Boat Deck Lights: Led Options For Your Vessel

If you're looking to light up your boat deck, LED lights are a great option. They're compact, efficient, long-lasting, and bright, enhancing safety and allowing for illumination almost anywhere. When choosing LED boat deck lights, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, opt for marine-grade LED lighting that is designed to resist corrosion in a saltwater environment. Look for lights with high waterproof ratings of IP 67 and IP 6K9K. Ensure that the lights meet Coast Guard regulations and guidelines, especially regarding side marker lights and visibility range requirements. Consider the angle of illumination, with courtesy and spreader lights requiring a wider beam and chart lights or spotlights needing a narrower, more focused beam. Finally, select LEDs with the same footprint as your old incandescent lights to save time and money on installation. With these factors in mind, you can choose the best LED boat deck lights for your needs and enjoy improved lighting on your boat.

The best colour for LED boat deck lights

When choosing the best colour for LED boat deck lights, there are several factors to consider, including functionality, aesthetics, and compliance with regulations. Here are some insights to help you make an informed decision:

Red LED Deck Lights:

Red LED deck lights are a popular choice among boaters. They are favoured for their ability to preserve night vision, providing sufficient illumination without causing glare or interfering with your ability to see in the darkness. This makes them ideal for fishing and other night-time activities where you want to minimise the impact on your eyes. Red lights are also known to attract fewer bugs compared to other colours, which can be a significant advantage when spending time outdoors. Additionally, red lights can create a clean and stylish look, especially when installed as individual lights or on a dimmer setting.

White LED Deck Lights:

White LED deck lights offer excellent visibility as they produce more overall lumens than any other colour. If you need to see clearly and perform detailed tasks on the deck of your boat, white lights will provide the brightest illumination. White light is made up of all colours in the colour spectrum, making it ideal for tasks that require precision. However, it is important to note that white lights can be harsh on the eyes and may require a dimmer switch to adjust the intensity. White lights also tend to attract more bugs, which can be a nuisance during evening outings.

Blue LED Deck Lights:

Blue LED deck lights are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal. They provide a calming and pretty visual effect, making them popular for decorative purposes. Blue lights are less bright than red or white, so they may not be ideal if you require functional lighting for tasks. However, if you're looking to create a relaxing atmosphere or showcase your boat's features, blue lights can be a great choice.

Green LED Deck Lights:

Green LED lights have gained popularity in recent years, especially among fishermen. Green light effectively attracts fish by drawing in plankton, which baitfish feed on, ultimately luring in larger game fish. It is also a preferred colour for fishing and shrimping, attracting a good number of smaller baitfish. Additionally, green light provides a nice visual appearance at night and attracts fewer bugs compared to white light.

Amber/Yellow LED Deck Lights:

Amber or yellowish LED deck lights offer a good compromise between red and white lights. They provide better visibility than red while being less harsh on the eyes than white. Amber lights can be a suitable option if you want a balance between functionality and comfort, especially in enclosed spaces.

Compliance with Regulations:

It is important to note that using certain colours for boat lights may be restricted by regulations. For example, red and green lights are reserved for navigation purposes, and using them in other contexts could result in a fine. Always check with local maritime regulations to ensure that your LED deck lights comply with the relevant rules.

In conclusion, the best colour for LED boat deck lights depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as functionality, aesthetics, bug attraction, and compliance with regulations. Remember that you can always opt for dimmable lights or colour-changing options to provide flexibility and allow you to adjust the lighting according to different situations.

The best LED boat deck lights for night vision

When choosing LED boat deck lights for night vision, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, look for lights that are specifically designed for marine use and can withstand harsh conditions, including corrosion and submersion in water. Secondly, opt for lights with low power consumption and high brightness, such as LED lights with a wide illumination range. Thirdly, consider the colour temperature of the lights, choosing between warmer or cooler lights depending on your preference and the ambiance you want to create. Finally, ensure that the lights are easy to install and come with the necessary hardware, such as screws, wires, and adhesive tape.

EXZEIT Waterproof LED Boat Lights

EXZEIT offers a pair of 6-inch lighting pods that provide a wide 120-degree illumination range. Each light consumes 20W of energy and contains 12 OSRAM lenses, with each lens consuming 1.5W. The lights are waterproof and can be attached to any part of your boat, as well as other vehicles like tractors and trucks. The durable aluminium housing is rust-free and can withstand harsh weather conditions, including snow, hail, and rain. However, the provided screws may be difficult to use, and you might need to use a standard hex bolt for permanent installation.

Shangyuan Marine Boat Lights

Shangyuan's LED boat lights provide adequate lighting that is easy on the eyes and perfect for night vision during fishing and duck hunting. The lights are also decorative and can be installed almost anywhere on the boat, including tight compartments. They are available in five different colours: green, red, yellow, white, and blue. The installation process is simple, with 10-inch long wires and free screws and foam tape bases included. However, excessive torque during installation may crack the housing, so caution is advised.

Seapon Pontoon Boat Light

The Seapon Pontoon Boat Light is a bright and versatile light that can be used as a boat deck light, cockpit light, interior light, or even underwater as a courtesy light. The light strip has a self-adhesive backing and is easy to install, although you may need to drill small holes for a more secure fit. The strip is 5 metres long and 1 centimetre wide, and it can be cut every 2 inches to fit your boat perfectly. It operates on 12V DC and consumes less than 1 watt of power, making it energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Partsam Marine Clear Lens

The Partsam Marine Clear Lens lights offer a cool appearance and bright lighting that is not blinding. They are durable and lightweight, with plastic housing and chrome bezels. The lights are waterproof, with an IP68 rating, and operate on 12V DC. Installation may require additional work, as the lights do not naturally mount flush to the wall, and you may need to drill screw and sinkholes.

Obcursco LED Boat Navigation Light

The Obcursco LED Boat Navigation Light is a bright and durable option, perfect for improving visibility at night. The lights are IP67 waterproof and can withstand direct sunlight, continuous rain, and frequent boating. The 18 5050 LED strips provide intense brightness and can illuminate up to 40 feet. The lights are available in four colours: red, green, blue, or white. Installation is fairly simple, with a 3M adhesive backing and a 6-foot lead wire that connects to a 12-volt battery. However, you may need to use a sealant to ensure the lights stick well during installation.

YITAMOTOR LED Light Bar

The YITAMOTOR LED Light Bar is a sturdy and versatile option that can be used on boats as well as land vehicles. The lights are waterproof, dust-proof, and non-corrosive, thanks to their die-cast aluminium housing. They offer a slim and compact design and are energy-efficient, with a heat dissipation feature that prolongs their lifespan. The lights come with adjustable mounting accessories, allowing for adjustments of up to 90 degrees.

The best LED boat deck lights for fishing

When it comes to choosing the best LED boat deck lights for fishing, there are several factors to consider, including brightness, ease of installation, durability, and colour temperature. Here are some of the top options available on the market:

Shangyuan Marine Boat Lights

Shangyuan Marine Boat Lights are an excellent choice for fishing as they provide super bright illumination to guide your way even in murky waters. The lights improve night vision without being too overwhelming, making it easy to change rig lines and baits. These lights are small and can fit into tight spaces, making them ideal for boats with limited interior lighting fixtures. They are also versatile and can be used in various applications, including decoration. The lights are energy-efficient and come with a screw set, wire connection, and foam tape bases for easy installation.

EXZEIT Waterproof LED Boat Lights

EXZEIT Waterproof LED Boat Lights are a top choice for fishing due to their impressive brightness and 6000K colour temperature. With a 120-degree illumination range, these lights provide ample light for night fishing and other activities. They are energy-efficient, consuming only 20W per light without compromising brightness. The lights are also notable for their waterproof capability, making them suitable for underwater use. EXZEIT lights feature durable aluminium housing that resists rust and harsh environments, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Obcursco LED Boat Navigation Light

Obcursco LED Boat Navigation Lights stand out for their extreme brightness, making them ideal for night fishing and improving visibility in dark areas. The clear plastic housing is flexible and waterproof, ensuring that the lights remain intact even when exposed to waves. Installation is straightforward, and the lights are designed to withstand harsh conditions, including direct sunlight and continuous rain.

Seapon Pontoon Boat Light

The Seapon Pontoon Boat Light is a versatile option that can be used as an interior or exterior light on a variety of watercraft, including kayaks, bass boats, and Jon boats. The blue light is subtle and gentle on the eyes, making it perfect for night fishing. The lights are bright enough to illuminate the inside of your boat clearly. Additionally, the strips can be cut every three LEDs, making them adjustable to your desired length. Installation is simple, and the lights come with screws and strip clips to ensure a secure hold.

YITAMOTOR LED Light Bar

The YITAMOTOR LED Light Bar is a versatile option that can be used on boats and heavy-duty vehicles. It features a slim and compact design, and its die-cast aluminium housing makes it waterproof, quake-proof, dust-proof, and anti-corrosive. The light bar offers adjustable mounting accessories, allowing for adjustments of up to 90 degrees to change the beam's direction easily. The lights are energy-efficient and have a long lifespan. However, installing the bolts can be challenging for some users.

Partsam Round Chrome Marine LED

Partsam Round Chrome Marine LED lights are versatile and can be used as stern lights, boat interior lights, navigation lights, courtesy lights, or bow lights. The soft blue glow is not too bright or dim, making it ideal for night fishing or cockpit lighting. The lights feature plastic housing that is low maintenance and clear, durable lenses for protection. Installation is straightforward, and the necessary mounting screws are included in the package. However, filing the plastic standoffs on the back of the lights can be time-consuming.

OPT7 LED Boat Light

OPT7 LED Boat Lights are the perfect choice if you want to customise your boat's lighting. They offer various colour options, lighting modes, and colour adjustments, even flashing along with the beat of the music. These lights can be controlled via a remote or smartphone app, making it easy to create the desired ambiance. OPT7 lights are flexible and waterproof, allowing for easy installation on various surfaces. However, concealing the wires after mounting can be time-consuming.

TH Marine LED-51830-DP Dome Light

TH Marine LED-51830-DP Dome Light offers both red and white lights, providing pure and bright illumination without being overbearing. The lights are perfect for navigation stations and cabin renovation, and the rocker switch allows you to choose between white and red lighting. The housing is UV and fade-resistant, while the circuit board is waterproof, vibration-resistant, and corrosion-resistant, ensuring durability. However, installation can be challenging due to the need for flush mounting.

Obscurco LED Boat Light

Obscurco LED Boat Lights provide just the right amount of brightness without being too overwhelming. They are perfect for walkways, voids, compartments, and various other applications. The lights are visible from a distance and do not attract bugs, making them ideal for fishing trips. Installation is straightforward, and the lights come with the necessary hardware.

Acegoo Boat Recessed Ceiling Light

Acegoo Boat Recessed Ceiling Lights provide a cool white light that is perfect for interior boat lighting. These lights offer exceptional colour and brightness while creating a pleasant ambiance. Installation is easy thanks to the lightweight, slim, and compact design, and the spring clips provided. The lights are energy-saving and do not heat up quickly, ensuring a long lifespan. However, you may need to add a device if you prefer dimmer lighting.

The best LED boat deck lights for safety

LED boat deck lights are a great way to improve safety on your boat and make moving around a dark deck much easier. When choosing the best LED boat deck lights for safety, there are several factors to consider, including:

Marine-grade LEDs

It is important to select LEDs that are specifically designed for marine use. These LEDs will have housings that resist corrosion in a saltwater environment, which is crucial for preventing damage to your boat. In addition, marine-grade LEDs are sealed to prevent water intrusion and have the highest waterproof ratings of IP 67 and IP 6K9K.

Coast Guard compliance

When choosing LED boat deck lights, it is essential to ensure that they meet Coast Guard regulations and guidelines set by the American Boat and Yacht Council. This includes proper side marker light colours and visibility range requirements, which vary depending on the size of the vessel. For boats under 40 feet, the required visibility range is 2 nautical miles.

Lighting angles

The angle of illumination is an important consideration when selecting LED boat deck lights. For courtesy and spreader lights, a wide beam of at least 50 degrees is ideal for adequately illuminating a cockpit or walkway and minimising dark shadows. On the other hand, a chart light or spotlight requires a narrower beam of about 20 degrees to focus on a specific object or direction.

LED colour

The colour of the LEDs can also impact safety. While white LEDs provide bright illumination, red LEDs can preserve night vision. Amber or yellowish LEDs are also a good option, as they offer a compromise between the brightness of white LEDs and the night vision benefits of red LEDs. It is important to note that the Coast Guard has issued warnings about the haphazard placement and use of decorative LEDs, as well as the use of certain colours for underwater LEDs, as they can interfere with navigational light provisions.

Installation and compatibility

When installing LED boat deck lights, it is important to consider the cutout or bracket size of the existing lights. Selecting LEDs that fit the same cutout or bracket can save time and money, as you won't need to patch or enlarge holes or create adapters for the new LED fixtures. Additionally, look for LEDs with the "CE" designation, indicating that they comply with Conformité Européenne (European conformity) standards for shielding and will not interfere with your boat's electronics.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best LED boat deck lights for your safety and enjoy improved visibility and peace of mind while boating at night.

The best LED boat deck lights for music

LED boat deck lights are a great way to improve your boat's appearance and increase visibility at night. They can be used for various applications, such as fishing, hunting, and decoration, and come in different colours and styles. When choosing LED boat deck lights, consider the following:

• Quality of Light: Look for lights that offer clear white lighting and sufficient lumens to ensure good visibility.
• EMI (Electromagnetic Interference): Choose lights that don't interfere with other devices like radios and audio equipment.
• Durability: Look for lights that are resistant to saltwater and the harsh marine environment, typically enclosed in anodized aluminium housing.
• Colour Temperature: Choose a colour temperature that suits your needs and the ambiance you want to create. Cooler lights have a lower Kelvin temperature, while warmer lights have a higher Kelvin temperature.
• Voltage Compatibility: Ensure the lights are compatible with your boat's electrical system, typically 12-24 volts.
• Power Consumption: LED lights should consume less power than other types of lights. Look for lights with high lumens per watt to ensure low energy consumption.

• OPT7 LED Boat Lights: These marine-grade LED strip lights offer a wide range of colours and lighting modes and can even flash to the beat of the music. They are flexible, waterproof, and easy to install, making them perfect for creating a party vibe on your boat.
• LED Strip Lights Boat Lights, 32.8FT: These LED strip lights are waterproof and offer multi-colour lighting, making them perfect for night fishing. They can be controlled via a remote or smartphone app, and with a 10% coupon, they are a great value option.
• LED Boat Strip Lights, 32.8FT Marine Pontoon Lights: These LED strip lights are also waterproof and offer blue lighting, perfect for night fishing. They are a best seller and come with free delivery, making them a reliable choice.
• Partsam 4pcs 3" LED Oblong Stainless Courtesy Lights: These LED lights are submersible and surface mountable, making them perfect for boat decks. They come in a set of four and offer a 5% coupon, making them a great value option as well.
• NAOEVO Led Boat Lights Waterproof, 6 Inch: These LED lights are waterproof and offer a bright white light with a flood beam. They come in a set of two and include a 15% coupon, making them a good choice for those looking for a powerful lighting option.
• LED Boat Lights 32.8ft (2 Rolls of 16.4ft): These LED strip lights are also waterproof and can be used for boat deck lighting. They come in blue and offer a 10% coupon, making them an affordable and versatile option.

Frequently asked questions