Finding the right underwater lights for your boat can be quite challenging with so many different options on the market. To help you out, we have listed here some of our favorite underwater lighting solutions based on their features and performance as well as user experiences. We will also provide helpful information to guide you through selecting the best one according to its specifications, how it is installed properly and maintained correctly over time too!

Black Oak's Top Underwater Boat Lights

Black Oak's LED lights are perfect for your boat. They've got all the power, durability, flexibility, and ease of installation you need. We offer a complete kit that includes underwater lights, small LED lights for illuminating the water close to your boat, and totally waterproof lights in three sizes to suit even the largest vessels.

1. Small Fathom LED Underwater Light (FL6) by Black Oak LED

2. Large Fathom LED Underwater Light (FL24) by Black Oak LED

3. Boat LED Lighting Kits

4. Marine Spreader Light

5. Marine Accent Light

Fathom LED Underwater Light (FL6) by Black Oak LED

The FL6 Underwater Light by Black Oak LED is a compact yet powerful source of illumination that provides an incredible 3,200 lumens brightness. This state-of-the-art underwater light utilizes advanced LED technology to give its user maximum output while still remaining highly efficient and reliable.

• Compact size

• Easy installation

• Ideal for small boats and tight spaces

• Built with AB2 bronze approved and milled for marine use

• Designed to withstand harsh marine environments

The FL6 surface mount underwater light offers the following features:

• Surface-mount design for easy installation

• Requires just a small hole for wiring and appropriate sealing

• Comes with a 1-month return policy and a full three-year exchange warranty

• Provides security for your investment

• Offers excellent performance and durability

• A top choice for boaters seeking a compact underwater lighting solution.

Specifications:

• 3,200 lumens of brightness

• Billet AB2 marine-grade bronze construction

• Surface mount installation

You can also go down a size and choose the Fathom FL3, which is a three bulb model that is not quite as bright.

Pros:

• Compact and powerful

• Easy installation

• Durable design

Cons:

• Higher price point

Fathom LED Underwater Light (FL24) by Black Oak LED

The FL24 LED Underwater Light from Black Oak LED is perfect for those who need a bright and powerful light source under the surface. This particular underwater illumination offers an impressive 11,000 lumens brightness and can be selected in several colors to best suit your lighting needs when you go swimming or fishing at night. For superior output among most other lights of its kind, consider investing in this quality choice for maximum clarity down below!

Designed with the latest LED technology, the FL24 offers:

• Energy-efficient performance

• Low power consumption

• Impact-resistant and anti-fouling polymer construction for durability and reliability in harsh marine environments

Those searching for a powerful underwater light should certainly consider the FL24, with its high intensity and adaptability making it a sound investment. Despite being at an above average price point for most manufacturers, this is one of the best lights on offer in terms of quality and performance.

Specifications:

• 11,000 lumens output

• 65-degree main Collimator optic

• Impact-resistant and anti-fouling polymer construction

You can also go down a size and fit the Fathom FL12, which is a twelve bulb model. It's very bright and is a good choice for medium-sized boats.

Pros:

• High-intensity illumination

• Available in various colors

• Suitable for various underwater activities

Cons:

• Higher price range

Boat LED Lighting Kits

This kit from Black Oak includes all the underwater LED boat lights and equipment you need to take care of your boat. Here's what you're going to get:

• Curved LED light bar

• Marine accent lights

• RGB controller

• Fathom LED underwater lights

We offer multiple lighting kits based on the size of boat you have and your intended use. Here are our most popular options:

• RGB Accent Lighting Kit - This kit is ideal for smaller trailer boats or a jon boat. The kit comes with 2-12 (your choice) accent lights in RGB for multiple color options. Their compact design makes them ideal for mounting above deck or under the gunnels. Mounting hardware and a controller are included. You can also add all the RGB wire you'll need to your order to make installation easy.

• Boat Lighting Kits with light bars, pod lights, and accent lights. Every kit comes with a controller, wire sold by the foot, and the hardware you'll need for mounting your lights. Here are the different kit sizes:

  • 16-20' Boat Lighting Kit

  • 21-26' Boat Lighting Kit

  • 27-32' Boat Lighting Kit

  • 33-36' Boat Lighting Kit

  • 37' and larger Boat Lighting Kit

Installation is simple and there are multiple mounting options. For most people, the process involves a few steps:

1. Choose where you want to install the different lights. Our kits come with hull lights, accent lights, and a light bar. You can install them in the hull, through the transom, above the cockpit, and whever else you want to add accent lights.

2. Screw mount the lighting kit in place, making sure you can connect all the wiring back to the power source.

3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for wiring and sealing to ensure optimal results.

Specifications:

• Curved LED light bar

• Marine accent lights

• RGB controller

• Fathom LED underwater lights

Pros:

• Exceptional brightness

• Extended lifespan

• Appealing aesthetics

Cons:

• Higher initial cost for the entire kit

Black Oak Marine Accent Lights

Light up your console, compartments, under-gunnels, and much more with our IP69K rated marine accent lights! Offered in blue, green, red, white, or multi color in the RGB option, these small, yet powerful LED's are sure to provide you with the lighting you need while on the water. 

The RGB option must be used with an RGB controller. If you need to run the wires any further than 4', we recommend adding on some of our RGB Wire as well.

Specifications

Black Oak Marine Spreader Lights

With the massive popularity of our 2 Inch Black Flush Mount Spreader Light, we decided to release our New - 4 Inch Scene Spreader Light in Black as well! With the amazing 120 degree throw and 3,120 raw lumens, this light is perfect for lighting up your deck, cockpit, bow, and more. Offered in both black and white, you can now match your other accessories on your boat.

Specifications

Choosing the Perfect Underwater Lights for Your Boat

When deciding on the best underwater boat lights for your needs, there are a few factors to consider.

• LED lights can offer greater energy efficiency and eco-friendliness compared to incandescent options because they consume less power and produce brighter illumination while running cooler than traditional lighting solutions.

• Initial costs may be higher but worth it in terms of better performance and longevity over time.

• Safety must always come into play as these types of light will help with visibility at night when boating or fishing – particular colors attract fish so bear this in mind before making a purchase!

Lastly, take the type of activity you’ll be engaging in beneath the waves under advice. If you plan on going night fishing, choose accordingly based on what lures them, blue and green being one attractive choice!

Understanding Light Specifications

When selecting underwater boat lights, an essential factor is lumens which point out the light’s brightness. A greater lumen value means more intense illumination so consider this before choosing your lighting solution. The beam angle can also be of great importance. Most underwater lights spread light really widely. This is great for covering a lot of water area, but may be lacking in penetration to the depths.

If you want to illuminate the depths for fish finding, diving, or any other reason, be sure to mix up the wide angle underwater lights with some kind of spot light mounted on your boat. 

Check out the GoPod Marine Clamp On Spotlight for a great, flexible spotlight option.

Installation Considerations for Underwater Boat Lights

Installing your lights can be a bit nerve wracking! A thru-hull install might be the perfect choice, but no one wants to poke holes in their hull or mess up the gel coat on their yacht. Here's a few quick tips to help you with your installation:

• Plan, measure, and mark very carefully. Check and re-check your light locations. Using something like Command Strips (double-sided tape that comes off without a mark) can help you fix the lights and then inspect them.

• If you can attach your lights into the bilge or a pumped compartment, that's a little safer. It may not be possible for every installation, though.

• Make sure every connection is secure and watertight. This is true for the fixtures and for the wiring. Use marine-grade sealant to waterpoof the fixtures and shrink tubing to seal the wiring.

Our team of experts can help you with your installation. If you've got any questions at all, just call us. We answer the phone every day and we'll be happy to help.

Maintaining Your Underwater Boat Lights

Regular upkeep of your underwater boat lights is a must for preserving function and durability. You should always remember to clean the lens with either a soft cloth or brush in order to ward off any buildup, such as algae and barnacles that could possibly affect its luminosity. Make sure there are no signs of corrosion since it can detrimentally affect performance and longevity. It’s advised you use stainless steel screws since metal against metal causes electrolysis issues leading up to rustiness.

Summary

To ensure that you get the best underwater boat lights for your vessel, it is essential to consider key factors such as LED or incandescent bulbs and safety features. Fish attraction should also be taken into account when selecting a lighting solution suitable for nighttime boating adventures. Installing these appropriate illumination sources will not only enhance safety, but also add an aura of elegance to your boat while being highly visible on the water’s surface. We hope this blog post has provided valuable information about choosing great underwater boat lights!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many lumens do you need for underwater boat lights?

The number of lumens you need depends on the amount and purpose of your light output. Here are some guidelines:

• 700-1000 lumens is good for close work or lighting up the area right around your boat

• 1000-3000 lumens is a good level for flood lights in dark waters for surface swimming, fishing, etc.

• 3000-7000 lumens will provide light for ocean yachts and deeper waters as well as dock lights

• 7000+ lumens will work for any general boating purpose

At higher lumens, the angle and color of the lights is more important than a few thousand more lumens.

What is the best color for underwater boat lights?

Light color is decided by the purpose of the lights. There are a few choices:

• White lights are good for lighting up the water for swimming, diving, and working.

• Green light consistently attracts more fish than other colors, although blue is also a good single color for fishing

• Red lights attract the least amount of fish but draw human eyes, so they are good for warning lights

Can LED lights be used underwater?

Yes, you can use LED lights underwater. That's what our Fathom LED series is made for. Many underwater LED light designs have been made to cope with the pressure of being in submerged environments for a long time frame.

What is the main advantage of LED underwater boat lights over incandescent lights?

LEDs for underwater boat lights are the perfect pick as they have a longer lifespan, offer greater energy efficiency and shine brighter than incandescent counterparts. These may be even more important for offshore boats relying on solar power for extended periods.

Joshua Cordray