{{Short description|Floating lighted navigational aid}} [[File:Roaring Middle light float - geograph.org.uk - 638833.jpg|thumb|right|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.<ref name=cunliffe118>Cunliffe, T. (2006) ''The Complete Yachtmaster'', A & C Black, p.118</ref> In times when most lightvessels were crewed, the term was sometimes also used to describe a full-size lightvessel converted to unmanned operation.<ref name=canmore>[https://canmore.org.uk/site/270223/abertay-light-vessel-abertay-sands-outer-tay-estuary-north-sea Abertay Light Vessel], Canmore</ref>
Light floats usually have a boat-shaped platform: this was found to ride the strong tides of rivers and estuaries better than buoys.<ref name=naish111>Naish, J. (1985) ''Seamarks: their history and development'', Stanford, p.111</ref> Light floats are still deployed instead of smaller lighted buoys in waters where strong currents may be experienced.<ref name=apn780>Defense Mapping Agency Hydrographic Center (1995) ''American Practical Navigator'', USGPO, p.780</ref> ==References==
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Category:Navigational aids