Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with a red buoy in the U.S. buoyage system?

In the U.S. buoyage system, red buoys are specifically designed to mark channels and provide navigational guidance. A characteristic that stands out for red buoys is their red color, which is essential for distinguishing them from green buoys in the system. Additionally, red buoys are assigned odd numbers, following a systematic approach to numbering aids to navigation, where odd numbers are allocated to red aids and even numbers to green.

Lighted markers are common for both red and green buoys; however, not all buoys in the system are lighted. Therefore, while a red buoy may be lighted, it is not a defining characteristic exclusive to it.

The key aspect in this case is the color associated with the buoy. Red buoys are distinctly characterized by their red color and their odd numbering system, while green buoys are marked with green colors and even numbers. Thus, the characteristic that is not associated with red buoys is the green color, as it belongs exclusively to the opposing category of buoys in the U.S. buoyage system.