Boat Navigation Lights

Boat Navigation Lights & Marine Running Lights

Stay visible on the water with boat navigation lights from West Marine. Whether you're replacing a broken bow light, upgrading to LED navigation lights, or outfitting a new boat, the right marine lighting helps other boaters recognize your vessel's position and direction after dark.

Shop red and green sidelights, bow lights, stern lights, masthead lights, all-round white lights, anchor lights, and portable navigation light kits for powerboats, sailboats, fishing boats, pontoons, dinghies, and other recreational vessels. Choose marine navigation lights based on your boat's size, propulsion type, electrical system, and applicable navigation rules.

Types of Boat Navigation Lights

Red and Green Port & Starboard Lights

Port and starboard navigation lights, also called sidelights, help other boaters determine your vessel's direction. A red light marks the port (left) side, while a green light marks the starboard (right) side.

These lights are available as separate fixtures or combined bi-color bow lights. When choosing replacements, confirm the required visibility range, mounting position, and horizontal visibility angles for your vessel.

Bow Lights & Bi-Color Navigation Lights

Bi-color boat navigation lights combine red and green sidelights into a single fixture. They're commonly installed near the bow on compatible recreational boats, including center consoles, runabouts, and fishing boats.

Choose from deck-mount, surface-mount, and other configurations that fit your boat. Ensure the installed fixture provides the required unobstructed visibility and is rated for your vessel's size.

Stern Lights

Boat stern lights display a white light toward the rear of the vessel. They are an important component of many navigation light configurations for powerboats and sailboats.

West Marine offers fixed-mount and removable stern light options. When replacing a stern light, check the mounting style, electrical compatibility, visibility range, and required light coverage.

All-Round White Lights & Anchor Lights

All-round white navigation lights provide 360-degree horizontal visibility. Depending on the vessel and operating situation, they may serve as part of an underway lighting arrangement or as an anchor light.

Available options include fixed-mount, plug-in, telescoping, and fold-down pole lights. Confirm the appropriate height, mounting position, visibility rating, and intended use before purchasing.

Masthead & Steaming Lights

Masthead lights, sometimes called steaming lights on sailboats, display a forward-facing white light as part of the required navigation light arrangement for many power-driven vessels.

When selecting a masthead light, check the required horizontal arc, mounting location, visibility range, and compatibility with your boat's electrical system.

LED Navigation Lights

LED boat navigation lights provide efficient illumination with lower power consumption than many traditional incandescent fixtures. Marine LED lights are available in red, green, white, and bi-color configurations for a variety of mounting applications.

LED navigation lights can be a practical upgrade for boaters looking to reduce electrical draw and maintenance. Choose a complete fixture or an approved replacement lamp that meets the applicable navigation light requirements.

Portable Navigation Lights

Portable boat navigation lights are convenient for compatible small boats, dinghies, kayaks, and other vessels where permanent installation may not be practical. Depending on the product, mounting options may include clamps, suction cups, and removable brackets.

Portable lights must still provide the lighting configuration and visibility required for the vessel and operating conditions. Always verify the product's intended application before use.

How to Choose the Right Navigation Lights for Your Boat

Match Navigation Lights to Your Boat Size

Navigation light requirements vary by vessel length and operating status. Smaller recreational boats may use different light arrangements than larger powerboats or sailboats.

Before purchasing, check your boat's length, propulsion type, and applicable Inland or International Navigation Rules. For a detailed breakdown, read our West Advisor Navigation Light Rules guide.

Check Visibility Range & Light Coverage

Marine navigation lights must meet applicable requirements for color, visibility distance, and horizontal light coverage. Depending on the vessel and light type, required visibility may range from one nautical mile to several nautical miles.

Check each fixture's specifications to confirm that it is suitable for your boat's size and required lighting arrangement.

Choose the Right Mounting Style

Navigation lights are available in deck-mount, surface-mount, flush-mount, pole-mount, and removable configurations. When replacing an existing light, consider mounting dimensions, wiring, fixture height, and whether the light will be obstructed by railings, windshields, or other equipment.

LED vs. Incandescent Navigation Lights

LED navigation lights generally consume less power and offer longer service life than traditional incandescent bulbs. Incandescent fixtures remain available for certain replacement applications.

When converting to LED, use a fixture or replacement lamp specifically approved for the intended navigation light application. An ordinary LED bulb may not provide the correct brightness, color, or visibility pattern in an existing fixture.

Check Voltage & Electrical Compatibility

Many recreational boat navigation lights operate on 12-volt DC electrical systems, while other vessels may require different voltages. Confirm the fixture's electrical specifications and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Navigation Lights for Powerboats, Sailboats & Small Boats

Navigation Lights for Powerboats

Power-driven recreational boats generally require red and green sidelights along with appropriate white navigation lights when operating at night or in restricted visibility.

For example, a powerboat under 12 meters may use sidelights and an all-round white light instead of separate masthead and stern lights, provided the arrangement meets applicable requirements.

Navigation Lights for Sailboats

Sailboats operating under sail may require sidelights and a stern light or another permitted configuration, depending on vessel length. A sailboat operating under engine power must follow the applicable rules for a power-driven vessel.

Choose fixtures designed for your sailboat's mounting locations and lighting requirements.

Navigation Lights for Fishing Boats & Pontoons

Fishing boats and pontoon boats need navigation lights appropriate for their length and propulsion type. Common products include bi-color bow lights, all-round white pole lights, and removable stern light assemblies.

When replacing a light, check for obstructions caused by T-tops, bimini tops, fishing equipment, or other accessories that could block the required light coverage.

Navigation Lights for Dinghies & Kayaks

Small boats and manually propelled vessels have lighting requirements that vary by vessel type, size, and operating conditions. Portable marine lighting kits may be suitable for certain applications, but not every portable light meets every requirement.

Review the applicable navigation rules before selecting lighting for a dinghy, kayak, canoe, or other small vessel.

Navigation Light Installation & Maintenance

Proper installation helps ensure navigation lights are visible from the required directions. Follow the manufacturer's mounting and wiring instructions, use appropriate marine-grade electrical connections, and position fixtures so their light output is not blocked.

Inspect navigation lights regularly for cracked lenses, corrosion, loose wiring, damaged mounting hardware, and failed bulbs or LED modules. Test your lights before operating after dark, and replace damaged components with compatible marine-rated products.

For additional inspection guidance, read How to Check Boat Running Lights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Navigation Lights

West Advisor: Boat Navigation Light Guides

Need help understanding boat navigation light requirements or selecting replacement fixtures? Explore these West Marine resources.

• Navigation Light Rules - Learn about required lights for different vessel types and sizes.
• Boating Rules of the Road - Review navigation responsibilities, visibility, and safe boating practices.
• How to Check Boat Running Lights - Review navigation light inspection and replacement considerations.

Shop Navigation Lights at West Marine

Shop boat navigation lights and marine running lights at West Marine for powerboats, sailboats, fishing boats, pontoons, and small recreational vessels. Compare LED navigation lights, red and green sidelights, bow lights, stern lights, masthead lights, all-round white lights, and portable lighting kits to find fixtures that match your boat's requirements.