Best Underwater LED Boat Lights 2024

Last updated on March 31, 2024

Have you ever taken your boat out onto the open water at night? It can be a beautiful, enchanting experience. There is only one problem: It’s really dark in the most serene parts of the world.

However, boat lights are quickly solving this problem. Installing boat lights increases safety as it makes navigation easier and helps to avoid obstacles. Not only do they make visibility better, but led underwater boat lights also assist in catching fish, as well as bait, thus enhancing your fishing adventures. 

Plus, led underwater boat lights  are the most stunning new accessory for your boat. If you ever want to brag while on a cruise with your friends, nothing is more stylish or exciting. Available in a variety of colors, boat lights add pizazz to any night-time venture.

Here are our picks for the best underwater boat lights you can buy:

1. Lumitec SeaBlazeX 


Lumitec SeaBlazeX 101140, LED Underwater Boat Light, Surface Mount, White, White Cross Fade, White Strobe

BEST OVERALL underwater LED light

This is one of the more powerful models on our list. With a rating of 4,000 lumens, you can expect an extremely bright light that allows you to see the surrounding water clearly at night. With these underwater LED lights, a safer boating experience is instantly created. You can see any obstructions in your way to avoid hitting them. You’ll also be able to view other boats while adrift to prevent collisions.

This model is available in a wide range of colors. You have the option to pick from blue, green or white. The manufacturer also included strobe and crossfade modes which will come in handy to set the mood when you’re having a party aboard.

You’ll love how easy it is to install this model. Simply drill a few holes on the transom where you’re to place the power cables. After which you can use screws to securely keep the lights in place. The unit is small and lightweight which allows for easy handling.

With regard to construction, the light is made of naval grade bronze. This material can withstand premature damage caused by rust and corrosion. If you take good care of this light, you can use it for up to five years before it needs to be replaced.

Specifications:

  • Voltage: 10-20vDC
  • Lumens: 4,000
  • Housing: Bronze alloy
  • Spectrum: Rainbow spectrum

PROS

  • Easy to use
  • Withstands exposure to saltwater
  • Simple to install

CONS

  • Only for underwater use

2. Lumitec SeaBlazeX Spectrum


Lumitec 101320 SeaBlazeX Spectrum LED Underwater Boat Light, Surface Mount, Dimmable, RGBW Full-Color Output

Best Full RGB Surface Mount Underwater Light

If you’re looking for color and a show, the Lumitec 101320 SeaBlazeX LED underwater light is the lighting choice for you. Although it’s a pricier option, the quality of the beam and range of color combinations are worth every penny.

Not only does it offer every color in the spectrum, but the quality is unquestionable. Its materials are able to withstand torrents of seawater and it is easy to install. It may be small, but its light shines bright. Producing a total of 3,000 lumens, this is a powerful model. This boat light will provide you with more than enough light to illuminate your path as you cruise at night.

Housed in material made of marine grade bronze alloy, you’re guaranteed a long-lasting unit if you opt for this model. Thanks to the IP67 rating, these underwater LED lights can operate for an extended period of time above water without experiencing damage.

Because the lights have no external controllers it means that they’re less likely to fail. Installation of the lights is a straightforward process. You have the option to mount the lights on the transom or hull depending on your preference.

It’s no wonder why this product is one of the best-selling boat lights on the market.

Specifications:

  • Voltage: 10-30v DC
  • Rated Watts: 60
  • Lumens: 3000
  • Housing: Durable naval grade bronze
  • Spectrum: Full color RGB

PROS

  • Resists over 2000 hours of salt-water contact
  • Doesn’t require external box
  • Time Toggle Protocol (TTP) allows for easy control

CONS

  • Can only be used underwater

3. Lumitec SeaBlaze3


Lumitec Lighting 101055 SeaBlaze3 LED Underwater Boat Light, Surface Mount, Non-Dimmable, White

Best Non-Dimmable underwater LED light

Next up we have another underwater boat light from Lumitec SeaBalze. The major difference here is that this model isn’t as expensive as the SeaBlaze X that we reviewed above. Because of the lower price tag, you may have to sacrifice other features found in the high-end model.

First off, this LED light has a much lower illumination intensity rating and produces only 1,729 lumens. Nonetheless, the light is still bright enough to provide you with sufficient lighting for most circumstances. Unfortunately, you can’t dim this light. But it’s not entirely a deal-breaker since chances of this light being too bright are minimal.

The unit boasts marine-grade aluminum housing designed to protect it from premature rust and corrosion. Note that this boat light is designed for surface mounting. You’ll find it very easy to install; simply drill holes onto the transom and insert the unit.

This LED underwater light produces a wide range of colors namely white, blue, green and a dual-color blue & white. Plus, you can also set it to crossfade mode if you want to impress your friends with stylish illumination. You’ll find it very easy to change colors or select your desired mode by simply toggling the switch.

Specifications:

  • Voltage: 10-30v
  • Lumens: 1,729
  • Housing: Marine grade aluminum
  • Spectrum: White, blue, green, blue & white

PROS

  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to install
  • Bright

CONS

  • The durability of design is questionable

4. T-H Marine LED-51867-DP


T-H Marine LED-51867-DP High-Intensity Underwater LED Light - Blue

Best Cheap underwater light

Not all LED underwater lights are pricy. This T-H Marine boat light is proof of that because it’s one of the cheapest on the market—and on our list. These are high-intensity lights that are versatile enough to be used above or below the waterline. You’ll be happy to know that these lights can work in both salt and freshwater.

This model is also designed for surface mounting which makes it fairly easy to install. You’ll need to drill a small hole on the transom for mounting. Just be sure not to over-tighten them during installation because the plastic light housing might crack and allow water to seep in.

This unit comes with six LED lights. Admittedly they aren’t the brightest lights around, but for the low price, it’s an acceptable brightness. These underwater LED lights are designed for conservative power consumption. Though the lights do have a 100,000-hour life, a few users are disappointed with their durability. They seldom last very long. Plus, though they’re deemed to be waterproof, they’re prone to rust and corrosion.

The lights produce a broad floodlight that’ll illuminate a wide area around your boat. You can view any obstructions with ease for a safer time out on the water.

Specifications:

  • Voltage: 12vDC
  • Amperage: 130mA
  • Housing: Plastic
  • Spectrum: Blue

PROS

  • For both fresh and saltwater
  • Conserve power
  • Easy to install

CONS

  • Durability questionable
  • Not very bright

5. Jiawill 60W CREE LED Surface Mount


Jiawill 60W CREE LED Surface Mount Underwater Boat Lights 316L Stainless Steel with Internal Driver and Overheat Protection (Blue)

Best Affordable Surface Mount Underwater Light

Stylish doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank. The Jiawill 60W CREE LED underwater light offers a high-quality boat light for a great deal less than its competitors. However, this doesn’t mean it’s lacking quality. Its lumen is almost as bright as other similar lighting types. This means it’s just as bright and beautiful as more expensive alternatives.

Not only is the light quality satisfactory, but the product’s strong design materials ensure that it will not break easily. Fewer connectors and the lack of an external driver, mean this product is unlikely to fail. Despite not costing as much as fancier boat lights, this product still stands strong.

Like all Jiawill models, this unit is also made of marine-grade stainless steel which guarantees the unit’s durability. Plus, the lens is shatterproof, and the LED light has overheating protection which ensures its longevity despite being exposed to extreme heat conditions.

Overall this is a high-performance model with a super low profile that’s easy to install. And the fact that the manufacturer included installation software for your convenience is a bonus. 

Specifications:

  • Voltage: 9-32v DC
  • Rated Watts: 60
  • Lumens: 2853
  • Housing: Marine grade stainless steel with a shatterproof polycarbonate lens
  • Spectrum: Single / dual color

PROS

  • Inexpensive
  • Over Temperature Protection means it’s less likely to burn out
  • Can also be used as a trim-tab mounting, with the purchase of a mounting bracket

CONS

  • Only available as a single or dual color

6. Jiawill 120W CREE LED


Jiawill 120W CREE LED Surface Mount Underwater Boat Lights 316L Stainless Steel with Internal Driver,Overheat Protection,White,Blue,Green,Red (Red)

Best Dual Surface Mount Underwater Light

What is better than one? Two! The Jiawill 120W CREE LED underwater light offers a dual light. This means it has all the benefits of the Jiawill 60W CREE, while offering illumination that is bolder and brighter.

Although it is more expensive than its smaller counterpart, it’s still cheaper than many other boat lights on the market. The result? You can maximize your boat lighting as much as possible without a high cost.

This unit produces a total of 120W thanks to the 24 Cree LED lights. And it has four color outputs namely white, red, green and blue. Like most Jiawill underwater LED boat lights, this model also comes with overheating protection. This model doesn’t have an external driver so the chances of it failing are minimal.

The model also features a low-profile design. It’s housed in marine grade stainless steel which makes it sturdy. By opting for this model, you’re getting a long-lasting product. You’ll find it easy to install and the manufacturer included the necessary mounting hardware to aid in the installation process.

Specifications:

  • Voltage: 9-32v DC
  • Rated Watts: 120
  • Lumens: 5800
  • Housing: Marine grade stainless steel with a shatterproof polycarbonate lens
  • Spectrum: Single / dual color

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Brilliant illumination
  • Can also be used as docking light
  • Includes a 3 year warranty and lifetime maintenance

CONS

  • Limited color options

7. Jiawill 60W RGB CREE


Jiawill 2 X 60W RGB CREE LED Underwater boat light,Surface Mount,Musical Control,Overheat Protection (2 lights with controller)

Best Surface Mount underwater light with Musical Control

If you’re going to have a great light display, why not correlate light with music? The Jiawill 60W RGB CREE LED underwater light with musical connects comes with an app that allows your light display to move in time with your music. This creates a whole new inversive experience that allows you and your boat to be the envy of all your friends. 

Although this boat light sacrifices affordability, it allows you to create a party that no-one will forget. The app even lets you change the speed and brightness, so you can create a more intimate atmosphere if that’s what you desire. As far as boat lights go, few are as expressive as this one.

Probably one of the biggest trade-offs of this unit is that it only produces single or dual-color mode. You can either pick blue, green, blue and green or white & blue.

On the upside, because it’s an LED light, you can expect minimal power consumption from this unit. The product is designed to produce 2,853 lumens making the lights bright enough for you to view water with clarity. Sure, the intensity of illumination isn’t as high as other models, but the lighting should be sufficient for your night boating needs.

Specifications:

  • Voltage: 9-15v DC
  • Rated Watts: 60
  • Lumens: 3800
  • Housing: Marine grade stainless steel with a shatterproof polycarbonate lens
  • Spectrum: RGB Full Spectrum

PROS

  • Corresponds with music
  • Made from durable materials
  • App allows you to control speed and brightness of light

CONS

  • Expensive

8. Green Blob Outdoors Pimp My Pontoon Blue LED Boat


Green Blob Outdoors Pimp My Pontoon Blue LED Boat Deck Lighting Kit with Bonus Red & Green Navigation Lights DIY Pontoon Under Deck Lighting kit for Pontoon Boats

Best Pontoon Boat Deck Lighting Kit

If you’re not just looking for single lamps, Green Blob has provided an alternative. These LED lights come in strips that are easy to install on your boat. Watch as the entire length of your pontoon lights up in exciting colors. The added bonus is that they’re really affordable.

It’s the perfect kit to truly bring life to your boat and illuminate your evening outings as you can pick your favorite color.

The manufacturer included the necessary installation hardware such as mounting screws, a 10 meter LED installation channel and connectors for your convenience. Make use of the installation instructions included with the unit and you’ll find the mounting of these lights a breeze.

As a bonus, you’ll find 30cm red and green navigation strips included with this product so that you navigate the waters at night with ease.

These lights are made of materials that are 100% waterproof when submerged in water. This is thanks to the IP68 waterproof rating. With each kit, you’ll get a total of 300 LED water strips which makes these the brightest lights on the market. 

Specifications:

  • Voltage: 12v DC
  • Housing: 5m LED strips
  • Spectrum: Single Color

PROS

  • Inexpensive
  • Strips of LED lights create vivid display
  • Effective above and below water

CONS

  • Mainly suited for pontoons

9. Jiawill 316L


jiawill 316L Stainless Steel Underwater 1/2" NPT 9 to 30V 27w Boat Drain Plug Light with Internal Driver and Overheat Protection 3 Years Warranty (Blue)

Best Boat Drain Plug Light

This Jiawill underwater LED light is much more affordable than the previous model. It’s designed to produce 27 watts of power, which doesn’t make it very bright, but nonetheless, it’ll be sufficient for most circumstances. This is because it comes with a maximum of nine LED lights which produce three watts each.

Because the light doesn’t have an external driver, it won’t get damaged any time soon. This unit is housed in marine grade stainless steel that’s incredibly tough. Made from shatterproof polycarbonate, the lens on this unit is designed to last. No amount of impact from vibration or shock will damage the unit. Plus, with an IP68 rating, these lights are water-resistant so prolonged exposure to water won’t damage them.

Another feature you’ll appreciate is that this boat light has overheating protection. Being subjected to extreme temperatures while in use won’t damage the unit. You do have the option to test the lights out of the water without damaging them.

Overall, this is the unit to pick if you want a small but inexpensive boat light that’s designed to last. Upon ordering this unit, you’ll have it in no time thanks to prompt delivery.

Specifications:

  • Voltage: DC 9-30V
  • Rated wattage: 27
  • Housing: Marine stainless steel
  • Spectrum: Red, green, blue, white

PROS

  • Affordable price tag
  • Less likely to burn out
  • Sturdy construction
  • Low power consumption

CONS

  • Not very bright

10. Tidal Wake IP68 Underwater Light


Tidal Wake Green IP68 Underwater 1/2in Standard Boat Drain Plug LED Light/Green Fish Attractor Light / 3 Yr/50,000hr Warranty, 316 Stainless Steel, 12-30v/27w,1800 Lumen w/Storage Bag

Runner Up for Best Boat Drain Plug Light

We present to you yet another affordable underwater boat light: the Tidal Wake. The light produces 1,800 lumens which makes it relatively bright. Though not quite as powerful as other models, it’s still bright enough to provide you with sufficient lighting for your night-time boating needs. This model produces four-color outputs; blue, red, green and clear or white.

One thing you’ll like about this boat light is how easy it is to install. There’s absolutely no need to drill any holes into your boat. Simply replace the threaded drain plug with this light and connect it to the power source. When trailering, you can easily remove the light thanks to the Waterproof Quick Connection plug.

The light is housed in stainless steel which makes it sturdy. It can handle both fresh and seawater without being damaged. With an IP68 waterproof rating, this boat light is also water-resistant to prolong its lifespan. It helps that this model has overheating protection to protect the unit when exposed to extreme temperatures. The convenient storage bag provided allows for safe and convenient storage.

Specifications:

  • Rated wattage: 27
  • Lumens: 1,800
  • Housing: Stainless steel
  • Spectrum: Blue, red, green, white

PROS

  • Water-resistant
  • Overheat protection
  • Storage bag included
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to install

CONS

  • Lower illumination intensity

A Few Things to Consider Before Buying Underwater LED Boat Lights

Now that you know why you should get led underwater boat lights, there are a few things you should consider.

LED vs. Fluorescent

It’s becoming widely accepted that LED lights are better than florescent lights. Here’s why:

  • Last longer
  • Don’t contain toxic mercury that is harmful for the environment
  • Require less energy
  • Tolerate vibration better
  • Work with DC voltages
  • Work at lower temperatures

Therefore, it’s clear just why led underwater boat lights are the better option.

Mounting Options

Every mounting type is designed to suit different lighting needs. Some led underwater boat lights are suitable for small hobby boats and others can be mounted onto larger yachts. It just depends on what you’re looking for.

Here are some of the mounting options available:

  • Surface Mounting: Suitable for smaller boats and easy to install. Also available in funky colors, that add some excitement to your boat.
  • Trim Tab Mounting: Also better suited for smaller boats. The only difference is they get installed in the stern of the boat, rather than the hull.
  • Drain Plug Mounting: Doesn’t require a hole to install, making installation easier. Simply gets inserted into the boat’s drain plug. Better for occasional use.
  • Thru-Hull Mounting: One of the brightest mounts available. Suitable for larger boats. Only suitable for transom mounting and can’t be serviced while the boat is in the water.
  • Interchangeable Thru-Hall: Also suitable for large boats, but can be serviced while the boat is on the water. Also suitable for transom, side & bottom mounting.
Lumitec SeaBlazeX 101140, LED Underwater Boat Light, Surface Mount, White, White Cross Fade, White Strobe

Brightness

When considering a boat light, it’s also important to consider brightness. Brightness is measured in lumens. The higher the lumens, themore you’ll be able to see. It’s important to think about how far you want your light to shine.

Beam Width

Brightness isn’t the only factor to consider in terms of visibility. Beam widths are either Narrow Spot (less than 90°) or Wide Flood (Greater than 90°), which affects how the light appears around the hull. This is necessary when considering how much illumination you’re hoping to create.

Single or Multi-Color

No longer are boat lights just meant for standard usage. Today led underwater boat lights are available in a variety of colors that all affect the water in different ways. Buying boat lights that change color can completely revitalize the boat experience. Different colors can even improve water clarity or help with catching fish. It’s your choice how you want to enhance your experience. 

Underwater Boat Lights for Fishing

It’s considered that white and green lighting are the best colors for attracting bait fish and insects. This means that boat lighting not only helps you see when night fishing but actually helps you catch more fish. As a result, fishing at night can become even more of an adventure rather than blurring into a chore. Plus, your boat can look stylish at the same time.

Best Brands

When buying a boat light you must consider the brand behind it. The brand you pick will often be the deciding factor that determines whether you purchase a quality product or not.

There are countless brands on the market. Because the next brand always claims to better than the last, this can often leave you feeling confused with regards to which one to pick. We’ve decided to make things easier for you by listing the best underwater boat light brands on the market. 

Lumitec

Lumitec is a well-known industry leader in the manufacturing of marine LED lighting products. Founded in 2007, the company prides itself on its conceptualization and development of high performance LED lighting.

While the brand is committed to manufacturing innovative and high-value products, you’ll appreciate that they’re extremely cost-effective. Lumitec offers a wide range of products including flood, navigation, and downlights to name a few.

Jiawill

Product diversification is this brand’s forte. Jiawill offers an extensive range of certified LED lighting systems. By picking this brand you’re guaranteed high-quality products that offer optimum performance.

Their products are manufactured using the latest technologies. As a result, their lights aren’t only extremely bright but will provide you with hours of battery life.

Tidal Wake

Tidal Wake is a line of boat accessories that fall under the offering of a company named McNaughton Inc. Underwater boat lights are part of the package.

Released in 2017, it’s a fairly new line of boat accessories. Despite being a relatively new brand, they produce innovative products that are meant to make your boating experience even more pleasurable. Their products aren’t the cheapest on the market. But for the durability and construction they offer, the lights are worth the extra cost.

Green Blob

You can consider picking underwater boat lights from the brand Green Blob. As the name suggests, the brand offers green fishing lights designed to stylishly illuminate your night-time fishing adventures.

This should be your go-to brand if you’re looking for quality lights that are affordable. Plus, you’ll find their boat lights super easy to install and use.

TH-Marine

Last but not least, TH-Marine. This brand is known for producing affordable marine supplies, from underwater boat lights to trolling motors. Considering they’ve been in the boating business since 1975, it’s safe to say that TH-Marine knows a thing or two about manufacturing LED lights.

Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance of your led underwater boat lights is crucial to extend their overall lifespan. Make sure that you:

  • Clean your underwater boat light after every use using fresh water and a mild detergent
  • Dry with a soft towel
  • If your led underwater boat lights have a stainless steel or bronze exterior, apply anti-corrosion coating
  • Use a soft-bristle brush and mild detergent to gently scrub the underwater boat light

Final Thoughts:

Taking your boat out in the dark will never be a problem again. Not only do led underwater boat lights offer high levels of functionality, but they give your boat that extra appeal.  

These reviews show the diversity of available led underwater boat lights, showing that there is a boat light for every purpose.  If that’s the case, what’s stopping you from bringing light to your boat-life?

About the author  Robert Finn

Robert has over 20 years of experience boating and selling boat equipment. His passion for the latest and greatest gear helps our clients find what they need. His favorite boating place is the Florida Keys.

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