LED lights can be quite useful for boats, for obvious reasons. They're solid state and very durable, they're easily installed, and very energy efficient. As we know, LEDs typically use about ten percent as much energy as a comparable incandescent bulb.
Running Lights
One of the best uses of LEDs on a boat is for navigation lights. For instance, you can replace your bow running lights, port and starboard, with LEDs and use a total of two watts for the same two nautical mile range that's standard on boats under 65 feet. They'll also be very low maintenance, lasting up to 100,000 hours, and extend battery life. LEDs are also very impact and vibration resistant, which will improve reliability, obviously very important for running lights.
Chart Lights
Chart lights also adapt well to the use of LEDs. You can purchase chart lights that use a combination of white and red LEDs, so that vision can be maintained with red light during night time boating. Some even come with photo detectors that automatically use the red LED after dark. Look for a chart light with a flexible neck and touch sensitive switching for the ultimate in long-lasting efficiency.
Strip Lighting
LED strip lighting is great for use on boats. These strips can be easily installed in engine rooms, bilges, and other small spaces where convenient lighting is needed. The can be run inline or on their own to provide white or colored light in areas the other would be hard to light. Again, low current draw and durability are the two main pros.
Cabin, Deck and Thru Hull Lights
The uses for LEDs on boats is near limitless, but they are obviously quite good for cabin lights, where their soft, diffuse light is very appealing. As LEDs become brighter and more efficient, they're even more applicable to deck lighting, spreader lights, area lights, etc. Many boaters also install them below the water line with through hulls, particularly in the transom.
LEDs are the light source of the future, there's little doubt about that. Boating is one of many great uses for them, and their many configurations and fixtures make them hard to beat for all kinds of boating applications.
