Ever tried docking your pontoon boat when the sun goes down? It can feel like navigating in the dark! The water looks black, and it’s tough to see where you’re going. That’s where pontoon docking lights come in handy.
Choosing the right lights can be tricky. There are so many kinds! Some are bright, some are small, and they all cost different amounts. You want lights that work well and last a long time, but figuring out which ones are best for your boat can be confusing. You might worry about buying the wrong ones and wasting money.
But don’t worry! This post will break it all down for you. We’ll explain what makes a good docking light. You’ll learn about different types, what features to look for, and how to pick the perfect set for your pontoon. Get ready to light up your nights on the water!
Top Pontoon Docking Lights Recommendations
- 【Bright & Safe】With 6pcs 3W powerful high intensity LED light chips. single-row 60° flood beam in reflective cups provide a brighter illumination of 1,800LM, 5800K bright white light & broader view, increasing safety for your night fishing, night hunting, night ride or any other night activities
- 【Excellent Performance】Made of corrosion-resistant casting aluminum alloy, upgraded PC lens over 90% light transmittance. Also, 0.25" spacing fins to dissipate heat faster
- 【Durable & Waterproof】This light bar with heavy die casting aluminum housing is anti-corrosive, dust-proof, quakeproof, providing great sailing and driving experience. IP67 waterproof, PASS 72-hour laboratory salt spray test, ensures excellent performance even in extreme weather condition like heavy rain, snow, hail, storm, etc
- 【Easy to Install 】Flexible mounting installation, comes with 180° adjustable mounting accessories, universal flush mount design allows this 18W boat deck lights to adjust the installation position and angle to easily change the direction of light beams
- 【Wide Applications】Capable of working at 10-30V with low power consumption. Perfect for night fishing lovers' fishing boat, pontoon boats, yachts, sailboats, house boats, rowboats, paddle boats. Not limited to truck, tractor, off road, jeep, pick up, SUV, ATV, UTV, golf cart. Also widely used in both indoor and outdoors like household lighting, backup/ reverse light, off road lighting, marine boat lighting, construction equipment lighting, emergency & rescue lighting and more
- High quality - High lumen can output up to 650Lms, making night fishing, shipping, cycling, and other outdoor activities safer.
- Durable Material - Made of durable polycarbonate, ensuring reliable vibration resistance and high corrosion resistance to salt water, with a long service life.
- Advantage - Equipped with a sturdy housing mounting bracket, it can withstand various harsh environments and extend the service life of LED lamps.
- Easy To Install - Easy Installation. Professional Installation Is Highly Recommended.
- Size - 3.5" Wide x 1.5" Tall. Surface Mount, 3528 Chipset, 4 Watt / 650 Lumen, Bright White Housing.
- 【Bright & Safe】With 20pcs 3W powerful high intensity LED light chips. 60° flood beam and 30° spot beam combo in reflective cups provide a brighter illumination, 6000K bright white light and broader view, increasing safe for your night fishing, night hunting, night ride or any other night activities
- 【Excellent Performance】Made of corrosion-resistant casting aluminum alloy, upgraded PC lens over 90% light transmittance. Also, 9pcs cooling fins to dissipate heat faster
- 【Durable & Waterproof】With solid-build aluminum housing (durable powder coated) and stainless steel mounting bracket and hardware, anti-corrosive, dust-proof, quakeproof, providing great sailing and driving experience. IP67 waterproof, PASS 72-hour laboratory salt spray test, ensures excellent performance even in extreme weather condition like heavy rain, snow, hail, storm, etc
- 【Easy to Install 】Flexible mounting installation, comes with 360° adjustable mounting accessories, universal flush mount design allows the lights to adjust the installation position and angle to easily change the direction of light beams
- 【Wide Applications】Capable of working at 10-30V with low power consumption. Perfect for night fishing lovers' fishing boat, pontoon boats, yachts, sailboats, house boats, rowboats, paddle boats. Not limited to truck, tractor, off road, jeep, pick up, SUV, ATV, UTV, golf cart. Also widely used in both indoor and outdoors like backup/ reverse light, off road lighting, marine boat lighting, construction equipment lighting, emergency & rescue lighting and more
- Bright & Safe: With 24pcs 3W powerful high intensity LED light chips, give out 120° super flood lighting range, provide a brighter illumination, 6000K bright white light & broader view, increasing safe for your night fishing, night hunting, night ride or any other night activities
- Excellent Performance: Made of corrosion-resistant casting aluminum alloy, upgraded PC lens over 90% light transmittance. Also, 1.9inch thicker housing design, 0.25 inch spacing fins to dissipate heat faster
- Durable & Waterproof: With solid-build aluminum housing (durable powder coated) and stainless steel mounting bracket and hardware, anti-corrosive, dust-proof, quakeproof, providing great sailing and driving experience. IP67 waterproof, PASS 72-hour laboratory salt spray test, ensures excellent performance even in extreme weather condition like heavy rain, snow, hail, storm, etc
- Easy to Install: Flexible mounting installation, comes with 180° adjustable mounting accessories, universal flush mount design allows this 72W boat deck lights to adjust the installation position and angle to easily change the direction of light beams
- Wide Applications: Capable of working at 10-30V with low power consumption. Perfect for night fishing lovers' fishing boat, pontoon boats, yachts, sailboats, house boats, rowboats, paddle boats. Not limited to truck, tractor, off road, jeep, pick up, SUV, ATV, UTV, golf cart. Also widely used in both indoor and outdoors like backup/ reverse light, off road lighting, marine boat lighting, construction equipment lighting, emergency & rescue lighting and more
- 【Bright Lights】Boat docking lights are equipped with 3 pieces LEDs on the side , and 8 pieces LEDs on the top.Very bright to illuminate the docking area
- 【Easy Installation】 Marine docking lights has 2 wires connection ,and screw mounting on boat for long-term outdoor use
- 【Completely Sealed IP 66 】Docking lights with build -in pre-fitted tight sealed gaske and good water resistance.
- 【Perfectly Replacement 】 Replace original lights and fit completely, Just make sure your boat has these type of lights to begin with
- 【 Premium Quality 】 Polished corrosion-resistant stainless steel housing and transparent durable Polvcarbonate Len materials
- 【Bright & Safe】With 40pcs 3W powerful high intensity LED light chips. 60° flood beam and 30° spot beam combo in reflective cups provide a brighter illumination, 6000K bright white light and broader view, increasing safe for your night fishing, night hunting, night ride or any other night activities
- 【Excellent Performance】Made of corrosion-resistant casting aluminum alloy, upgraded PC lens over 90% light transmittance. Also, 9pcs cooling fins to dissipate heat faster
- 【Durable & Waterproof】With solid-build aluminum housing (durable powder coated) and stainless steel mounting bracket and hardware, anti-corrosive, dust-proof, quakeproof, providing great sailing and driving experience. IP67 waterproof, PASS 72-hour laboratory salt spray test, ensures excellent performance even in extreme weather condition like heavy rain, snow, hail, storm, etc
- 【Easy to Install 】Flexible mounting installation, comes with 360° adjustable mounting accessories, universal flush mount design allows the lights to adjust the installation position and angle to easily change the direction of light beams
- 【Wide Applications】Capable of working at 10-30V with low power consumption. Perfect for night fishing lovers' fishing boat, pontoon boats, yachts, sailboats, house boats, rowboats, paddle boats. Not limited to truck, tractor, off road, jeep, pick up, SUV, ATV, UTV, golf cart. Also widely used in both indoor and outdoors like backup/ reverse light, off road lighting, marine boat lighting, construction equipment lighting, emergency & rescue lighting and more
- Support--we provide 1 year free relacement service for boat led Lights.Any question,feel free to contact us,we will help you and respond to you within 24 hours.
- Flood Light Effect:-27pcs LED Boat Light with unique innovation A broad flood light effect led technology,they have 2 times the strength of other underwater lights.Waterproof,Super bright but low energy cost
- Sealed Waterproof:IP68 Waterproof Lens, sealed Light with 27pcs high power LED,Waterproof,Sockproof & Dustproof for Boat driving in the rain and other hard conditions.
- Specification:PC len,316 stainless steel cover,white light color,wire length:60in,DC 10-24V,27 leds,120 beam angle,50000 hrs life time,IP68 Waterproof,345 Lume.Pack of 2pcs marine boat led lights,screw sets & foam bases are included.
- Application: Fit for Transom Lights,Trailer light,Underwater light,Stern light,dock/deck light,Navigation Light, Bow Light, Port Light and Starboard Light,Courtesy Light,etc. Common use for Small Boat, Sailboat, Pontoon Boat, Kayak etc.
- 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.
Illuminating Your Evenings: The Essential Pontoon Docking Light Buying Guide
Pontoon boats are fantastic for family fun. When the sun goes down, you still want to enjoy the water safely. Docking lights make a huge difference. They help you see the dock and your surroundings clearly. This guide helps you pick the best lights for your pontoon.
Key Features to Look For
Good docking lights offer more than just a little glow. Think about these important features when you shop:
- Brightness (Lumens): More lumens mean a brighter light. Look for lights that offer enough power to cut through the darkness. At least 1000 lumens is a good starting point for effective docking.
- Beam Angle: This decides how wide the light spreads. A wider beam helps you see more of the dock area at once. A focused, narrow beam helps you see farther out. Many modern lights offer a combination.
- Durability and Waterproof Rating (IP Rating): Since these lights live near water, they must handle splashes and rain. Look for an IP67 or IP68 rating. This means the light resists dust and can handle being submerged briefly.
- Color Temperature (Kelvin): This affects how the light looks. Cooler, whiter light (around 5000K to 6500K) often looks modern and cuts through fog better than yellowish light.
- Style and Fit: Do you want a small, round light, or a sleek, rectangular bar? Make sure the light fits easily onto your existing railing or the front of your pontoon.
Important Materials That Matter
The materials used determine how long your lights last. High-quality construction prevents early failure.
Housing and Casing
Most excellent docking lights use **aluminum** for the housing. Aluminum resists rust and dissipates heat well. Plastic housings are cheaper, but they can become brittle over time due to sun exposure.
Lens Material
The lens protects the LEDs inside. **Polycarbonate** lenses are superior. They resist impact (like stray boat fenders) and stay clear longer than cheaper acrylic lenses, which can yellow with UV exposure.
Wiring and Connectors
Always check the wiring. Marine-grade wiring uses thicker insulation. Good connectors resist corrosion. Poor wiring leads to flickering lights and eventual failure.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all lights are created equal. A few things boost performance, while others drag it down.
Quality Boosters
- LED Technology: Modern LEDs use less power and last much longer than old halogen bulbs. High-quality LEDs maintain their brightness over thousands of hours.
- Heat Sinks: LEDs create heat. Good lights include built-in heat sinks (often fins on the back of the housing) to move this heat away. This keeps the light running efficiently.
- Voltage Protection: The best lights handle small voltage spikes from the boat battery without burning out.
Quality Reducers
- Poor Sealing: If the seals around the lens or wires are cheap, water gets in. This causes internal corrosion and short circuits.
- Cheap Diodes: Low-cost lights use lower-grade LED chips. These chips dim quickly, sometimes within a year of regular use.
- Thin Mounts: Brackets that feel flimsy when you hold them will vibrate while underway, potentially loosening the bolts over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about when and how you use your pontoon. This guides your purchase.
Night Docking: This is the primary use. Bright, wide lights reduce stress when maneuvering in tight marina slips after dark. You see obstacles and the edge of your slip easily.
Safety While Cruising: If you sometimes navigate shallow channels or busy waterways after sunset, these lights offer crucial peripheral visibility that standard navigation lights might miss.
Aesthetics: Many boaters also enjoy the clean, modern look that bright white LED docking lights give their pontoon, especially when anchored at a cove for the evening.
Pontoon Docking Light FAQs
Q: How hard is it to install pontoon docking lights?
A: Installation difficulty varies. Simple surface-mount lights might only require drilling a few holes and connecting two wires. Lights that require flush mounting need more precise cutting. If you are not comfortable with basic wiring, hire a marine electrician.
Q: Do docking lights need to be on all the time?
A: No. They draw power, so you should only turn them on when you are actively docking, undocking, or navigating in low visibility. They are not typically meant to replace standard navigation lights.
Q: Will these lights drain my battery quickly?
A: Modern LED docking lights use very little power compared to older halogen types. A good set of LEDs will not significantly impact your battery, even if left on for 30 minutes, as long as your boat battery is healthy.
Q: Can I use car headlights instead?
A: You should not. Car parts are not designed for constant moisture, salt spray, and vibration. Marine lights are specifically built to resist corrosion and meet boating electrical standards.
Q: What is the difference between flood lights and spot lights for docking?
A: Flood lights spread a wide, shorter beam, perfect for seeing the immediate area around the boat. Spot lights shoot a narrow, long beam, useful for seeing far down a dark channel or a distant marker.
Q: Does my pontoon need a switch just for the docking lights?
A: Yes, absolutely. You need a dedicated switch on your helm panel. This lets you control them independently of your navigation or anchor lights.
Q: How long do quality LED docking lights usually last?
A: High-quality LED units often have a lifespan rated for 30,000 to 50,000 operating hours. With typical recreational use, they should last many years without noticeable dimming.
Q: Are there laws about how bright docking lights can be?
A: While there are strict rules for navigation lights, there are generally fewer rules regarding supplemental docking lights. However, do not shine them directly into the eyes of other boaters or people on the dock, as this can be considered reckless operation.
Q: What is an IP68 rating on a light?
A: IP68 means the light is completely protected from dust ingress and can be continuously submerged in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer (usually deeper than 1 meter).
Q: Should I buy a light bar or individual round lights?
A: This is mostly preference. A light bar often provides a more uniform, modern look across the bow railing. Individual round lights are sometimes easier to mount onto existing vertical stanchions.