Boat lights are just one of the most essential boat accessories that you greatly need since they provide light to guide you in safely navigating your boat during nighttime or foggy conditions. They also let your boat illuminate so other water vessels can see you as well. Boat lights are also versatile since you can place them almost everywhere on your boat; from being mounted underwater or stationed on your console.

Because of their versatility, they have different functions and features that are crucial to your boat. The different types of boat lights help both enhance the aesthetic look of your boat and let you travel the waters at night safely.

Powered Boat Navigation Lights

These are one of the most important lights you need to install in your boat as these will help you avoid collision accidents. These lights let nearby boats know your position and the direction you’re heading. Navigation lights come in four types; the lights installed in the masthead and stern are white, red in the port area, and green in the starboard. Navigation lights are a must for both commercial and recreational boats.

Underwater Boat Lights

If you go fishing or travel at nighttime frequently, you know how beneficial underwater lights are. They provide more illumination in the water and help boaters locate fish or avoid obstructions under the water’s surface. Aside from that, it adds an aesthetic flair to the boat as these lights, usually glow with a neon-like radiance on the water’s surface making it look cool and kind of other-worldly.

If you want this feature, you need to install these as boats usually don’t come with these lights. Make sure to get one that is sturdy enough to withstand marine conditions as they will be constantly submerged in the water. You can buy these accessories in marine shops.

Recessed Lights

These lights illuminate your boat’s cabin making it glow brighter in the dark. You can easily install recessed lights on your cabin’s ceiling and they are cheaper compared to other boat lights. Not only it improved the ambience of your boat and provide more light but it can also be used to replace damaged bulbs in the vessels. They are also useful for anyone who has night blindness. However, they only illuminate the inside of your boat and don’t light up your boat’s surroundings.

Courtesy Lights

These lights are very useful if you have passengers onboard frequently or for people who have night blindness as well. They provide directions to the different parts of your boat and steps inside your board. You can place them on walkways, stairs, and the deck. They come in different colours that give your boat a very exciting look.

Flood Boat Lights

If it’s a particularly dark night and there’s no glow from the moon above and you’re navigating in an area really far from the shore and no other boats or ships are travelling around, a flood light can provide you with absolute bright illumination in your boat and in your surroundings. Floodlights are installed in the console area that lights up the deck and bow of your boat. You can also install one in the masthead as well. Floodlights can provide extra security and comfort in boating at night. Most of these lights are easy to maintain and won’t use much of your boat’s energy. Purchase the lights with LED bulbs so you can save much energy and money since they are durable and can last a long time.