Technological advances have had significant impacts on boating. Believe it or not, one of the advances that have had a profound impact on boating is LED lights.
LED lights are longer lasting, use significantly less energy, and have significantly less drain on the boat batteries than incandescent lights. They’re also a wide variety of types – anchor, deck, docking, search, and underwater, for example – and come in an assortment of colors. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder why so many boaters are nixing traditional incandescent lights and are illuminating their vessels with LED lamps.
If you’re looking to add LED lights to your boat, you’ve come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find a selection and reviews of some of the best options that are currently available on the market, as well as a detailed buyer’s guide that highlights key factors that should be taken into consideration when you’re shopping for LED boat lights – and more! So, without further ado, let’s dive in and explore the best LED boat lights.
Contents
Our Top Picks
- The Best Overall LED Boat Light– Shangyuan Pontoon Boat Docking Light
- The Best Premium LED Boat Light– Wave One Marine Dual Color LED Marine Spreader Light Boat Deck Flood Beam
- The Best Budget LED Boat Light– Shangyuan Marine Boat Lights, Utility LED Interior Lights for Boat Deck Courtesy Transom Cockpit Light 12V Waterproof Marine Lights
LED Boat Light Reviews
Best Overall LED Boat Light- Shangyuan Pontoon Boat Docking Light
This LED boat light from Shangyuan is simplistic in design, is easy to use, and is highly functional, durable, versatile, and reliable. It comes with two marine LED lights that offer 18 watts of working voltage each, with 10-35V DC and can fit 12V or 24V.
The versatile design means these LED lights can be used in a variety of ways and for a variety of purposes; as a T-top light deck, a docking light, a stern light, a navigation light, and trailer lights, too.
- Package Include: 2pcs Marine led lights. LED Power: 18W. Working voltage: 10-35V DC (Fit 12V or 24V)
- Application: Fit for Spreader Light T-top Light Deck Light Docking Lights Stern Light Anchor Light Navigation Light Trailer Lights . Common use for Yacht Kayak Bass Boat Fishing Pontoon Boat Sailboat.
- Sealed housing: IP67 Water and Dust Proof housing. Housing: Heavy-duty die cast aluminum housing.
- Power Coat: Scratch resistant power coat finish. Advanced Heat Sink: Designed to keep the LEDS cool for longer life.
- Easy to install and remove.
This LED boat light is very durable and can take on harsh conditions with ease. The sealed housing is IP67 water and dustproof and is made of heavy-duty die cast aluminum. It’s been treated with a power coated finish, too, which makes the housing scratch-resistant. With advanced heat sink, the LED lamps remain cool, extending their lifespan.
What We Liked
- Package comes with 2 marine LED lights
- 18 watt working voltage: 10-35V DC (Fit 12V or 24V)
- Versatile design; can be used in a variety of applications and for a variety of reasons
- IP67 water- and dustproof sealed housing
- Heavy-duty diet cast aluminum construction
- Power coated finish is scratch-proof and increases durability
- Advanced heat sink, so the LEDs remain cool, extending their life-expectancy
- Easy to install
- Affordably priced
Best Premium LED Boat Light- Wave One Marine Dual Color LED Marine Spreader Light
Designed, made, and tested in the USA, the Wave One Marine Dual Color LED Marine Spreader Light is our pick for the best premium LED boat light. This dual color marine spreader light boasts features that other LED boat lights don’t; for example, it features an extra bright 1,000+ lumen output, premium-quality paint, and an internal driver that switches colors, making it a top-quality upgrade for any type of vessel.
Of course, it’s completely waterproof, too. What really sets the Wave One Marine LED light apart from others is an internal driver. Other LED boat lights are equipped with either external drivers or three wires, which necessitates a three-way switch and extra wiring, but that isn’t the case with this LED boat light.
- USA BASED, DESIGNED & TESTED: Sold Individually (One Light Per Order) : Our dual color marine spreader light has features that others don't. This waterproof deck light features an extra bright 1000+ lumen output, high quality paint and an internal driver for switching colors, it's a premium upgrade to any boat, yacht, sailboat, or pontoon.
- INTERNAL DRIVER (EASY TO UPGRADE): Others lights use external drivers or three wires creating a need for a three way switch and additional wiring. Not Ours. Easily upgrade to our dual color tech using your existing + / - wire and original switch. Simply "flick" your switch on-off-on to switch colors. Multiple lights can be joined together to match. Popular accent color options include red for preserving night vision or blue for a cool modern effect great for entertaining at the dock.
- IP68 WATERPROOF: Our marine led light is specially sealed to resist water intrusion into the lens or wire housing. Many customers use these lights on their tower, t top, and on their pontoon. Our deck light is great for night fishing or as well as evening pleasure boating. They can also be used as docking lights. Our marine flood light design was made to last in tough saltwater conditions and has been tested submersed to achieve an IP68 waterproof rating.
- EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY: We are a USA based (Florida) family owned business that designs high quality saltwater marine grade boating products. We provide expert level tech support. We design and install these products everyday here in Florida. All our products feature an industry leading no hassle warranty with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
Instead, you can upgrade to their dual color tech with your existing +/- wire and original switch. To switch the colors, all you need to do is flip the switch on-off-on. Several lights can be joined together to match, too. Some popular accent color options include red for night vision preservation and blue, which creates a cool modern effect that’s great for dock entertainment.
This LED boat light is IP68 waterproof. It’s specially sealed to resist water intrusion in the lens and wire housing, and it can withstand harsh saltwater exposure, too. All components are made of top-quality material, too, for long-lasting, reliable durability.
A lot of boaters use these lights on a tower, a T-top, and on their pontoons. The Wave One Marine LED boat light is super-versatile, too. It works great for night fishing, pleasure boating, and/or docking. The lights are backed by a hassle-free warranty and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
What We Liked
- Features an extra-bright 1000+ lumen output
- Top-quality paint
- Internal drive for switching light colors
- Multiple lights can be joined together to match
- IP68 waterproof and specially sealed to prevent water intrusion in the lens and wire housing
- Can withstand saltwater conditions
- Highly versatile; can be used with all types of boats, in all types of positions, and for all kinds of reasons
- Made in the USA
- Backed by a hassle-free warranty and a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee
- Easy to install and operate
- Affordably priced
Best Budget LED Boat Light- Shangyuan Marine Boat Lights, Utility LED Interior Lights for Boat Deck
If you’re looking to illuminate your boat deck or cockpit with a durable and reliable LED boat light, yet you don’t want to spend a lot of money, then this option from Shangyuan is a great choice.
The package comes with 10 3.8 inch blue boat lights with a DC 12V voltage and a 120 lumens flux. The size of the lights measure 75 mm by 20 mm by 5 mm (or 2.95 inches by 0.8 inches by 0.2 inches).
- Please buy with confidence, we offer "ONE YEAR" warranty on item(s) damaged during delivery or have a confirmed manufacturer defect.
- Package included: 10pcs 3.8" Blue boat led lights, Voltage: DC 12V, Flux: 120Lumens, Light Size: 75mm x 20mm x 5mm (2.95'' x 0.8'' x 0.2''); Light Size with Black Base: 95mm x 20mm x 10mm (3.8'' x 0.8'' x 0.4'')
- Application: Fit for Courtesy Lights, Step Light, Decorate Light, Night light, Boat Center Console Light, Golf Cart Light. Common use for Marine Fishing Pontoon Boat Sailboat Kayak.
- COOL GIFT: Great Gifts for Father, Dad, Husband, Boyfriend, Children. Funny Giftsf for Captain, Sailor, Fishermen, Fishing Enthusiast, Kayakers, Water Sports Lovers. Cool Gift for Any Gift Giving Occasion, Father'S Day, Christmas Day, Halloween, Anniversary Day, Thanksgiving Day, Wedding Day, Valentine'S Day And Birthday.
- Easy to Insall - 2 Wires Connection: Black is Negative and White is Positive. FREE screw set & Foam tape bases are included. Energy-saving, low temperature, low power consumption, long-lasting life.
While they don’t cast large amounts of light, these LED boat lights are a great choice if you’re looking for courtesy lights. It can be used to illuminate your boat deck, to light up the steps on your vessel, or just to set the mood and add some fun to your nighttime sailing.
The lights are thoughtfully designed to be easily installed, thanks to the 2 wire connections. It comes with a complimentary screw set and foam tape bases, too, and the bases are covered with foam tape, which helps to prevent damage to your vessel.
The low temperature and low power consumption of these bulbs ensures they’re long-lasting. The Shangyuan LED boat lights are available in several different colors, too; including blue, green, and white. All options are durably constructed, easy to install, and pare reliable sources of light for nighttime sailing.
What We Liked
- Comes with 10 3.8 inch blue boat LED lights
- LED lights measure 3.8 inches
- 12V DC voltate
- 120 lumens
- 75 mm by 20 mm by 5 mm dimensions
- Versatile design; can be used in a variety of applications
- Easy to install
- Affordably priced
Seaponer Pontoon Boat Light
If you’re looking for basic, yet reliable LED lights for your boat that are more decorative than functional, the Seaponer Pontoon Boat Light is a great choice. It’s a 1 piece marine boat light strip that measures 16.4 feet or 5 meters.
This marine light strip is versatile; it can be installed under gunwale, on the boat deck, in the cockpit, along the stairs, in the center console, and more. Further adding to the versatility is the fact that it can be used on a variety of boats, including pontoons, duck boats, kayaks, job boats, sailboats, fishing boats, and even on trailers. Installation is a breeze!
- Package Includes: 1pcs 5m(16.4ft) Marine LED Strip Lights Blue + 10pcs led strip clips and screws.
- Application: Ideal for under gunwale light, boat deck light, fishing night light, cockpit light, accent light, center console light, courtesy light, interior lights. Common use for pontoon boat, duck boat, bass boat, kayak, jon boat, sailboat, fishing boat, trailer, party.
- Stable Installation: Comes with self-adhesive sticky backing and 10pcs led strip clips and screws.
- Can be cut every 3 LEDs (approximately every 2") along the cutting marks, without damaging the rest strips.
- Waterproof IP65, Long life span 50,000 hours, Working Voltage: 12V DC, Energy saving and environmentally friendly.
The light strip is backed with a self-adhesive sticky strip, and it comes complete with 10 strip clips and screws. Simply remove the protective covering from the self-adhesive backing, apply it to the preferred location on your boat, and then use the clips and screws to secure the light strip in place.
The strip can be cut every three LEDs, or about every 2 inches, too! Just stick to the pre-marked cutting marks to avoid damaging the strip. With an IP65 waterproof rating, you can have peace of mind knowing that the LED lights will be able to withstand moisture with ease. The working voltage of these lights is 12V DC, and the life-expectancy is 50,000 hours.
What We Liked
- Simple design
- Light strip measures 16.4 feet or 5 m
- Lights are blue in color
- Versatile; can be applied to a variety of vessels and in a variety of locations
- Self-adhesive sticky backing and LED strip clips and screws allows for stable installation
- Strip can be cut every 3 LEDs or about every 2 inches
- IP65 waterproof rating
- 12 V DC working voltage
- 50,000 hour lifespan
- Affordably priced
Up next on our list of the best LED boat lights is this option from Sebnux. Featuring a copper-plated zinc housing, these navigation lights are corrosion resistant and UV resistant, making them exceptionally durable.
Advanced LED light technology allows for high and reliable visibility, while also ensuring excellent heat dispersion; yet the heat dispersion is excellent and thanks to their low-carbon, they’re very environmentally-friendly. The visual range meets the USCG 3NM requirement, so they are highly visible in very dark conditions, thus ensuring your safety.
- Excellent corrosion resistance: Copper plated zinc housing enhances boat navigation light corrosion and UV-resistant performance.
- Not other LED: Application of leading LED technology makes boat light has high visibility, excellent heat dispersion but low-carbon and environmentally-friendly
- 3NM visual range: Meets USCG 3NM requirement can avoid boat accident under dark environment
- Marine rate waterproof: IP67 waterproof rate design avoid short circuit damage from moisture
- Durable connection cable: Marine grad cable with durable cover can protect electric wire and avoid cable damage
Thanks to the IP67 marine waterproof rating, you can rest easy knowing that your LED boat lights will be able to withstand harsh conditions and won’t short circuit when they’re exposed to moisture.
Outfitted with marine-grade cable and a durable cover, you can have confidence knowing that the electrical wires and cables will be well-protected. The LED lights are green and red in color, making them highly visible, yet not over-baring.
What We Liked
- Copper-plated zinc housing makes these LED lights corrosion and UV-resistant
- Advanced LED technology provides exceptional visibility
- Excellent heat dispersion
- Low-carbon
- Meets the USCG 3NM visual range requirement for reliable visibility
- IP67 marine waterproof rating for moisture damage and short circuit prevention
- Marine grade cable and durable cover prevents cable damage
Vbokor LED Strip Lights Boat Lights
With the Vbokor LED Strip Lights, you can add functional light and fun to your nighttime boating! These LED strip lights are multi-colored and battery-operated. With the push of a button, you can select a literal rainbow of colors.
There are 8 lighting modes, too, such as jump, fade, flash, and of course, solid. These LED strip lights can be used in a wide array of applications, including as a gunwale light, a boat deck light, a fishing night light, a cockpit light, an accent light, and more!
- Multi Color and DIY : Boat Led lights colorful and durable, the brightness of the Boat pontoon lights strip can be adjusted and offer millions different colors and 8 lighting modes (jump, fade, flash etc) by 44keys remote
- Wide Application : The boat led strip kit is perfect for under gunwale light, boat deck light, fishing night light, cockpit light, accent light, center console light, courtesy light, interior lights. Common use for pontoon boat, duck boat, bass boat, kayak, Jon boat, sailboat, fishing boat, trailer, car, RV, truck
- Easy Installation : Complete pontoon led light strip kit Including 2 rolls of 16.4ft led light strips, 44keys remote Control, sensor box, instruction manual, the marine boat led lights have a strong backing adhesive, you can install it on any dry and clean places, We now include extra mounting brackets/fixing clips, you don't worry about the strip falling down, flexible to install anywhere you want, It can be cut between every 3 leds
- IP65 Waterproof boat Lights: Boat Lights with IP65 waterproof marine grade, LEDs are covered silicone for protection, outdoor boat led light strips can be installed outdoors and withstand splashes, rainfall,.Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, Note: the control box not waterproof
- Safety Boat led rope lights : 12V low voltage led boat lights, high brightness and high quality led beads, children and the elderly can use it, ultra long led rope lights are covered your boats.
They can also be used on pretty much any type of boat, including pontoons, ducks, bass, kayaks, Jon, sailboats, fishing boats – and can even be used in non-boating applications, such as on your car, RV, truck, or even in your home.
This strip of LED lights measures 16.4 feet long, and with a strong self-adhesive backing and mounting brackets/fixing clips, they’re easy to install, too. If you’d like, you can cut the strip every three LEDs, which further adds to the versatility.
Waterproof design ensures they remain protected and with low voltage, there’s no need to worry about overheating. No flicker, no radiation, and low carbon mean that they’re safe for you and the environment. You can add a qualified FPC circuit board and more LEDs and heat dissipation, which further adds to their durability.
What We Liked
- Light strip measures 16.5 feet
- Low voltage multi-colored LED lights
- 8 different lighting modes, such as fade, flash, jump, and solid
- Easy remote control operation
- Strong self-adhesive backing
- The strip can be cut every three LEDs
- Waterproof construction
- Affordably priced
- Versatile design
HUSUKI GT1 Boat RGB LED Light Underwater Marine Color Light Kit
If you’re looking for a primo, top-of-the-line LED light set for your boat, the HUSUKU GT1 Boat RGB LED Light Underwater Marine Color Light Kit is a great choice. Constructed of top-grade marine martials, including double-layer waterproof technology, a high-strength PC shell, tinned copper wire, and an anti-corrosion SUS316 protective cover for the 5050 LEDs, these boat lights are very thoughtfully designed and made.
They feature a personalized wiring port and a patented chip, too! A single remote control operates the two lights that come with this set. The remote control boasts a variety of features, including multiple dynamic and static modes, a color touch ring, changing speeds, and brightness adjustability, as well as a power-off memory.
- 【TOP MARINE MATERIALS】5050LEDs√ Patented Chip√ IP68 Double-layer Waterproof Technology√ Anti-corrosion SUS316 Cover√ High-strength PC Shell√ Tinned Copper Wire √ Personalized Wiring Port√
- 【ONE REMOTE CONTROL ALL】Wireless Grouping and Control√ Multiple Dynamic & Static Mode√ Color Touch Ring√ Changing Speed & Brightness Adjustable√ Stepless Adjustment√ Power Off Memory√ Copyable Control Code√ Ergonomic Shape√ Convenient Controller Base√ Color Controllable√
- 【PATENT OF AUTO-SYNC-LIGHT】Each light can receive and transmit signals within 33ft, and will automatically synchronize with other lights. This means you only need to power up, and each light can increase your control distance by 33ft. So the control distance can theoretically be extended indefinitely.
- 【SUPER EASY INSTALLATION】There are only two lines (positive & negative ) for each Light, they don't need any hub. Power on each group of lights and pair them with the remote control respectively. Then just install it like a monochromatic light, you can control all the lights in groups, it's really easy and charming.
- 【PACKAGE INCLUDE】2x RGB Light, 2x Buffer Rubber Washer, 1x Remote Control, Matching Screws & Stickers.
The patented auto-sync light technology allows each light to receive and transmit signals within a 33 foot range and will sync with other lights automatically. As such, all you need to do is power up and each light will be able to increase your control distance by as much as 33 feet, which means the control distance could potentially be extended indefinitely.
Because there are only two positive and negative lines for each light, no hub is needed, which allows for easy installation, Just power on each set of lights and pair them up with the remote control, install it like a monochromatic light and you can control all of the lights in groups. These LED boat lights are backed by a 3 year quality warranty and a 1 month satisfaction guarantee.
What We Liked
- Made of top-grade marine materials
- Features patented chip technology
- IP68 double-layer waterproof technology
- Corrosion-resistant SUS316 cover
- Tinned copper wire
- Remote control operated
- Multiple dynamic and static modes
- Multi-colored lights
- Patented auto-sync design allows the control distance to be extended indefinitely
- Easy installation
- Backed by a 1 month satisfaction guarantee and a 3 year warranty
Other Best Selling Options
- UPGRADED 32.8FT BOAT LIGHTS : Full kit for your boats, no other accessories need, our kit included 2 x 5m(16.4ft) Marine LED Strip Lights + 1-2 Splitter cable + 2 x 2M/6.56FT extension cable, 10 pcs 3M tape hooks and 10pcs led strip clips and screws, The boat led strip light is an ideal gift for your friends or family on birthday, Christmas or party, especially for boat lovers
- Super Bright LED Strip : 600 Pcs Super bright 5050 blue LEDs are evenly embedded on the 10m(32.8ft) double-layer pure copper FPCB Board and give out beautiful blue light. High-density 60 LEDs/M design makes luminescence more even and bright
- Flexible Design & Easy to Install : The Lights Using flexible copper circuit board, you can gently bend it, Please NEVER rudely bend it to right or acute angle, otherwise the circuit board and silicone coating will crack. The strip lights can be cut between every 3 LEDs along the cutting marks to fit for your project, great for DIY. The light strip comes with strong 3M back adhesive, mounting clips to help keep the boat light strip stay in place
- Safe & Waterproof : This LED strip light is fully covered with water-resistant glue. Waterproof rating is IP65, It can withstand the rainy and snowy weather and protect LED from damage, greatly extend the life of the strip lights to 50,000 hours or more. LED strip with operating voltage of 12V, low heat, no flicker
- Wide Application】: The lights are widely used for boat interior light, cockpit light, deck light, transom light, step light, cabin light, courtesy light, navigation light, stern light, side light, accent atmosphere light ect
- Super bright and wide illumination range: Advanced LED chips give out bright and white ray for clear visibility. Special designed lamp cup leads to a wider illumination range, allowing you to see the left and right clearly.
- Better heat dissipation: Quick cooling aluminum alloy heat sinks and high-quality heat conduction silicone gel can effectively extend the lifespan of the light bar to over 30, 000 hours.
- High protective performance: IP67 Waterproof Rate, waterproof up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and effectively dustproof. The stainless mounting brackets are rustproof and anticorrosive.
- Many indoor and outdoor uses: Garden lighting, backyard lighting, back-up light, off road lighting, construction lighting and so on.
- Package includes: 2PCS 18W flood led pods. Wattage 18 watts
- GIFT IDEA FOR MEN OR WOMEN: These boat navigation lights are designed to enhance safety for boat owners and make the boat look nicer at night. Therefore, they will be great gifts for the boat owners who have everything.
- SO MUCH BRIGHTER THAN FACTORY NAVIGATION LIGHTS: Compare twith the original marine navigation lights, the brightness is enhanced at least tree times, significantly increasing the safety factor of your navigation.
- APPILICATION: Best idea for boat lights, navigation lights, boat bow lights, red and green bow lights, boating lights on Pontoon Boat, Bass Boat, Jon Boat, Dinghy, Kayak and so on.
- SIGNIFICANT UPGRADE FOR YOUR BOAT: In contrast to the mundane design of the original factory navigation lights, this new navigation lights no only boosts safety but also renders your boat more beautiful and alluring
- EASY TO INSTALL: The 3M strong Double-sided adhesive on the back of the strip light enables you to put it in any where you want. We advise that if you want keep it on place in a long time, please use the marine grade silicone adhesive to fix it.
LED Boat Light Buyer’s Guide
Now that you’ve read through our list of the best LED boat lights that are currently on the market, you’re probably wondering which option to choose. In order to select the right LED boat light for your specific vessel and your particular needs, there are several factors that you are going to want to take into consideration. By doing so, you should be able to narrow down the options and choose the best LED light for your vessel.
Type of Boat Light
Firstly, you’re going to want to determine what type of boat light you need. There are several different types of LED boat lights; some have specific uses, while others have versatile designs, meaning they can be used in a variety of ways. With that said, here are some of the different types of LED boat lights.
- Navigation. As the name suggest, this type of LED boat light is designed to assist with nighttime navigation. In other words, they help to illuminate the way so that you can see where you’re going and know the precise position of your vessel so that you can arrive at your destination safely.
- Anchor lights. These lights illuminate the exact location of a boat when it is docked. In some locations, anchor lights are required by law.
- Deck lights. These lights are intended for the deck of a boat, and some can even be used in the cabin. They can be positioned underneath the roof or on the exterior sides of a vessel.
- Spreader lights. These LED boat lights can be useful in a variety of applications; servicing and maintenance, nighttime fishing, and docking, for example.
- Docking. These lights would be used when departing from or sailing close to a dock. Typically, they emit extra-bright light, allowing boaters to see docks and potential obstacles with ease.
- Underwater. These lights are often used for nighttime fishing, as they can attract certain types of creatures. They can also be used to create a cool glow when boating in the dark.
- Search lights. While you’re on the water or on the deck, search LED lights will help you find your things with ease.
In order to determine which type of LED boat lights will best suit your needs, think about what you intend on using the lights for; in other words, what you want to illuminate.
Light Quality
Once you’ve decided what kind of LED boat light to use, the next factor you’ll want to consider is the quality of the light. The term “lumen” indicates the amount of light that an LED lamp produces. There are several different brands LED boat lights, so there are several different light qualities. Some offer clear white lighting while others are relatively dim.
Durability
Another important factor that you should consider when you’re shopping for an LED boat light is the quality of the construction. You want a reliable light source, and the durability of a light’s construction will have a direct impact on its reliability. Look for models that are constructed of high-grade, waterproof, corrosion-resistant materials that can withstand constant exposure to moisture, saltwater, and other harsh conditions. Anodized aluminum is an example of a high-quality material for an LED boat lamp.
Voltage Compatibility
The voltage of a boat can range from 6 to 30 volts, and on most boats, the electrical systems range from about 12 volts to 24 volts, and 12 volt LED lights usually correspond to this type of electrical system. With that said, however, you should still take the time to find out what type of voltage you’ll need to correspond with your boat.
Color Temperature
Color temperature refers to amount of heat an LED light emits, and it is measured in Kelvin. The color temperature for LED boat lights varies widely; natural daylight, cool lamps, and warm color temperatures, which usually appear yellow in color, for example.
The temperature of natural daylight LED lights is usually 5,600 kelvin, while the temperature of cooler lights is usually lower, and the temperature of warmer lights is higher. The color temperature you choose really depends on your specific preferences, such as how you intend on using the lights and what type of ambiance you want to create.
Electro-Magnetic Interference
Electro-magnetic interference refers to the performance of an LED light, and it’s important to check the performance to determine what kind of applications it can be used in, and to ensure your safety. Ideally, an LED boat light should be suitable for both personal and industrial use, and it should work without suffering interruptions by radio and other electronic devices.
Energy Consumption
One of the main reasons why boaters opt for LED lights is because of the low amounts of energy they consume. The amount of energy an LED light consumes will impact its cost-effectiveness. You can determine energy efficiency by assessing the lumen per watt. Lights that have a higher lumen per watt consume less energy.
Legality
The legal requirements for boat lights vary from location to location. While some locations may have minimal or no requirements, others may have stringent requirements. Adhering to the laws is important so that you can avoid unnecessary trouble and costly tickets. Find out what the restrictions and requirements for LED lighting in your area are before you set out to purchase an LED light for your boat.
Cost
It’s also very important to consider the cost of the LED boat light. As you can see from our list, the price tags vary widely, and you want to make sure that you choose an option that you can comfortably afford. There are several factors that will impact the cost of an LED boat light; the intended application, the size, the materials, and the voltage, for example. Generally speaking, the more powerful, the larger, and the higher the quality of the material and construction, the higher the price tag will be.
When calculating costs, you should also factor the energy consumption and the impact the light will have on your energy bills.
Care and Maintenance
This is a factor that many boaters often overlook when they’re shopping for LED lights for their vessels. It’s pretty likely that you’re going to want the maintenance to be as minimal as possible. The easier the lights are to maintain, the better, as owning and caring for a boat is already a big job and adding complex LED lamp care onto the list of things you need to attend to probably isn’t ideal.
Installation
Last but certainly not least, when you’re shopping for LED boat lights, installation is a key factor that you’re going to want to consider. It goes without saying that the easier the lights are to install, the better. The best LED boat lights come complete with the equipment that’s needed to install them, and that equipment will be easy to install, and will keep the lights securely in place.

Boat LED Lights FAQs
If this is the first time you’re shopping for LED boat lights, there’s no doubt that you have some questions. In order to simplify the process of shopping for and selecting the best LED boat lights, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions that mariners have about LED boat lights, and we’ve provided answers for each of these questions.
Q: What are the benefits of LED boat lights?
A: LED boat lights offer several benefits over traditional incandescent lights. Some of the most notable benefits include the following:
- Improved safety. LED boat lights don’t burn as hotly as incandescent lights, which means that there is much less risk of overheating when used over a prolonged period of time.
- Energy efficiency. LED boat lights consume much less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs; therefore, therefore, they’re much more economical.
- Versatility. LED boat lights can be quite versatile, as certain types of lights can be used in a variety of applications.
- Long-lasting. Typically, LED lights last a lot longer than more traditional bulbs, which means you won’t have to worry about the lights burning out as frequently or changing the bulbs as often.
- Color options. LED lights are available in a wide array of colors. There’s the standard white or golden, but LED lights can also glow in a virtual rainbow of colors, from red to blue and everything in between. The various color options adds fun and interest to your nighttime boating adventures.
Q: Are there any downsides?
A: Just like anything, while LED boat lights do offer numerous benefits, there are some downsides, too. Examples of some of the downsides that you should be aware of include the following:
- Voltage sensitivity. LED lights require a regulated current supply combined with a voltage that is above the threshold and has a current that is lower than the ideal grade.
- Not winter-friendly. If you intend on boating during the winter, LED lights aren’t ideal, as the amount of light they discharge can be obscured by snow since they do not discharge a lot of heat.
- Higher initial cost. The initial cost of LED boat lights does tend to be higher than the cost of traditional lights; however, in the long run, the expense balances out, as they cost less to run.
Conclusion
Boats require different types of lighting for different purposes, such as navigation, docking, and general illumination. You definitely want to make sure that you choose the best option to suit your specific needs, and the LED boat lamps featured on our list are some of the highest quality currently on the market. Whether you intend on purchasing lights on our list or you would like to do your own research, consider the factors that were highlighted in our buyer’s guide to assist you with selecting the best boat lights for your unique needs.
Our top picks again …
- The Best Overall LED Boat Light– Shangyuan Pontoon Boat Docking Light
- The Best Premium LED Boat Light– Wave One Marine Dual Color LED Marine Spreader Light Boat Deck Flood Beam
- The Best Budget LED Boat Light– Shangyuan Marine Boat Lights, Utility LED Interior Lights for Boat Deck Courtesy Transom Cockpit Light 12V Waterproof Marine Lights