5 Basic Boat Light Types You Should Know

When it comes to what type of lights a boat has or should have, things can get a little confusing, as sometimes one type of boat light can also serve as another type. 

For example, courtesy lights can also serve as accent lights, and accent lights such as underwater LED lights can also serve as fishing lights. Did you get all that? … So yes, boat light types are mostly pretty straightforward, but can also be a little confusing. However, we like to keep things as simple as possible here on the Boats.net blog. With that in mind, here’s are 5 types of boat lights you should know about.

Navigation Lights

Like most of the lights on this list, navigation lights are exactly what they sound like. The important thing to know is they’re required to be used from sunset to sunrise, and during poor weather conditions such as rain and fog, where visibility is dangerously low.

Navigation lights help operators of other boats see your boat. Which type of navigation lights are required for your boat depends on its size and type, but they help signal to other vessels critical information such as whether your boat is anchored or underway. Navigation lights are not only required by law, but they’re crucial in preventing collisions with obstacles such as docks and rocks, as well as with other boats. Port side (left) navigation lights are red, while starboard side (right) lights are green.

Spotlights and Spreader Lights

Spreader lights, spotlights and flood lights serve to illuminate a section of your boat or an area around it. Their basic purpose is to focus in on dark areas in front of or near the boat, and can also double as search lights.

Docking Lights

These boat lights illuminate the path of a boat while it’s in the docking process. Docking lights also light up a walking path off the boat for those stepping off it after it moors. 

NOTE: Spotlights, flood lights, spreader lights and docking lights should only be used when necessary for their designated purpose, as driving with these lights on can interfere with navigation lights and make it harder for other boats to see where you’re going.

Courtesy Lights

These lights are made for lighting up walkways, stairs and gripping spots such as handrails and tubing on a boat. Courtesy lights are basically there to light up a safe path for passengers on a boat in the dark, much like the lights inside an airplane’s cabin.

Accent Lights

These lights can double as courtesy lights, but accent lights are basically accessories to make your boat stand out, fit your style and possibly improve your boat’s resale value. A perfect example of accent lights are underwater LED lights, which can also serve as fishing lights because certain colors attract fish. Light bars are also considered accent lights, popular amongst fishermen and alligator hunters. Accent lights can also serve to light up a slip or dock, as well as ladders and platforms for added safety.

Why Use LED Boat Lights

Since we’re on the subject of accent lighting, LED lights are a popular choice not only for the wide spectrum of colors they offer, but also because they’re more energy efficient. They draw much less electrical power from a boat than traditional lights. Plus, they last a lot longer than normal lights, and can be used for a wide variety of applications, including as cabin lights, or as flexible LED strips to light up walkways and handrails.

Know Your Boat’s Lighting Requirements

One last thing about boat lights we can’t fail to mention is to find out what the legal requirements are in your area and abide by them. Because if the Coast Guard or any other marine law enforcement agency catches you without the proper lighting, you could face a hefty fine. 

The basic rule of thumb with boat lights is the larger the vessel, the higher visibility range is required. So find out if your boat is equipped with the proper lighting, and upgrade it as needed to avoid problems with patrolling law enforcement agencies.