The Best LED Navigation Lights for Saltwater Boats
By Lance Greiner — General Manager, Boater's World · Former Platform GM, Travelcamp RV· September 1, 2025· 1 min read· Updated Sep 22, 2025
Lance Greiner is a career marine and automotive retail professional with more than 15 years of dealership management experience. He currently serves as General Manager at Boater's World in Florida, overseeing full mar…
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Navigation lights are required by law on any boat operated between sunset and sunrise. The USCG specifies arc, range, color, and steady-burning characteristics — and certifies lights that meet the standard. LED nav lights have replaced incandescent in virtually every new installation because they last 20–50× longer and draw a fraction of the power.
The Rankings
The all-round white light that defines the category. 2 NM range, IP68 waterproof, and a fold-down pole option that lets you stow it when running. Hella's polycarbonate fixtures survive UV better than any competitor.
| Range | 2 NM |
| Rating | IP68 |
| Mount | Pole or fixed |
Quick-release plug system means you can pop the light off for trailering and protect it from theft. Genuine USCG certification, 1 NM range, and the connector is gasketed to keep saltwater out.
| Range | 1 NM |
| Mount | Plug-in |
| Removable | Yes |
12-inch fold-down pole with a USCG-certified LED head. Lights the stern arc without blocking the captain's view backward.
| Range | 2 NM |
| Type | Pole stern |
Bow bi-color, stern all-round, and the wiring harness in one box. The right kit for trailer boats getting a full nav-light upgrade.
| Type | Full set |
| Lights | Bow + stern |
Required Lights by Boat Size
Under 12 meters (39 ft), recreational power vessels need: a red/green bow bi-color light (or separate red port and green starboard sidelights) and a white all-round light visible from all directions. Sailboats under sail use a different configuration with a tri-color or separate sidelights plus a stern light. Vessels over 12 meters need separate sidelights and stern light (not all-round). Check 33 CFR Part 25 or USCG Light List for exact requirements.
USCG Certification
Buy USCG-certified lights only. Non-certified LED bulbs in old incandescent fixtures may not meet the arc and brightness standards, which can fail Coast Guard safety inspections and create legal exposure if you're involved in a nighttime collision. The certification label is small but specific — verify before purchase.
Installation
Use marine-grade tinned copper wire (not standard copper — it corrodes through). Heat-shrink every connection with adhesive-lined shrink. Wire each light on its own circuit with a fuse appropriate to the wire gauge. Test annually and after any electrical work — a dark nav light at sea is both illegal and dangerous.
Top Picks & Comparison
| # | Product | Price | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | |
Attwood LightArmor Plug-In |
$129 | — | View on Amazon |
| #2 | |
Hella Marine NaviLED 360 |
$199 | — | View on Amazon |
| #3 | |
Perko Pole Stern Light |
$179 | — | View on Amazon |
| #4 | |
Attwood LED Navigation Light Set |
$159 | — | View on Amazon |