light float

{{Short description|Floating lighted navigational aid}}

File:Roaring Middle light float - geograph.org.uk - 638833.jpg 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.Cunliffe, T. (2006) The Complete Yachtmaster, A & C Black, p.118 In times when most lightvessels were crewed, the term was sometimes also used to describe a full-size lightvessel converted to unmanned operation.[https://canmore.org.uk/site/270223/abertay-light-vessel-abertay-sands-outer-tay-estuary-north-sea Abertay Light Vessel], Canmore

Light floats usually have a boat-shaped platform: this was found to ride the strong tides of rivers and estuaries better than buoys.Naish, J. (1985) Seamarks: their history and development, Stanford, p.111 Light floats are still deployed instead of smaller lighted buoys in waters where strong currents may be experienced.Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic Center (1995) American Practical Navigator, USGPO, p.780