The Top 5 LED Boat Headlights

There are few things as peaceful as spending time on a boat. And when you’re doing so on glassy waters under a blanket of stars, it can feel like bliss. But as relaxing as nighttime boating can be, you’re going to need some pretty good lights.

This is where things can get confusing. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has specific rules regarding the lights you can use on a vessel at night. These help you navigate and help others see you. Headlights should only be used when approaching and leaving the dock.

Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite LED lights for boats. We’ve also included a quick guide for when to use them! Read on for a safer and more enjoyable night on the water.

The Top 5 LED Boat Headlights

OUR TOP PICK

EXZEIT Waterproof LED Boat Lights

These EXZEIT LED marine lights are incredibly popular among boaters, and it’s easy to see why. EXZEIT lights have paired a high brightness with a low price, for a floodlight that can help you glide through the darkest waters.

Using OSRAM LED chips, the EXZEIT spreader boat lights give off an impressive 4000 lumens and 120 degree coverage. But they’re still compact, measuring just 6.3 inches long, with a height of 1.7 inches, and a depth of only 2 inches. 

The stainless steel mounting bracket and durable aluminum housing protect the lights from rough environments and keeps them rust-free. These lights are rated 1P68 waterproof and have a long life of 30,000 hours.

With a U-shaped mounting bracket, installation can be a little tricky. But when these lights are on, they shouldn’t need to come off for a while.

Pros

• Universal Fit – Suitable for pontoons and fishing boats, as well as other vehicles.
• IP68 Waterproof Rating – Durable in wet conditions, able to withstand submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
• Stainless Steel Mounting Bracket – Avoids rust for longer life.

Cons

• 2% Leaking Issue – EXZEIT has noted that roughly 2% of the lights experience leaking problems. While they promise to replace any light with issues, it’s still a problem that needs to be dealt with.

EXZEIT Waterproof LED Boat Lights are also available to purchase at Walmart.com.

EDITORS CHOICE

Online LED Store White LED Marine Light

Choosing the right lights for your boat can be difficult, but with the Online LED Store White Stern Light, you have a USCG-approved light at a low price. This light is visible for up to an incredible 2 nautical miles, alerting those in the water to your presence. So you can keep on boating safely, even after the sun has gone down.

As well as USCG approval, the Online LED Store light has a waterproof rating of IP67. That makes it fully submersible. The silicone-sealed lights are durable in a range of tough weather conditions.

Being visible for 2 nautical miles, you might expect this light to drain electricity fast. Instead, it only needs 0.2 watts of power to keep going. So, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice any of your electricals for safety when you’re out at night.

The ultra-bright LED stern light is an essential piece of safety equipment, especially if you enjoy spending time on dark seas.

Pros

• USCG Approved – Approved safe for navigational use by the US Coast Guard.
• Flexible Power – Can be run from a 12 or 24-volt system.
• Made From Chrome-Plated ABS – Corrosion resistant materials ensure low maintenance, longer lasting light.

Cons

• IP67 Waterproof Rating – Not a terrible rating, but you might expect higher from a boat light. It might struggle in salt water.

Online LED Store Marine Light is also available from Online-led-store.com.

BEST VALUE

Shangyuan Pontoon Boat Docking LED Light

The wide view provided by the Shangyuan lights will make docking easy, even when the sun has gone down. The 2 pack set allows you to create a wide beam with careful placement, so you can bring your boat in safely. No more turning around when the sun starts to set! These 1800-lumen lights can guide you safely home. 

The sealed housing is IP67-rated, keeping your lights protected against rain and dust. With heavy-duty die-cast aluminum housing, these are lights with good durability and should last for a long time. The rubber ring sealing keeps water out, for a clear view.

With so much power contained in such a small package, you might expect these lights to get hot quickly. Instead, efficient heat dissipation provided by an aviation-grade aluminum shell ensures your LEDs are cooler for longer. 

An adjustable bracket should make installation easy, but some users have reported difficulties. However, others have had no issue. If you do purchase these lights, make sure to set aside some time for installation.

Pros

• 2-Pack – With 2 lights, you can create a wider beam for easier docking.
• Heavy-Duty Die-Cast Aluminum Housing – Resistant to scratches and general wear and tear.
• 50,000 Hour Lifespan – Incredibly long-lasting, with a vent system keeping bulbs cool.

Cons

• Tricky Installation – Some users have found installing the Shangyuan lights to be a nightmare.

RUNNER UP

Wave One Marine Dual Color LED Marine Spreader Light

Wave One is an American-based company making lights perfect for sailing off the coast of Florida. Purchase these dual-color LED spreader lights, and you can enjoy even more of those calm Florida nights on the water. 

With IP68 waterproofing, these lights are resistant to water, keeping your night clearer for longer. Even saltwater shouldn’t cause too much of a problem for these sturdy lights. The 1000+ lumen output is impressively bright, helping you search for fish, or just enjoy a relaxing evening on deck.

Finding the lights a bit too bright? Switch to the softer red lights and give your eyes a rest. These are dual-toned lights, and with just a flick of a switch, you can go from white to red. A blue option is also available, but be sure to check the laws in your state before purchasing.

Pros

• 100% Customer Guarantee – The no-hassle warranty keeps customers satisfied.
• Saltwater Tested – Real-world testing ensures these lights can deal with conditions on the water.
• Dual Color – Protect your vision at night with the red lights, which can also help attract fish.

Cons

• 1100 Lumens – An impressive amount of lumens, but some dock lights can go significantly higher.

The Wave One Marine Dual Color LED Spreader Light is also available at WalMart.com.

RUNNER UP

Lumitec Caprera2 LED Spreader and Deck Floodlight

It’s the DeckSweep technology that really helps this light from Lumitec stand out amongst the crowds. A spreader light and floodlight, the Lumitec Caprera2 has an even light pattern across a broad area. This helps you see further, and better, with no blind spots.

An American-made light, the Lumitec uses the DeckSweep technology to put light wherever you need it. The 1000-lumen output may not be massive, but with consistent light, you can see clearly through the dark. 

Worried about hurting your eyes? The Caprera2 has two-toned lights, allowing you to switch to night vision red with no extra controllers or bulbs. Heading back to the dock? Use the clear white lights to navigate docking.

The die-cast aluminum casing uses a white powder coating to create extra durability, and saltwater testing ensures these lights are ready for the outdoors. Fully sealed and IP67 waterproof rated, you can have light right where you need it with the Lumitec.

Pros

• Salt Spray Testing – Tested and ready for real-world conditions.
• DeckSweep Technology – Clear and even light across a broad beam.
• Dual Color – Switch to red to preserve your eyes, and white when you need to see your way around.

Cons

• Price – These deck lights are significantly more expensive than others.

The Lumitec Caprera2 LED Spreader and Deck Floodlight is also available from Westmarine.com and Citimarinestore.com.

Using Boat Lights And Navigation Lights

The options listed above are some of our favorite dock lights and headlights. But before you start lighting up your boat, it’s important to understand the rules of navigating at night.

As you can understand, a boat at night can be dangerous if not properly visible. During the daylight hours, you can easily see boats as they approach from even a great distance.

But during the night, even on a particularly clear night, visibility becomes massively reduced. Without lights, you might have no idea of other boats surrounding you.

Correctly navigating at night is essential, no matter how large a body of water you’re on, or how clear the night sky is. 

So, before you take your boat out at night, you must remember these rules.

How To Navigate Your Boat At Night

Use Correct Lighting

In the pitch black of a night on the waves, you might think it’s necessary to install as many lights as possible. After all, the more lights, the more visible you are. Right?

Visibility is about much more than having as many lights, and as bright a light, as possible. Too many lights can actually harm visibility, and disorientate other boaters.

When the lights are too bright, it can have an almost blinding effect. We’ve experienced the moment of looking into a light and blinking away after images for minutes afterwards. At that time, all you can see are the bright spots and dark areas. 

Now, imagine that effect when you’re trying to navigate a boat at night.

For that reason, boating lights need to be enough to make your presence known, without disrupting vision. 

Navigation lights are a necessity at night, and there are specific rules regarding where these lights are placed. Any extra lights must not distract from the navigational lights, as this could lead to confusion.

Be careful about colored lights as well. Some states have banned blue lights because they can be mistaken for emergency services. 

Take It Slow

Even correctly lit boats can be difficult to navigate at night. For that reason, it’s incredibly important to take things slow. Keep an eye on your surroundings at all times. 

When you’re sailing in a large body of water, you might think these rules are less essential. But you must remember that you can’t control the actions of those surrounding you. By navigating slowly, and keeping the correct lights on, you can avoid a collision with reckless boaters. 

What Are The Requirements For Navigation Lights?

Navigation lights are the lights that are considered necessary by the U.S. Coast Guard if you intend to use your boat at night. The requirements vary depending on the size and purpose of the vessel, so be sure to check the exact specifications for your boat before heading out.

The USCG requires boats to use a navigational system based on three light colors: red, green, and white. These will help to increase the visibility of the boat, allowing others to see you clearly. These lights also increase your own range of vision on the water. By using the color system, it’s possible to determine the direction the boat is travelling in.

A red light must be placed on the port side, and a green light on the starboard side. The exact placement depends on the size of the boat.

You must also display white stern light and a white masthead light. The stern light should be placed as close as possible to the stern, cover 135 degrees, and be visible for 2 nautical miles.

Some smaller boats can replace the stern light and masthead light with a single all-around light. The all-around light must cover 360 degrees.

These navigational lights have to be displayed between sunset and sunrise. They’re also a requirement during weather that reduces visibility, such as fog, rain, etc. 

These are the rules set by the USCG, but local areas might have their own requirements. Before you take your boat on the water, it’s best to check the specifications wherever you may be sailing.

What Lights Are Needed On Dock?

A white anchor light may need to be displayed when the boat is docked. The anchor light has to be white and must be visible for 2 nautical miles. For boats less than 164 feet, the anchor light must have 360-degree visibility.

But not all boats will need an anchor light at all times. A vessel smaller than 23 feet in length only needs to display an anchor light when it’s anchored “in or near a narrow channel, fairway, or anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate” (from the USCG boating handbook).

And for vessels above 65.6 feet in length, they don’t require an anchor light when docked in inland areas, or when in a “special anchorage designated by the Secretary under which the Coast Guard is operating” (from the USCG boating handbook).

Although an anchor light won’t always be needed, you should still equip your boat with one. 

What Happens If You Don’t Have Boat Navigation Light?

Failing to display the correct boat navigation lights can result in a hefty fine. Improper lighting is considered to be a safety violation, and the Coast Guard will take it very seriously. USCG has permission to board any boats in US waters that they think might pose a risk. The result could be fine, but they might even confiscate your vessel.

You must familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations regarding navigational lighting. Check out the USCG handbook for some more information.

Do Boats Have Headlights?

Although cars and other vehicles typically use headlights to navigate, the same isn’t true for boats. Boat headlights can actually reduce visibility, due to the level of brightness. 

On the road, headlights make it possible to see cars that are coming towards you, and the direction you are heading in. On the water, things aren’t quite so simple.

While headlights will light the direct area in front of the vessel, you need all-around visibility to make correct maneuvers. By having bright headlights only illuminating a small portion of the water, you can’t correctly navigate.

Instead of headlights, boats typically have docking lights. Docking lights can illuminate the direction you’re traveling in as you move to and away from the docking area. When moving through the water, these docking lights must be kept off, and your navigational lights come on.

Are There Lights You Can’t Use On A Boat?

If you have the proper navigational lights set up on your vessel, then you shouldn’t need any other lights for proper guidance. Instead, other lights, particularly bright headlights, can actually impair your visibility. 

The rules regarding what lights you can use on a boat are clear, but it can be a little more confusing when it comes to lights you can’t use. 

The regulations state that lights that impair visibility or interfere with a look-out, must not be displayed when navigational lights are needed. But they also state that if extra lights can’t be mistaken for navigational lights, and don’t impede visibility, they’re allowed.

Headlights and docking lights, which are typically bright white, can’t be used according to these rules. To find out more, check out the guidelines provided by the USCG.

Some areas also ban blue lights, as these are used exclusively by emergency services.

Final Thoughts

Boat headlights have a very different job to car headlights. While a car headlight helps you when moving forward, boat headlights should be used exclusively for moving into and away from the docking area. At all other times, they need to be turned off, and the navigational lights go on.

The LEDs we’ve listed above can provide you with the light you need when docking. Spending time on the water at night is a wonderful experience. With these lights, you can also make it a safe one.