engine, international rules require that in addition to the three colors, you exhibit a white masthead (steaming) light of 225°. In that case, the tri-color should be turned off and you should switch to a configuration of a white steaming light plus stern light and deck-level sidelights (or a bi-color bow light). Many sailors complement the tri-color lantern with a separate 360° anchor light (often on the same masthead) for use when moored or at anchor.
• If you need a taller or more robust light: For larger yachts or if you prefer a taller mast and metal base, Five Marine offers a version with a 30 cm pole and all-stainless base (code 02319-W). The taller model provides even greater visibility above the sails and is entirely metallic for maximum durability. However, for compact applications and smaller boats, model 02616 is the optimal balance of size, weight, and functionality.

With the 21 cm Tri-Color Masthead Light (02616), your sailing boat will have a reliable and compact navigation lamp for night voyages. This product helps you be seen in time at sea without adding unnecessary weight aloft or complicating your light setup. Five Marine provides you a solution that outperforms competing offerings through its quality materials (stainless steel and UV-resistant nylon) and thoughtful design tailored to the needs of the modern sailor.