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6 Best Underwater Boat Lights – (Reviews & Guide 2021)

Every boat owner or fisherman knows how beautiful nights in the sea can be. These few hours after the sun goes down are something that every boater must enjoy at least once. However, whether you stay to fish, enjoy the breath-taking view, or to party with some friends, first you need to be sure that you have the best underwater boat lights.

Waters are not only beautiful but also dangerous. That is why it is essential to be able to illuminate your night-time activities. Underwater boat lights help you cruise around and more importantly hit your target when fishing. Moreover, let’s not start with how modern and attractive your boat will look with them.

Finding a reliable unit, though, is not as easy as it looks. Luckily for you, with our top 6 reviews on underwater boat lights and all the useful information we have prepared, there is nothing you should be worried about.

Best Underwater Boat Lights Comparison Chart

PRODUCTDETAILS
Shoreline Marine LED Strip Light

Shoreline Marine LED Strip Light

  • Price: $
  • Dimensions: 3-3 1/2 x 3/4-5/8″
  • Color: Blue 
  • Lumen: N/A
  • Features: Easy to install / Waterproof
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TH Marine LED-DP Underwater Light

TH Marine LED-DP Underwater Light

  • Price: $
  • Dimensions: 1 x 4.7 x 4.7″
  • Color: Green
  • Lumen: 180
  • Features: Energy-efficient / No high heat
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Lumitec SeaBlazeX LED Underwater Boat Light

Lumitec SeaBlazeX LED Underwater Boat Light

  • Price: $$$$$
  • Dimensions: 0.8 x 4 x 4″
  • Color: Blue
  • Lumen: Up to 4000
  • Features: Energy-efficient / Extremely durable
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Jiawill Stainless Steel Underwater Boat Drain Plug Light

Jiawill Stainless Steel Underwater Boat Drain Plug Light

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: N/A
  • Color: Blue
  • Lumen: 1000
  • Features: Vibration and shock resistant / Over temperature protection
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Lumitec SeaBlaze3 LED Underwater Boat Light

Lumitec SeaBlaze3 LED Underwater Boat Light

  • Price: $$$$
  • Dimensions: 0.8 x 4 x 4″
  • Color: White / Blue
  • Lumen: 1729
  • Features: Dimmable / Cross Fade
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Tidal Wake Underwater LED light

Tidal Wake Underwater LED light

  • Price: $$
  • Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.8″
  • Color: Green
  • Lumen: 1800
  • Features : Over-heat protection / Shock Resistant
View On Amazon

6 Best Underwater Boat Lights Reviews (Update List)

We have done the study for you, and here are our top picks. These are the most reliable units you will find on the market nowadays. Bear in mind that we have not arranged them in any specific order, and it is up to you to choose which unit will meet your needs.

  1. Shoreline Marine LED Strip Light

Shoreline Marine LED Strip LightThe Shoreline Marine LED Strip Light is a great unit that will keep you safe each time you choose to spend the night in the water. For the price, these LED strips are one of the most reliable products on the market nowadays. A significant advantage of theirs is the fact that they are easily installed and you can mount them nearly anywhere. Many people use them on their cars, pickups, trailers, so your boat is not the only option you have.

This product is completely waterproof, and you don’t have to worry that it will break easily. Bear in mind, though, that the plastic shell of the light is somewhat fragile, and you may encounter some problems with it.

In the product’s description, it is said that these lights strips are ultra-bright however it is logical that for this price that is not likely to be true. The Shoreline Marine LED Strip Light offers excellent brightness that will be enough to have a good fishing experience and navigate your boat, but it is not ‘ultra-bright.’

PROS:

  • You can install the strip in many places
  • Good price
  • Well-made design

CONS:

  • The plastic shell is somewhat fragile
  • Not ‘ultra-bright’.

  1. TH Marine LED-DP Underwater Light

TH Marine LED-DP Underwater LightThis TH Marine LED-51868-DP Underwater Light is not only affordable but also very useful. Unlike most underwater boat lights, this one does not get heated quickly and is energy-efficient. You will be pleased with the brightness this unit offers as it has 6 LED lights (180 lumens) and low amperage draw.

Another advantage the TH Marine LED-51868-DP Underwater Light has to offer is durability since the light can have up to 100,000 hours of life. You need to be careful with the installation, though, for if you screw the light too tight, its glass may break. However, as we said, the mounting is not hard, and you could choose from a surface mount or making small holes for wiring.

If you love the green color, then you surely will be pleased with this product. Its high is 1.2″, and the surface size is 3.5″ x 1.5″. You also get a stainless steel installation hardware. If you look for lights that will help you see everything while fishing at night, bear in mind that these are not that powerful, but will do the job.

PROS:

  • Energy-efficient
  • Easy to install
  • Affordable

CONS:

  • If you screw them too tight, the glass might break
  • The plastic they are made of is not that durable
  • 180 lumens

  1. Lumitec SeaBlazeX LED Underwater Boat Light

Lumitec SeaBlazeX LED Underwater Boat LightNow, these are some strong lights that will make your night trips unforgettable. The Lumitec SeaBlazeX LED Underwater Boat Light offers up to 4000 lumens, and you will even save some bucks in the long term as it is energy-efficient. Lumitec products are known to be tested to the highest standards, so it is no surprise that this product is really durable.

You will be satisfied to hear that this light is made of marine-grade bronze alloy housing. Grade bronze is known to be internationally recognized as one of the sturdiest marine grade metals. On the other hand, you may encounter some difficulties with the installation since it is not that easy as one would want.

Another advantage the Lumitec SeaBlazeX LED Underwater Boat Light has to offer, are the colors it features. You will be able to pick from various options- white/blue, white, blue, green. And, you also get strobe and crossfade modes. You can select styles and change colors with one simple toggle of a switch.

PROS:

  • Energy-efficient
  • Different colors and modes
  • Extremely durable as it is made of marine-grade bronze alloy housing.

CONS:

  • You may need a professional to install them
  • Not suitable for vessels that are too big

  1. Jiawill Stainless Steel Underwater Boat Drain Plug Light

Jiawill Stainless Steel Underwater Boat Drain Plug LightThe Jiawill 316L Stainless Steel Underwater Boat Drain Plug Light is a perfect option for your night adventures in the sea. It is vibration and shock resistant so you can be sure that it will be a suitable choice and a good investment.

This drain plug light works within a wide 9-30V DC range, and it offers total of 27W brightness. One of the disadvantages it has is the fact that the blue light is not really a dark-blue one, but it has more of a bluish-green color. However, this unit has many other advantages, like the fact that you won’t need any external controllers due to the self-contained circuity.

The 9 LED insides guarantee excellent illumination, and you can choose from green, red, blue, and white colors. A significant thing to mention is the housing of the unit that is made of 316L stainless steel with shatterproof polycarbonate lenses. The Jiawill 316L Stainless Steel Underwater Boat Drain Plug Light provides over 50 000 hours of work, and it also has an overheat protection.

PROS:

  • Lights have over-temperature protection
  • Vibration and shock-resistant
  • Self-contained circuitry

CONS:

  • The light is not green but a little bit bluish-green
  • The threads are not cut deep enough

  1. Lumitec SeaBlaze3 LED Underwater Boat Light

Lumitec SeaBlaze3 LED Underwater Boat LightAnd once again…Lumitec. What can we say, they are a proved brand and their units are always the right decision when you are a boat owner. With its 1729 lumens, the Lumitec SeaBlaze3 LED Underwater Boat Light offers perfect brightness, and you won’t get lost in the sea at night.

The unit has a marine-grade anodized aluminum housing; however, it is still not as durable as other products in this price range. On the other hand, it has many other advantages, and it has earned its place in our list of reviews. If you choose this product, you won’t need any external controllers, and you could even install it by yourself as the mounting process is not that difficult. The SeaBlaze3 light is transom mountable and requires only a small ½ inch through-hull hole.

This product does not have strobe or crossfade modes. However, you can change the colors and modes that you have with one toggle of a switch, which is pretty convenient.

Made in the USA – all Lumitec lights are designed, tested and assembled in the U.S., Lumitec supports American business and creates American jobs

PROS:

  • Great brightness
  • Attracts fish
  • 1729 lumens
  • Dimmable

CONS:

  • No strobe and crossfade modes
  • Not that durable

  1. Tidal Wake Underwater LED light

Tidal Wake Underwater LED lightThe Tidal Wake IP68 Underwater LED light is perfect for swimming, cruising, and fishing. It will illuminate the water around you, help you navigate your ship, and at the same time, if you love fishing, it will attract wish.

The good thing about this product is the fact that you won’t need to drill holes in your boat, and the installation is super easy. The removal of this LED light is also easy, as you get a waterproof quick-connect plug and a storage bag. The Tidal Wake IP68 Underwater LED light is made out of stainless steel, and it is durable. The only thing you may not like is the pigtail coming out of the unit as it is not as long as it should be.

The unit has 1800 lumens, but if your boat is large, you may not be that satisfied with the brightness. However, we would say that these lights are an excellent option for small to average boats. The Tidal Wake IP68 Underwater LED light offers around 50,000 hours of life, and it has an overheat protected driver.

PROS:

  • Easy installation
  • No drilling
  • 50,000 hours of life

CONS:

  • Not that bright
  • The pigtail coming out of the unit is shorter than it should be

What are Underwater Boat Lights?

Underwater Boat Light ReviewsUnderwater boat lights are lights that are situated on the outside of your vessel, under the waterline, generally on the transom. They will illuminate the water underneath your boat and in a few words- make your life easier. Underwater boat lights will not only light up your boat in whichever color you want, but they will also ensure that you see everything around you and you are safe.

Benefits of Using Underwater Boat Lights

To enjoy an activity as impressive as fishing or sailing at night, you need to have good lighting. Here are the main advantages that good underwater boat lights have to offer:

  • Safety

If you decide to swim, for example, the lights will illuminate the water, helping you and your friends see precisely what you are diving into. This is essential, not only if you are swimming as you will see any danger as soon as it surfaces.

  • Enhanced Aura

Just imagine spending a night in the sea with your friends and family, surrounded by some cool colored lights. We mean, come on, what could be more relaxing? Some good underwater boat lights will surely create the perfect ambiance for having fun and chilling.

  • Cost-effectiveness

High-quality underwater boat lights are without any doubt a worthy investment. They could serve you for a very long time, and if you decide on LEDs, you will even save money when it comes to energy-efficiency.

  • No Stress

Being in the dark and not seeing anything can be loaded with much frustration. There is always a danger of hitting something and damaging your vessel. However, if you have powerful underwater boat lights your navigation will be a lot easier. They are especially helpful when it is time to park your boat in the docks.

  • Better Fishing Experience

Every fisher is continuously looking for marine supplies for their boat that would make his or her fishing experience more comfortable. Well, bear in mind that fish love lights and with some reliable units you won’t struggle too much to have a great catch.

Types of Underwater Boat Lights

Best Underwater Boat LightsMost of the lights available on the market nowadays are LEDs so you may be surprised to hear that there are other types of underwater boat lights, more specifically one other type- incandescent lights. They are not as used as the light-emitting ones; however, it is important to mention them.

  • Incandescent Bulbs

The wattage of the incandescent light bulbs determines the intensity of the light you get. The light is produced by equally heated filaments, and for the brightness to be raised, the wattage must be increased. This is the reason why incandescent bulbs are known for the generation of heat and the wastage of energy. Another cause of energy loss is the equal production of light around the lamp.

Incandescent underwater boat lights are cheap and will give you a beautiful warm glow. On the other hand, they are also notorious for premature damage and are not very durable, as the filament burns out quickly and you often need to replace the bulb.

PROS:

  • They give you a beautiful warm light
  • They are cheaper

CONS:

  • They are more affordable, but they waste a lot of energy, leading to high energy costs
  • They are not durable and burn up easily
  • These lights are also sensitive to water
  • LED lights

LED underwater boat lights are the more preferred type due to the many benefits they offer. For starters, the lights produce a minimal amount of heat, and therefore they burn cooler than incandescent ones.

This is also the reason why LEDs can have up to 100,000 working hours, while their ‘brothers’ have around 1000. The fact that LED lights have no filament is just another reason for their long lifespan. They are not fragile and most importantly- they are energy-efficient.

Their main disadvantage is the fact that they are expensive. However, LEDs do not emit mercury or other toxic chemicals, so they are also environmentally friendly.

PROS:

  • Excellent lifespan
  • Energy-efficient
  • They are not fragile
  • Not as water-sensitive as incandescent ones

CONS:

  • More expensive than incandescent lights

Factors to Consider When Choosing Underwater Boat Lights

  • Installation

Knowing how to install your underwater boat lights is essential. Some lights require a modification of your installation spot, while others require only a small hole for the wiring and some holes for the screws. The second ones are obviously easier to mount, though, you should always read the manufacturer’s manual and follow the steps there. Also, some types can be installed on the drain plug; therefore, they do not require any drilling.

Another thing you must be careful with is the mounting position. We would recommend that you look for lights that are versatile and will offer you different mounting locations. Bear in mind that the trim tab, the transom, and the drain plug are the areas that are the easiest to work with.

  • Brightness

When looking for underwater boat lights, it is essential to understand what the difference between watts and lumens is. The brightness of your lights, primarily LED ones, is expressed by lumens. Generally, the more the lumens, the higher the illumination. When it comes to navigating, around 600 lumens is enough. However, if you want excellent lighting for safe movement and on top of that fish attraction, our team recommends you go way higher.

  • Beam Width

Beamwidth is connected to the angle of view of the light. More than 90° is considered wide, while less is thought to be narrow. Our team would recommend that you look for units with a full bead width, however, be careful with the quality.

  • Colors- Single or Multicolor

Some underwater boat lights emit just one color. Many boat owners, however, prefer lightning gadgets with more than one color, so you should choose your unit carefully, depending on your desires.

  • Housing Materials

Superior housing is required when you want to contain underwater boat lights in extreme conditions, such as being underwater. The choice you have is either aluminum bronze or an injection-molded transparent polymer. The latter is ideal for underwater lights, as it is super durable and immensely reliable. Also, when it comes to polymer, the housing does not corrode as there is no metal in contact with the water.

Aluminum bronze, on the other hand, is one of the most robust metals used underwater. It has excellent resistance to saltwater corrosion, and it also has unique thermal characteristics that will keep your lights fresh.

  • Use

It is essential to know why exactly you want to get yourself underwater boat lights. For example, if you are a fisherman and you want to make your fishing experience better, keep in mind that LED lights are known for attracting fish.

  • Durability

Make sure your underwater boat lights are durable. There is no need to mention that they must be waterproof, as this is obvious. However, you need to make sure that they are also resistant to shocks and that they are in a robust casing.

  • Energy-efficiency

Your lights should provide decent lighting, but at the same time, you need to make sure they are not power hogs. You don’t want them to drain the battery too fast or put an additional demand on your power systems, for example, the alternator. LED lights are the most energy-efficient option.

  • Brand

A famous brand name does not always mean high-quality; however most of the time this rule proves right. When choosing your underwater boat lights, look for such that are manufactured by a well-known brand. This way you have a higher possibility of choosing reliable units, and even if you don’t, famous brands always have warranties, and they help their customers.

  • Reviews and Comments

It is always a significant step to read at the reviews and comments a particular product has, especially when buying units online. Manufacturers write down only the positive characteristics their products have. That’s why reading reviews and comments made by different clients is essential since when you do that, you also find out if there is something people were not happy with.

How to Take Care of Your Underwater Boat Lights?

When it comes to boat units, such as boat fenders, bilge pumps, underwater boat lights, etc., taking good care of them is essential. Here are some of the support routines you need to stick with:

  • Prevent Corrosion

The perfect environment for corrosion is undoubtedly saltwater. Therefore, you need to be sure that your units are made of stainless steel or marine-grade bronze.

If you plan to fix the lights permanently to the vessel, consider using an orbital sander for removing the paint from the spots you are about to mount the units. Sand it out smoothly, and when you are done installing the lights, apply a color that is suitable to the housing of the lights. Doing this, you will prevent the metal housing from reacting with the paint and causing corrosion.

Each time you remove the boat from the water, you need to clean the lights with mild detergent, freshwater, and a soft towel. Applying an anti-corrosion coat on the lights to safeguard them against rust, is an excellent option if your units’ housings are not made of marine-grade bronze or stainless steel.

  • Do not use abrasives when cleaning

We know how charming it may be to use a powerful detergent or a hard-bristle brush to remove the mold accumulated on the lights. However, do NOT do it, as it will only damage your units. We would recommend that you use mild detergent and microfiber towels. If your boat has fine boat seats, this rule applies to them as well.

  • Do not run your underwater boat lights out of the water

Underwater boat lights are built with the idea that they will be cooled down by the water. Therefore, running them out of the water is not a good idea and will eventually lead to temperature damage. If that happens, you won’t be able to use your warranty, as the loss is your fault, and you will have to spend more money on new lights.

Our team recommends that if you need to run the lights out of the water, you should not exceed two minutes.

FAQs

  • Are underwater boat lights going to work outside of the water?

Yes, they are, even though that does not mean that you should do that. The lights are not intended to be used outside of water, and you will probably just damage them.

  • Do I need a professionalist to install the lights on my boat?

In general, the installation is not that hard, especially if you are a DIYer. Drilling holes for the wiring and the screws and hooking up the wires to the power source are the two main things you will need to do. However, if you don’t feel confident it may be for the best to have some help.

  • Should I choose LEDs or incandescent bulbs?

This is a personal choice, even though we can all agree that LEDs are much better than incandescent lights, as they are more durable, energy-efficient, and are more tolerant of water.

  • How do I change the color when using a multicolor lighting system?

Some underwater boat lights can be pre-set to crossfade at some particular intervals. You could also turn the lights off and on by using the switch to change the color.

  • How to clean my underwater boat lights?

First of all, you need to remember is not to use abrasive pads and harsh cleaning agents. Such substances can easily damage your units. Our team would recommend that you use a microfiber towel, some mild detergent, and freshwater.

  • Which color is going to penetrate the water perfectly?

The penetration of each color depends on its wavelength. The shorter the wavelength, the deeper the color’s penetration. Blue lights are the ones that have the shortest wavelengths.

Wrap Up

Congratulations friends, you are now pros when it comes to choosing the best underwater boat lights. Having read our complete buying guide, you soon realize that there are many things to consider before deciding on a particular unit. Luckily for you, we have gathered all the top products on the market nowadays, and all you have to do, if you haven’t done it yet, is read our reviews on underwater boat lights.

Our team hopes that this article has helped you find what you were looking for, and if that is true, do not forget to share it with all your friends and family. Also, if there is something you think we have missed or you just want to share something with us, feel free to write us a comment or send us an email.

We have many other pieces devoted to helping you find the right unit, so go check them out as well. Thanks so much for reading, and as always- stay put!

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