If you don't already know what a LED light is... who are you, and where have you been all these years?

 

LED lights are more than a trend. They reflect a general shift in how consumers are thinking about their energy usage. Who doesn't like saving 90% in lighting cost and the cooler running temperature ?

For example, switching to LED lighting in your home is an excellent way to save money on the monthly power bill, and is, therefore, an effective means to lowering one's carbon footprint and helping Mother Earth. It also increases the resource left for your kids, and their kids.

Besides being good for the environment (and your wallet), they have numerous other benefits which make them attractive for a wide range of real world applications. 

LED lights for boats is one such application that is really growing in popularity. And for good reason.

In this post, we will discuss why you should choose LED lights for boats. 

 

What Are LED Lights Exactly?

 

LED lights are all the rage, nowadays. And for good reason.

As more and more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency, LED lights are making their way into more applications than ever before.

So what are LED lights exactly?

LED is an acronym which stands for Light Emitting Diode. So, what does that mean? Well, a diode is defined as "a device, as a two-element electron tube or a semiconductor, through which current can pass freely in only one direction."

LED lights work (that is, emit light) when an electrical current is passed through two terminals. As electricity makes its way between the positive and negative terminals, it emits light, hence the name Light Emitting Diode.

The law of energy conservation states energy can neither be created or destroyed but only transferred. As such, the electricity (or energy) moving between this gap changes and is released (or transferred) in the form of photons (also known as light).

But, enough about the science of how LED lights work. Let's move on to why you came here, to learn more about LED lights for boats.

 

Benefits of LED Lights for Boats

 

LED lights for boats pack quite the punch for coming in such a small package.

If you're familiar with what LED lights are and how they function, you know first hand that they function immeasurably better than their older, incandescent counterparts.

First and foremost, LED lights are highly efficient in their lighting capabilities. For example, one LED light draws much less electricity than other types of lighting and emits the same amount of light (if not more). 

This is a huge reason why many people are beginning to explore LED lights for boats. They draw less power, and as a result, boaters are becoming less concerned with overloading the on-board circuitry or draining the power stored in batteries. Less amps drawn for lighting means a easier time on both your battery and engine.

Secondly, they are very compact and require little space, making them ideal for the tight quarters found below the deck of a marine vessel. 

Some anglers will even claim that using underwater LED lights for boats will help draw fish closer to their vessel, even in daylight hours.

Like most products, many new boats will come with LED lights already installed. Older boats, though, aren't so lucky. But that isn't stopping many from making the switch when a retrofit is done. 

Furthermore, incandescent lights are infamous for their inefficiency. As such, much of the energy they receive is lost as heat. This can translate into uncomfortably warm cabin temperatures, a problem which LED lights for boats can help solve. 

 

Interior Lighting

 

In terms of LED lights for boats, the options are seemingly endless. 

There are light bulbs and fixtures for every application, so how do you determine which is best suited for your boat? 

It might require some time and effort to determine the right configurations, but the final results will leave your smile shining.

Gone are the days of uniformly harsh lighting in the galley area. With LED lights, you can create the ambiance you've been yearning for all these years. As a bonus, you dramatically reduce power consumption, as well as the interior temperature.

 

Exterior Lighting

 

When the sun sets on open waters, your surroundings become nearly impossible to navigate without the aid of proper lighting.

LED lights are small, but they are also extremely bright. Installing LED lights on the exterior of your vessel can help illuminate your way home, and make sure your sea legs don't falter in the process.

Adding adequate lighting to the walkways and deck of your vessel is also crucial to maintaining proper safety while walking about the deck. With enough lighting, you can even ditch the flashlight to ensure your hands are free.

But, if you're planning to make a complete switch to LED lights, be mindful of the color requirements for positioning lights and the applicable Coast Guard regulations.

 

Underwater Lighting

 

As previously mentioned, some anglers utilize LED lighting to attract different kinds of fish. 

Underwater lighting can also be used to enhance the appearance of your vessel. 

While underwater lighting is nothing new, LED lighting brings brighter light levels and higher efficiency than anything available in the past. 

If you're an avid fisherman, adding underwater lighting to your retrofit plans might help you snag your next trophy. Even experts can use a bit more help to go further.

 

Marine Grade Lighting

 

Not all LED lights for boats are created equal.

When you decide to make the switch, it's important to consider the environment in which they will be used. 

For example, will the boat be stored in the water? Or will it be transported and stored above ground on a trailer? If the boat is being stored in a marina, it's important to get lights which are suited for prolonged submersion. Fresh water and salt water environments can also be a factor in lifetime of lighting product.

 

Maintaining Compliance

 

When making the switch to LED lights for your boat, it's important to research and be mindful of Coast Guard regulations.

For example, avoid getting too crazy with all the available LED light color options. Your additional flair might just get you in trouble.

In a recent bulletin, the Coast Guard said, "blue underwater LED lights can appear to be flashing if there is any wave action, giving the appearance of a flashing blue light only authorized to be used by law enforcement vessels."

 

Conclusion

 

LED lights are compact, highly efficient, long-lasting, and super bright. What's not to love about this technology?

Using LED lights on your boat will not only improve visibility both above and below deck. It will improve on reducing energy consumption levels, as well as reducing interior heat levels, too.

Are you ready to make the switch? Contact us today to see how we can help light up your life on the water, and help you save amps.