Light float

Floating lighted navigational aid

Roaring Middle light float, off King's Lynn at position 52° 58´·64N., 0° 21´·08E.

A light float is a type of lighted navigational aid forming an intermediate class between lightvessels and large lighted buoys; they are generally smaller than lightvessels and carry less powerful lights.[1] In times when most lightvessels were crewed, the term was sometimes also used to describe a full-size lightvessel converted to unmanned operation.[2]

Light floats usually have a boat-shaped platform: this was found to ride the strong tides of rivers and estuaries better than buoys.[3] Light floats are still deployed instead of smaller lighted buoys in waters where strong currents may be experienced.[4]

## References

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1. ^ Cunliffe, T. (2006) The Complete Yachtmaster, A & C Black, p.118
2. ^ Abertay Light Vessel, Canmore
3. ^ Naish, J. (1985) Seamarks: their history and development, Stanford, p.111
4. ^ Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic Center (1995) American Practical Navigator, USGPO, p.780