Lighting on a boat serves two functions: safety and usability. Navigation lights keep you legal and visible. Spreader lights, cockpit lights, and underwater lights make the boat functional after dark. And LED technology has made all of these options more efficient, more durable, and more versatile than the halogen and incandescent bulbs they replaced.
Navigation Lights
LED navigation lights draw a fraction of the power that incandescent units require, and they last significantly longer. For boats that run at night or in low visibility, upgrading to LED nav lights reduces electrical load on the battery and eliminates the risk of a burned-out bulb during a night crossing.
Hella Marine, Attwood, and Aqua Signal all produce USCG-compliant LED navigation light sets. For a straightforward replacement, LED drop-in bulbs fit most existing housings. For a cleaner look and better visibility, a full fixture replacement with purpose-built LED housings is the better option.
Cockpit and Deck Lighting
LED strip lights, puck lights, and recessed fixtures provide functional illumination for rigging, bait prep, and general movement around the boat after dark. White light is standard for work areas. Red or blue lighting preserves night vision, which matters on boats that fish at night or transit unlit waterways.
Dimmable fixtures let you adjust light levels based on the task. A bright cockpit for rigging is helpful. A dim cockpit for night drifting keeps your eyes adjusted to the dark. Multi-color LED controllers give you both options from a single fixture set.
Underwater Lights
Underwater LED lights attract bait, which attracts game fish. Blue and green are the most effective colors for drawing bait in Mid-Atlantic waters. Mounted through the transom or hull, these lights create a visible plume beneath the boat that concentrates bait schools and brings predators in close.
For boats that fish at night or anchor up for swordfishing, underwater lights are a practical addition. They’re also a popular aesthetic upgrade for boats used for entertaining.
Installation requires a thru-hull or transom penetration, marine-grade wiring, and a dedicated switch at the helm. The mounting location matters for light dispersion and to avoid interference with transducer operation. At Chart House Marine Electronics, we position underwater lights to maximize bait attraction without affecting sonar performance.
Spreader and Tower Lights
High-output LED spreader lights mounted on the T-top or tower illuminate the cockpit and surrounding water for night fishing. Modern LED spreaders from Lumitec, Rigid, and MAST put out significant light output with minimal power draw and heat generation. They’re essential on sportfish boats that fish after dark and on boats that need deck illumination for safety during night operations.
Wiring Considerations
LED lights draw less current than halogen, but they still need properly sized wiring, fuse protection, and clean power. Voltage fluctuations and electrical noise can cause LED flickering. A dedicated circuit with proper grounding eliminates these issues.
If you’re upgrading your boat’s lighting or adding new fixtures, contact Chart House Marine Electronics for a layout and installation plan that fits your boat and your budget.
