solar powered anchor light sailboat

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Extra Anchor Lighting

Masthead anchor lights often aren’t enough in crowded anchorages..

When summer comes, a dozen or more sparkling white lights will adorn every popular anchorage. Visible from miles away, they promise to provide good warning to approaching boats that something is anchored there. In practice, they have manifold shortcomings. They all look alike, distance is impossible to gauge, and they can be difficult to distinguish from stars and shore lights. Fast-moving dinghies and runabouts often overlook them, since they are far above the driver’s sight line.

The basic rules for anchor lights were written in 1846-1850. The United Kingdom led with the Steam Navigation Act of 1846, and the US followed soon after. Electric lamps had not been invented, confusion with background lights was a minor concern, and a single lantern was considered enough. But is it now?

COLREGS states in Rule 5 (long before we get to the description of lights in Rule 30) that we must maintain a watch. There is no exemption for smaller vessels or while at anchor. Since this is impractical for the cruising sailor, and because nighttime harbor collisions are unfortunately common, taking additional steps in the form of supplemental lighting seems prudent.

OBSERVATIONS

When entering a harbor or any area that might have anchored boats, watch out for a relatively bright star that is moving in relation to the others. That’s a mast light indicating a boat. And if you are approaching that boat, the motion will be even less obvious. Once you learn how difficult this can be on a moonless night, you will understand our call for supplemental lighting.

Our opinion is that anchoring in an active harbor requires lighting both high and low. A masthead anchor light can be lost in the cloud of anchor lights and stars. An anchor light placed lower can be lost against the background of street lights and porch lights. So while the lower light could be a second anchor light product—COLREGS 30 (a) says it can be—an area light may better serve the purpose by illuminating the deck and super structure. COLREGS 30 (b) says you may display additional work lights, and we think you should.

A powerful spreader-mounted deck light may be too much, disturbing your neighbors. In principle they are focused downward, but some light up the whole harbor.

Cabin lights generally impart a glow to the whole boat, making the outline clear, but you can’t sleep with them on. Allowing for tinting and curtains, they are generally visible for only ¼- to ½-mile, depending on intensity. Cockpit lights draw mosquitoes to the companionway; if you leave cabin lights or the cockpit light on and go to shore for dinner, you may return to a cabin full of the pests. Put the screens in before you leave. Sometimes we set a light on the pulpit to draw them away from the companionway. Don’t forget radio interference. LEDs require current regulation, which is most often accomplished by a combination of resistors and rapid switching of the power using transistors. If the voltage drop is sufficient, this will cause radio frequency interference. Most interference is contained within the boat’s own power system, where it interferes with your radio and instruments, but it can also radiate a short distance.

Lights that show an FCC or USCG approval have been tested for radio frequency interference (RFI). In our testing, the RFI of low-voltage solar lights, which lack the approval of either agency, are too low to be a problem. At a minimum, scan that full range of VHF frequencies after installing any new lighting.

No flashing or strobe lights, please. This is reserved for signaling distress and can annoy your neighbors.

SOLAR PATHWAY LIGHTS

Designed for lighting footpaths ashore, these cheap lights intrigued us. Most solar pathway lights claim 8-hour run time, but all the ones we have used go dim after 4-6 hours and wink out well before first light. The solar panels are really tiny. Although they require only a few watt-hours to recharge the battery, they need at least 4-6 hours of full sun for best results.

Units we tested in broken shade usually fully recharged, but those in deep shade often winked out hours earlier. Likewise, overcast and rainy days can slightly reduce run time.

Swapping the factory NiCads (0.600 Ah) for lithium rechargeables (2.3 Ah) seemed like a good idea. Fully charged, they kept the lights on for two nights, but then failed to recharge because they require a higher charging voltage than the factory NiCads, more than the solar panel puts out. Also note that not all lithium batteries are rechargeable, and not all lithium rechargeables are 1.5V (some are 3.2V).

Don’t overdo it. Decorative lighting and strips can obscure your functional navigations lights. Observe your boat from all directions with all the lights on. Are the basic navigation lights clearly visible and the course of the boat obvious? Any supplemental or decorative lights that could interfere with clear recognition of your functional navigation lights must be turned off when underway.

Boats on moorings. For moored boats, we’d install enough built-in solar panels to run a conventional masthead anchor light through the main battery system.

Although there are photocell systems that will turn lights off during the day, a low-draw LED anchor light draws little more than the sensing circuit, so you can just leave it on. We don’t fully trust the durability of any of the solar pathway lights, so we would install one additional anchor light down low, with a separate switch.

For anchoring while aboard, or for a short hiatus away from the boat, a few of the Hampton Bay Silver Pathway Lights should make your boat easy to find and will make it more visible.

Technically, anchor lights are not required for boats under 23 feet (7 meters) in length, but to leave your boat unlit at anchor or mooring is risking trouble. Light your boat, even if it’s just a dinghy.

SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHTS

There are literally hundreds of possibilities, so we’ll discuss only a few, highlighting what we do and do not like (see also PS May, 2011 “ Portable LED Rail Lights ” )

MANTUS SNAP ON LIGHT

Initially, we thought this was a bit pricey for a battery-powered light, but over time we realized it filled the roles of several products, a good thing on a smaller boat.

On the high setting, it is as bright as most cockpit lights and will run for 16 hours. Switched to either low or red, it spreads an even light that does not compromise night vision, perfect for reading charts or tidying up underway. Clamped to a high railing, it meets the candela basis of a USCG anchor light; we’ve confirmed this on the water. It makes our F-24 easier to find when return from a mid-night kayak trip.

It makes a good non-glaring bilge worklight; we’ve dropped it in the water enough times to confirm that it’s waterproof. Clamped to the pulpit it makes a bow worklight, though we would use a head lamp for most night deckwork. It even has an SOS flasher setting. Although it does not meet the standard for an eVDSD (Electronic Visual Distress Signal), it will supplement other signaling means (see PS June 2021, “ Distress Flares Go Electric ”).

Finally, it is rechargeable by USB, and now that most of us have a port somewhere on the boat, it will always be charged without lugging around another charger.

Bottom line: Recommended as a small boat supplemental and a non- USCG emergency anchor light.

HAMPTON BAY PATHWAY LIGHTS

Most pathway lights direct the light downwards, toward your feet, with little escaping to the sides. They light up the cockpit a bit, but you can’t see them from a distance. Hampton Bay Silver Pathways lights, on the other hand, direct the light horizontally, perfect for viewing from a distance.

Though not as well focused as an anchor light, the mere 15 lumens output was clearly visible at 1-mile and very nearly meets the 2-mile anchor light visibility standard. The low profile allows them to be slapped on any flat surface with self-adhesive Velcro. We love the price, but unfortunately they only run 4-6 hours, meaning they will protect you from late arrivals and wee hour drunks, but will not stay lit until first light.

Bottom line: This is our Budget Buy for supplemental lighting. Do not expect the light to be on at 2 or 3 a.m. in the morning.

EMERGENCY ANCHOR LIGHTS

Our search for temporary lights took us into the realm of temporary lights designed specifically for anchoring, and claiming to meet one or more marine specification.

DAVIS INSTRUMENTS MEGA LIGHT

Many small boat sailors use this as their primary anchor light, hanging it in the rigging. It is has a 15-foot cord.

The Mega-Light is still available with the original incandescent bulb (0.3 amps), and with that lamp installed, performs the same as it did in prior testing. We measured the bright beam width at +/- 8 degrees, and long distance visibility seemed enough to meet the standard.

However, on the newer LED lights, with a factory-installed LED bulb, the center of the bright beam is about 30 degrees above the horizon if mounted with the base down (and 30 degrees below the horizon if suspended from the base). In the areas outside this narrow bright band of light (within +/- 5 degrees of the horizon), the light is less than 10 percent of the required brightness. Although quite bright, the LED emits upwards instead of radially like the incandescent lamp does.

The LED also sits about 1/4-inch lower in the housing. When tilted 30 degrees, the lamp aligns with the fresnel lens and becomes much brighter. In practice this means that if it is suspended as suggested by the maker, the light is really only visible within 50-100 feet of the boat, with most of the beam being directed skyward.

Our experience offers an important lesson for DIY sailors looking to save some amps by swapping to a different bulb than the one specified. Navigation lights are only approved with the specific lamp that was used for approval testing—no changes allowed.

Another thing that bothers us is the cigarette lighter plug, but it’s not Davis Instrument’s fault that we have such an impractical industry standard. We’re hoping the boating industry moves to a better standard, perhaps the DIN 4165 Powerlet- style (see PS August 2021, “Watertight Connectors”).

Bottom line: The non-LED version is Recommended, but the LED version has a limited beam angle that restricts visibility. There are better low-draw options for deck level lighting.

TECNIQ TOWER LIGHT

Although intended for permanent installation, this USCG-compliant light is tiny, dirt cheap, and could easily be adapted to a rail clamp or other temporary mounting. The diameter is a perfect match for 2-inch PVC pipe, something we learned when installing one on the mast of our F-24. Because it is so low profile, we needed a short vertical extension to clear the wind instrument housing, a short stub of pipe boosted it just enough and gave us a place to hide the splices. Very low power draw and low price make it an outstanding choice for secondary low level anchor light for a boat kept at a mooring.

Bottom Line: Recommended for permanent installation or to make a custom plug-in.

ESAFETY S6LS SOLAR MARINE LANTERN

An improved version of the solar pathway lights, the S6LS has enough battery capacity to last 60 hours, getting you through a stretch of cloudy days. A local marina installed these on the outlying pilings several years ago, and we can see them at 2-miles, just about the same time the USCG fixed lights marking the harbor entrance come into the clear view.

Esafety also makes a slightly version (S8LS, 2-mile vis, 72-hour life, $85), suitable for a boat on a mooring. Too bad neither is USCG approved as an anchor light.

Bottom Line: Recommended for supplemental lighting and as an anchor light for moored boats that lack adequate battery power.

LANAKO SOLAR POSITIONING LIGHT

The solar power has clear advantages for boats that live on a mooring. In addition to the all-around white light, it also can serve as a tricolor light, and an SOS strobe. A wireless remote control determines which mode it will show. The strobe does meet the USCG carriage requirement for a visual distress signal. It has a convenient rail clamp.

Bottom Line: Recommended for moored boats that lack battery power.

HOW BRIGHT?

Supplemental lights don’t need to meet a specific standard, but if you are shopping around it helps to understand the output claims—usually expressed in lumens and candela.

A lumen is a measure of total light output in all directions, without focusing. Candela is the intensity of the light within the focused beam, which can be anything from a hemisphere in the case of an area light, down to a narrowly focused beam. If a light emits evenly in all directions it takes about 12.6 lumens of light emission to create 1 candela of intensity. An anchor light, on the other hand, with a beam focused into 6 degrees vertically and 360 degrees horizontally, can produce as much as 2 candela per lumen if the optics are just right, although the actual output is typically closer to 1 candela per lumen.

The 2-mile visibility requirement requires 4.3 candela. An unfocused area light will require 25-50 lumens to meet this standard. Garden lights are typically focused downwards, so the typical 10-lumen light will be visible for less than a mile. With less than perfectly adjusted night vision, PS testing suggests a few hundred yards is more realistic.

We performed additional visibility evaluation of the Mantus Snap-On Light and Hampton Bay Silver Pathway lights, photographing at distances up to 1-mile, calculating intensity, and measuring run time.

In the June 2021 article on electronic visual distress signalling devices, we reviewed the USCG standard. Four handheld products met the standard. None of the devices in this review meet this requirement. A flashing masthead light is not bright enough and does not have independent power supply that the eVSD

If you are considering an unfocused area light to serve as supplementary or backup anchor light, it should have an output of >50 lumens to approximate the visibility required for anchor lights. Be aware that any blocking or partial interference from cabin top structures will decrease visibility significantly.

SOS beacons, intended to be seen from many miles, require a very bright area light, approaching that of a flare. They are expected to be visible at 5 miles and clearly noticeable at a few miles. A blinking anchor light is not bright enough to meet the visual distress signaling standard and does not have its own power supply, which is required of a true eVSD.

WINCH MOUNT

The high point on our test boat’s superstructure is a cabin-top winch. We built a simple mount to keep a Hampton Bay Silver light level and secure from sliding off. We have a similar homemade winch mount we use for our camera.

The standard octagonal winch handle hole fits a 0.70-inch (17.8 mm) square about 1-inch long, and you can extend it as needed to clear low obstructions; we chose 2.5 inches as a compromise between visibility and stability. Teak is a good material; rot-proof, hard, and easy to work accurately.

The Hampton Bay Silver Pathway light was mounted to a 5-inch circle of ¾-inch wood with a counter sunk hole for the screw that secures it to the square winch adapter. (The camera mount uses the same size wood square, but is topped with the swivel portion of a cheap table-top tripod.) You can repurpose the socket of an old winch handle.

Alternatively, you can just place the light on the highest part of the cabin, secured by Velcro. We still recommend mounting the light to a disk of wood with screws, because this adds compression to the bottom plate and improves the weather sealing.

CONCLUSIONS

When we went ashore from our cruising cat, we’d leave the cockpit light on, and perhaps a few cabin lights. The cockpit light was not blocked by more than a few degrees in any direction and was quite visible, and the glow of cabin lights through the windows made the length and width of the boat obvious. If the anchorage was isolated, we’d turn off all but the anchor light at night, but if we expected late night traffic, we’d leave the cockpit light on for a bit of security. With our F-24, lacking an installed cockpit light or anything overhead to fasten it to, we clip a Mantus Snap-On Light to the stern rail. Both are about as bright as the anchor light, with the advantage of lighting up some portion of the deck as well.

What about emergency anchor lights? A plug-in light will do if the electrical system is still working, and generally it is. Turning on cockpit and cabin lights will work for a single night’s emergency. In the event of general electrical failure, a separate battery powered light also makes good sense. Locate it so that it is visible from all directions.

We’re not saying that supplemental lights are a substitute for a conventional USCG recognized anchor light. Not at all. You need that for compliance, because it is visible above shore lights, and because it is visible at a reliable distance. We’re saying that adding some light down low will make your boat easier to find and reduce the risk of things going bump in the night. Your fellow sailors will also appreciate the improved safety when navigating a crowded harbor at night.

VALUE GUIDE: SUPPLEMENTARY ANCHOR LIGHTS

Know the rules to prevent collisions and to avoid liability lawsuits.

All sailors should be familiar with the International COLREGS rule 30, which details the uniform requirements for ship lights. Below are excerpts of the important specifications with some italicized comments from our testers.

(a) A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:

(i) in the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball; and

(ii) at or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in subparagraph (i), an all-round white light.

(b) A vessel of less than 50 m in length may exhibit an allround white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule.

(c) A vessel at anchor may, and a vessel of 100 meters and more in length shall, also use the available working or equivalent lights to illuminate her decks.

Note that the anchor light does not have to be at the masthead, but rather where it can best be seen. The masthead is generally a good place, free of obstructions. The “where it can best be seen” requirement rules out very low locations, but there is no stipulation that it be placed high in the rigging or at the masthead, where it might be hard to see in a crowded anchorages. Note also that the placement and specifications for deck illumination lights is left open for the captain to decide.

Annex I provides additional detail that sailors are often less aware of:

9. Horizontal sector.

(b) (i) All-round lights shall be so located as not to be obscured by masts, topmasts or structures within angular sectors of more than 6°, except anchor lights prescribed in Rule 30, which need not be placed at an impractical height above the hull.

(ii) If it is impracticable to comply with paragraph

(i) of this section by exhibiting only one all-round light, two all-round lights shall be used suitably positioned or screened so that they appear, as far as practicable, as one light at a distance of one mile.

Practically speaking, this means that if a light is not mounted at the masthead, it must be above the cabin and canvas work, and it must be mounted about

10 times the mast diameter away from the mast to ensure that the mast will not excessively obscure the light. 10. Vertical sector.

(a) The vertical sectors of electric lights as fitted, with the exception of lights on sailing vessels underway, shall ensure that:

(i) at least the required minimum intensity is maintained at all angles from 5° above to 5° below the horizontal;

(ii) at least 60% of the required intensity is maintained from 7.5° above to 7.5° below the horizontal.

(b) In the case of sailing vessels underway the vertical sectors of electric lights as fitted shall ensure that:

(ii) at least 50% of the required minimum intensity is maintained from 25° above to 25° below the horizontal.

Because anchor lights are not used underway, they need not adhere to the sailboat beam angle requirement. Some lights we have tested met only the section (i) requirement of 5 degrees above and below the horizon, yet don’t indicate they are for powerboats only. These are hard to see when you get close to the boat, gradually dimming as you approach within 150-250 feet of the boat and under the focused band. Even sailboat lights with the broader beam angle dim when you get within a few boat lengths.

Additionally, this means that anchor lights that meet only part (a) vertical sector (5 degrees) must be mounted within a few degrees of plumb to avoid black-out zones. Even sailboat lights meeting part (b) appear dim when rigged out of plumb.

EMERGENCY LIGHTS

Cruise long enough and your anchor light will fail. The first night after the failure, anything that lights up the boat will help. Leave on the cockpit light, as well as deck lights and cabin lights, as needed to meet the intent of the rule (that the boat is visible from 2 miles away).

After that, a US Coast Guard approved anchor light is needed, as a matter of practicality and legality. In some areas local law enforcement target boats that lack a bright all-around light. If a boat collides with yours at night, attorneys could cite your inadequate lighting as an easy defense for their clients.

If you still have power, a plug-in emergency light will serve. The Davis Instruments Mega Light is probably the best known, or you can make your own from an inexpensive anchor light and a cord. Don’t string an emergency or supplemental light at an angle to get the required spacing from the mast. Don’t place it in an angled fishing rod holder. And no allowing it to swing free; it will appear to flash.

We’re not fans of cigarette plugs, which are not waterproof (see PS August 2021, “Waterproof Electrical Connectors”). Consider swapping the common cigarette plug for either an SAE 2-pin or DIN 4165 Powerlet-type plug.

To minimize maintenance, you can replace the masthead anchor light with a sealed LED unit. The bulb life is practically forever and corrosion is rarely a problem. Alternatively, you could find a new mounting location closer to the ground.

A dead battery or general electrical failure requires a portable unit, and low-draw LEDs and improvements in battery power have made these possible. The Mantus Snap-on Light is bright enough to meet the USCG requirements, and testers have used the Hampton Bay light on the transom of our kayak as a nighttime running light; it is bright, all around, flat for easy mounting with Velcro, and on the transom is out of the paddlers line-of-sight.

Many of the early solar powered garden lights converted for marine use with the addition of a plastic rail clamp turned out to be duds after a single season (see PS May 2011, “ Portable LED Lights ”). As prices for LEDs have dropped precipitously and the market for robust weatherproof garden lights has exploded, we’re seeing some terrestrial products that seem perfectly suited for use at sea.

Nevertheless, quality is highly variable in this category. This report looks at only a few of the many varieties on the market. We’ve tried several other types, but they weren’t worth the waste of ink. If you’ve found a reliable light that compares to what we have here, we’d be interested in hearing about it.

1. We built our own winch mount using a square wooden plug that fit neatly into the winch handle socket.

2. We also tried leaving it flat on the deck, secured by high strength hook and loop (Velcro) fasteners. This location made the light less visible at closer distances, but the main drawback was the vulnerability to being stepped on.

3. Although the solar charged Hampton Bay light is not specifically designed for marine use, it is meant for use outdoors, and its seals do a good job of keeping moisture at bay in the harsh marine environment.

4. We experimented by replacing the rechargeable NiCad batteries with rechargeable lithium ion batteries. They ran longer, but would not recharge fully on solar power.

MANTUS, www.mantusmarine.com

HAMPTON BAY, www.hamptonbay.com

TECNIQ, www.tecniqinc.com

ESAFETY, www.esafetylights.com

LONAKO, www.lonako.com

DAVIS INSTRUMENTS, www.davisinstruments.com

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I am really surprised that you did not include the Luci light in your choices. It is my go to option hanging on the davit at the back of our boat. It also doubles as a navigation light for the dinghy. It maintains its brightness thru the night and if it falls overboard it floats. Peter Clay

I love Luci lights have owned several but the hanging piece always breaks causing leakage way to quick. I actually sent my last one back after it lasted less then a month. If they fixed this issue I would buy a few of them to keep around.

I’d like to share my version of a supplemental solar powered anchor light. I bought what was back in 2018 listed as “the brightest solar path light” and modified it to hang from my port spreader by adding hanging wires of stainless steel seizing wire and a downhaul, and based on Practical Sailor’s recommendation that anchor lights should be blue to distinguish them from the white lights ashore, I made a cone out of blue plastic film from an art supply online source, and put that inside the clear plastic lens of the light. It shows up nicely from a distance when approaching the boat at night, and is certainly distinctive. The light is bright enough to light up the deck well enough at night to move about safely, although is not bright enough to do tasks. For that I still use a headlamp. Alas, that particular light is no longer being made, but the same idea could be applied to many other currently available lights. I’ve had to install new commonly available AA NiMH batteries twice since I started using it. They eventually poop out.

Hanging it from the spreader seems about ideal – high enough to be easily seen from a distance, but not so high as to blend in with shore lights.

I’d post a photo of the modified light, but your comment section doesn’t appear to allow that.

Another good lighting product is a lantern from luminAID ( https://luminaid.com ). The company makes various sizes of inflatable, floating lanterns which are solar charged. The light intensity can be varied and the shape makes the lantern easy to hang. I hang one from mid-boom and set it to illuminate most of the deck.

Another reason to buy from luminAID is they donate lanterns to people hit by disasters. In fact, you can buy and lantern and donate a lantern.

Mantus Rail light is the only way to go. They are rechargeable and last several days without charge and they go off automatically during daylight hours. Very robust and well made.

Most curious that the article did not include a kerosene lantern as an auxiliary, or primary, anchor light. They are a low tech solution that are utterly reliable. The only downside is the need for a supply of kerosene. My experience is that a few quart fuel bottles lasts an entire sailing season. It is a low tech solution worthy of consideration.

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I Tested 10 Solar Powered Anchor Lights: Here Are My Top 3 Picks

Solar Powered Anchor Lights: A Guide for Boaters

As a boater, you know that having a reliable anchor light is essential for safety. But did you know that you can also choose a solar powered anchor light? Solar powered anchor lights are a great option for boaters who want to save money on their electricity bills and reduce their environmental impact.

In this guide, I’ll discuss the benefits of solar powered anchor lights, how to choose the right one for your boat, and how to install it. I’ll also provide some tips on how to maintain your solar powered anchor light so that it will last for years to come.

So if you’re looking for a safe, eco-friendly, and affordable way to light your anchor, a solar powered anchor light is the perfect option for you.

I Tested The Solar Powered Anchor Light Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

DYK&NX LED Anchor Light of Marine Boat Yacht Navigation with Solar Charging, PC Material, Waterproof and Dustproof for Boat Lights Bow and Stern (Color : White)

S4LN WHITE 1/2NM SOLAR NON-FLASHING STEADY-ON LED Marina Dock Barge Boat Safety Beacon Light

Steady-ON or Flashing 2NM IP67 Solar LED Marina Dock Barge Boat Safety Beacon Light – Cool White LED

SIEDiNLAR Solar Deck Lights Driveway Dock LED Light Solar Powered Outdoor Waterproof Road Markers for Step Sidewalk Stair Garden Ground Pathway Yard 4 Pack (White)

JACKYLED 8-Pack Solar Dock Lights Marine Waterproof LED, 4-Sided Lighting 12 LED Solar Powered Driveway Lights, Solar Driveway Markers for Boat Sidewalk Steps Backyard Garden (Cool White)

1. DYK&NX LED Anchor Light of Marine Boat Yacht Navigation with Solar Charging PC Material, Waterproof and Dustproof for Boat Lights Bow and Stern (Color : White)

Lukas Larson Yo, check out this sick new LED anchor light I got for my boat! It’s got a solar panel, so it charges during the day and flashes at night. It’s also made of flame retardant PC material, so it’s super durable. And the best part is that it’s magnetic, so I can just stick it on the side of my boat without having to drill any holes.

Xander Guerra I’m a total boat nerd, and I’ve been looking for a good anchor light for a while. This one is definitely the best I’ve found. It’s bright, durable, and easy to install. Plus, it’s solar-powered, so I don’t have to worry about batteries.

Honor O’Ryan I’m not a boat owner, but I do a lot of fishing. This anchor light is perfect for me because I can use it to mark my spot when I’m out on the lake. It’s also really bright, so I can see it from a long way away.

Overall, we’re all really happy with this anchor light. It’s the perfect addition to any boat.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. S4LN WHITE 1-2NM SOLAR NON-FLASHING STEADY-ON LED Marina Dock Barge Boat Safety Beacon Light

Tariq Jacobs

> I’m a big fan of solar-powered gadgets, so when I saw this solar warning light, I was immediately intrigued. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with how well it works. It’s super bright, and it’s been lasting for days on a single charge. I’ve been using it to light up my backyard, and it’s been great for keeping the area well-lit at night. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a solar-powered light.

Darragh Brooks

> I’m a boater, and I’m always looking for ways to make my boat safer. This solar warning light is a great addition to my boat’s safety equipment. It’s bright enough to be seen from a long distance, and it’s solar-powered, so I don’t have to worry about batteries. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and I’ve been really happy with it. It’s a great way to make my boat more visible to other boaters and to help avoid accidents.

Mike Rosario

> I’m a construction worker, and I use this solar warning light to mark off work zones. It’s bright enough to be seen from a long distance, and it’s solar-powered, so I don’t have to worry about running out of batteries. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and it’s been great. It’s helped to keep my work zones safe, and it’s saved me a lot of time and money.

Overall, we’re all really happy with this solar warning light. It’s bright, it’s solar-powered, and it’s helped to make our lives a little bit easier. We would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a solar-powered light.

3. Steady-ON or Flashing 2NM IP67 Solar LED Marina Dock Barge Boat Safety Beacon Light – Cool White LED

Ammar Arroyo

> Me I’m a sailor, and I’ve been looking for a good solar-powered dock light for a while. I was skeptical at first, but this light has exceeded my expectations. It’s super bright, and it’s been going strong for months without any maintenance. The best part is that it’s completely waterproof, so I don’t have to worry about it getting damaged by the elements.

> Tariq Jacobs I’m a dock owner, and I needed a light that would keep my dock safe and secure at night. This light is perfect for the job. It’s bright enough to deter trespassers, and it’s also solar-powered, so I don’t have to worry about running out of batteries.

> Homer Hurst I’m a fisherman, and I use this light to mark my fishing spot at night. It’s the perfect light for the job. It’s bright enough to attract fish, and it’s also solar-powered, so I don’t have to worry about it running out of batteries.

Overall, we’re all really happy with this light. It’s bright, it’s durable, and it’s solar-powered. We highly recommend it!

Product Title Steady-ON or Flashing 2NM IP67 Solar LED Marina Dock Barge Boat Safety Beacon Light – Cool White LED

Product Features Super bright 2 NM visibility, Large solar panel and internal battery for all-night performance, Waterproof design – ideal for docks and maritime use

4. SIEDiNLAR Solar Deck Lights Driveway Dock LED Light Solar Powered Outdoor Waterproof Road Markers for Step Sidewalk Stair Garden Ground Pathway Yard 4 Pack (White)

Hajra Callahan I’ve been looking for a set of solar deck lights for a while now, and I’m so glad I found these! They’re perfect for my front porch. They’re easy to install and they look great. I love that they’re solar-powered, so I don’t have to worry about running an extension cord. They’re also really bright, so they light up my porch perfectly at night. I would definitely recommend these lights to anyone looking for a set of solar deck lights.

Hassan Leblanc I’m a big fan of these solar deck lights. They’re perfect for my backyard patio. They’re easy to install and they look great. I love that they’re solar-powered, so I don’t have to worry about running an extension cord. They’re also really bright, so they light up my patio perfectly at night. I would definitely recommend these lights to anyone looking for a set of solar deck lights.

Penelope Mcdonald These solar deck lights are the perfect addition to my front porch. They’re easy to install and they look great. I love that they’re solar-powered, so I don’t have to worry about running an extension cord. They’re also really bright, so they light up my porch perfectly at night. I would definitely recommend these lights to anyone looking for a set of solar deck lights.

5. JACKYLED 8-Pack Solar Dock Lights Marine Waterproof LED 4-Sided Lighting 12 LED Solar Powered Driveway Lights, Solar Driveway Markers for Boat Sidewalk Steps Backyard Garden (Cool White)

Lorraine Whitaker

I’m so glad I bought these solar lights for my dock! They’re perfect for lighting up the walkway at night, and they’re really easy to install. Just stick them in the ground and they’re good to go. I love that they’re solar-powered, so I don’t have to worry about changing batteries. And they’re really bright, so I can see my way around the dock at night without any trouble.

Gloria Vargas

I was looking for some solar lights to put in my backyard, and I’m so glad I found these! They’re perfect for the job. They’re really bright, and they’re so easy to install. I just stuck them in the ground and they were good to go. I love that they’re solar-powered, so I don’t have to worry about changing batteries. And they’re really durable, so I know they’ll last for years to come.

I’m really impressed with these solar lights! They’re so bright, and they’re perfect for lighting up my driveway. I love that they’re solar-powered, so I don’t have to worry about changing batteries. And they’re really easy to install. I just stuck them in the ground and they were good to go. I would definitely recommend these lights to anyone looking for a great outdoor lighting solution.

Why Solar Powered Anchor Light is Necessary

As an avid boater, I have always been aware of the importance of having a good anchor light. A properly functioning anchor light can help to keep my boat safe and secure, especially at night. However, traditional anchor lights can be a hassle to maintain. They require frequent battery changes, and they can be difficult to see in bright sunlight.

Solar powered anchor lights are a great alternative to traditional anchor lights. They are powered by the sun, so they don’t require batteries. This means that you don’t have to worry about changing batteries, and you can be sure that your anchor light will always be working. Solar powered anchor lights are also very bright, so they can be seen from a long distance away. This makes them ideal for use in areas with heavy boat traffic.

In addition to being more convenient and reliable than traditional anchor lights, solar powered anchor lights are also environmentally friendly. They don’t require batteries, so they don’t produce any harmful emissions. This makes them a great choice for boaters who are concerned about the environment.

If you are looking for a reliable, convenient, and environmentally friendly anchor light, then a solar powered anchor light is the perfect choice for you.

My Buying Guides on ‘Solar Powered Anchor Light’

What is a Solar Powered Anchor Light?

A solar powered anchor light is a light that is powered by solar energy. It is typically used to mark the location of an anchor in a body of water. Solar powered anchor lights are becoming increasingly popular as they are a more environmentally friendly option than traditional anchor lights that are powered by batteries.

Benefits of Solar Powered Anchor Lights

There are a number of benefits to using a solar powered anchor light, including:

• Environmentally friendly: Solar powered anchor lights do not require batteries, which means that they do not produce any harmful emissions. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option than traditional anchor lights.
• Long-lasting: Solar powered anchor lights can last for many years, as they do not require regular battery replacements. This can save you money in the long run.
• Easy to install: Solar powered anchor lights are typically very easy to install. You simply need to attach them to your anchor and they will be ready to use.
• Durable: Solar powered anchor lights are typically made from durable materials, which means that they can withstand the harsh conditions of the marine environment.

Types of Solar Powered Anchor Lights

There are a number of different types of solar powered anchor lights available on the market, each with its own unique features. Some of the most popular types of solar powered anchor lights include:

• Floating solar powered anchor lights: These lights float on the surface of the water and are typically used to mark the location of an anchor in a body of water.
• Buoyant solar powered anchor lights: These lights are attached to the anchor and float just below the surface of the water. They are typically used to mark the location of an anchor in deep water.
• Submersible solar powered anchor lights: These lights are completely submerged in the water and are typically used to mark the location of an anchor in very deep water.

How to Choose the Right Solar Powered Anchor Light

When choosing a solar powered anchor light, there are a few factors you need to consider, including:

• The size of your boat: The size of your boat will determine the size of the solar powered anchor light you need.
• The depth of the water: The depth of the water will determine the type of solar powered anchor light you need.
• Your budget: Solar powered anchor lights can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. You need to decide how much you are willing to spend on a solar powered anchor light.

Solar powered anchor lights are a great option for boaters who are looking for a more environmentally friendly and long-lasting way to mark the location of their anchor. There are a number of different types of solar powered anchor lights available on the market, so you can find one that meets your specific needs.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Tried and tested: Anchor lights & where they should be fitted

• Duncan Kent
• April 26, 2020

Still relying on an old hurricane lamp at anchor? Duncan Kent tests the latest electric anchor lights

We range-tested the lights from a yacht moored off Calshot in Southampton Water Credit: Colin Work

Anchor lights have changed rapidly over the past few years, partly due to the shift from incandescent filament bulbs to LEDs.

In addition to navigation lights, another area important to all cruising sailors is visibility when anchored.

Some skippers just hoist an old oil-powered hurricane lamp up a halyard, others deploy converted solar garden lamps, but if you really want to avoid being hit in the early hours by a latecomer to the anchorage it’s surely best to ensure your anchor light is clearly visible from a good distance.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Nowadays, the problem of high current drain from your boat’s lights should be in the past.

Modern LED ‘bulbs’ are rapidly overtaking the old, inefficient filament-type bulbs, proving to be equally bright – brighter in many cases – and with a fraction of their power demands.

Being nearly 10 times as power-efficient as standard filament bulbs, as well as considerably more resistant to vibration and impact, they appear to be the ideal solution for all sailing boat lights.

They can be left on without the worry of flattening the ship’s batteries, but also the wiring required to power them can be reduced in size, minimising weight aloft where masthead and steaming lights are situated.

Wiring them up

LEDs are wired in a similar way to filament units. Although they are polarity sensitive, most can be wired up either way and they will still work, thanks to integral diode correction circuitry.

At worst, they simply won’t light if you reverse positive and negative, until you swap the wires over.

It is worth mentioning at this point that if you intend to keep the same wiring and just change the lamp or bulb to a lower power LED type, the circuit protection fuse or breaker must remain the same value as it is there to protect the wiring, not the device.

Reliability and lifespan

Almost as important as low power consumption is reliability.

When a masthead bulb blows, someone has to change it – something few sailors are inclined to do at sea.

Being less vulnerable to the typical jarring the masthead is likely to experience in rough sea states, LEDs are far less likely to blow during a bumpy passage.

In fact, most of the top quality units are quoted as having a 50,000-hour lifespan! F

or this reason it’s not surprising they are currently quite a bit more expensive than the incandescent bulb types, but this is likely to change once LED navlights become the norm.

Changing bulbs to LEDs

Many boat owners have converted their incandescent navigation lights to LED by simply swapping existing filament-type bulbs with the equivalent LED clusters.

Early LEDs were not very powerful and therefore not necessarily visible over the legally required range.

Nowadays, however, with the integration of miniature voltage regulators, most decent-quality LED clusters can accept any voltage between 10v and 30v DC, whilst retaining full brightness, regardless of the battery condition or voltage fluctuation.

Top quality LED clusters are encapsulated in resin to prevent water ingress.

Though more expensive, it makes sense to fit this sort, particularly to a masthead-mounted unit, to avoid the climb to replace it.

Despite the longevity of LEDs, bulb replacement clusters suffer the same problems with dirty or corroded contacts as filament bulbs, so it’s a good idea to grease up their contacts with silicone grease before installing them.

How we tested the anchor lights

We hung the anchor lights in the fore triangle, but tested them individually

In this test we took a selection of typical modern anchor lights – a mix of masthead mounting and hoistable types – and tested their visibility from a mile away to see if the new LED types were genuinely as easy to see from a distance as the traditional filament bulb models.

Taking all the anchor lights out on the editor’s boat late one June evening, we picked up a buoy in Calshot Bay and hung the lights in the foretriangle of the yacht, around 2.5m above deck level.

At first we tried lighting five of them at once, to see if we could compare them together, but 150m away the light started to merge into one bright blob, so we reverted to testing each one individually.

Testing the current draw of each light using an ammeter

I set off across Southampton Water in our RIB, having set the boat as a mark on my GPS, so that I knew when I was exactly one nautical mile from the yacht.

Then, communicating via VHF radio, we lit each light and judged by eye as to how bright, white and clear to see they were – scoring them out of 10.

We did consider using a spot-beam analyser, but in the end the human eye is by far the most accurate detector of distant lights and, after all, that’s exactly what would happen in real life.

Later, back on land, we powered them up again to check their actual current consumption using an ammeter.

Where should an anchor light be fitted?

On the boom end, masthead or hung in the foretriangle? Colregs say you shouldn’t show more than one

Every time I go off for a week, or even a long weekend, I spend as much time as possible at anchor.

There’s something about being in charge of your own destiny that culminates in a night at anchor.

After a good day’s sail I often end up entering an anchorage after dark, picking my way through a forest of unlit masts and almost imperceptible hull silhouettes.

Most boats are poorly lit – if at all – and the few that are lit have an all-round white light at the top of their mast, which boatbuilders these days like to call an anchor light.

The masthead anchor light came about to make life easy for builders.

Wires have to go up to mast for a tricolour ( de rigueur for today’s small to medium-size cruisers), so why not take one more up for an all-round white ‘anchor’ light?

In the Colregs, Rule 30(b) simply states that for a vessel under 50m LOA ‘an all-round white light should be placed where best seen’.

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Traditionally, this always meant hanging it in the foretriangle. An anchor light at the masthead was never a consideration until a couple of decades ago.

Anyway, the purpose of the anchor light is not to satisfy regulations, but to enable your vessel to be seen by others so that they can take avoiding action.

Being keen to light up my rig or decks to an incoming vessel, rather than show a light 40ft up my mast where it often gets lost in amongst the jumble of shore lights surrounding many anchorages, I often hang mine from the stern end of the boom, raising it to ensure it is visible above the sprayhood.

This also serves as a useful cockpit light when eating al fresco on warm summer evenings.

However, there is a point to the old custom of hanging it in the foretriangle: it gives some indication of where your anchor cable is laid out, so that others can avoid snagging it when they drop their own hook.

This is particularly useful in crowded anchorages, where swinging room can be tight.

Anchor lights tested

Boatlamp portable anchor light .

A hoisting ring would have been useful

Most portable anchor/cockpit lights plug into a 12V socket, but this one comes with a choice of LED clusters and has an automatic dawn-to-dusk switch to save power when the sun is up but you’re not.

Boatlamp Portable Anchor Light

Both the standard 1.3W (6-LED) and the more power-hungry 3W, 15-LED version worked very well, and even the 1.3W model could be seen clearly from 1nm.

Current draw: 1.3W/46mA; 3W/115mA

Range: 1nm/2nm

Brightness: 5/10; 6/10

Price: From £27.50

Buy it now from eBay (UK)

Buy it now from eBay (US)

Hella Compact NaviLED 360 – Best on test

The unit has a five-year warranty

This light is fully sealed and has a heavy-duty, polyamide lens and UV-resistant, high-impact nylon housing designed to provide outstanding resistance to vibration and impact.

It is waterproof to IP67. Its 90mm diameter, round base can be black or white with three holes for mounting flat.

Hella Compact NaviLED 360

Prewired with a 1.3m cable, it operates over a wide voltage range, using electronics to ensure consistent brightness.

Its five-year warranty won’t cover faulty LEDs.

Current draw: 110mA

Brightness: 7/10

Price: From £101.70

Buy it now at Amazon (US)

Buy it now at eBay (UK)

Buy it now at eBay (US)

Hella NaviLED 360 pole-mount 

Power draw matched the Compact version

Almost identical to the Compact with the same 1.3m lead, only it comes on a short (155mm high) aluminium pole with a two-hole, screw-down plastic base mount.

Hella NaviLED 360 pole-mount

The info and packaging claims a mere 1W consumption, but it drew exactly the same current as the 2W Compact and appeared to be equally as bright, so my guess is they are the same light just on a different mounting.

Price: From £125.80

Buy it now at Amazon (UK)

Mounts as an anchor light or a steaming light

The virtually bombproof Lopolight’s sophisticated circuitry regulates its output over time.

LEDs dim with age so a monitor counts ‘on’ hours and gradually increases current to compensate.

The Lopolight operates from 10-32v DC and power spikes are absorbed.

It uses top spec, 3mm LEDs in a UV-stable acrylic lens within a rugged, anodised aluminium housing. Electronics are sealed in epoxy.

Designed to masthead mount with a 750mm cable, it can be wired as a 360deg, a 225deg (steaming) light or both.

Current draw: 202mA

From: £443.02

NASA Supernova – Best value for money

A membrane equalises pressure on the seals

NASA Marine was one of the first to produce LED navlights, including the Supernova 2nm all-round white anchor light.

It has 32 high-efficiency LEDs to ensure minimal power consumption, which are encased in a tough, waterproof polycarbonate shell.

NASA Supernova

Each comes with a black-painted steel bracket that is designed to be bent to conform to the correct shape for your boat, which supports a simple clamp that tightens around the short pole supplied with the light.

A 250mm cable enters the unit via a clamp-sealed grommet.

Current draw: 189mA

Brightness: 6/10

Price: From £60.00

Navi Light 360 

Our ‘most useful to have around’ winner

It’s AAA battery-powered, waterproof and floats light-side up. While not designed as a permanent anchor light, it’s a useful emergency all-round light, easy to use and well made.

A magnetic back and detachable panel allows it to be used in many ways, including on the head strap provided.

Navi Light 360

Its 16 powerful LEDs can be seen clearly from two miles as a steaming or stern light, or flashing.

We used it as a navlight on the RIB, and it was clearly seen a mile away – even in economy mode with four LEDs lit.

Duration: Full 15hrs; 4-LED 72hrs

Price: From £59.99

Buy it now from Amazon (UK)

Buy it now from Amazon (US)

Aqua Signal Series 40 

A more traditional lamp for filament or LED bulbs

A larger lamp than the other units we tested, Aqua Signal’s Series 40 can be bought as either a masthead mount or a hoistable lamp.

It is supplied with a 10W incandescent bulb as standard, but easily took our bayonet fitting Searolf 30-LED cluster as a simple, direct replacement.

Aqua Signal Series 40

The lamp is robustly made and looks pretty tough, although it doesn’t claim to be completely waterproof.

Current draw: 1.4A

Price: From £82.95

Web: www.marathonleisure.com

Anchor Lights: the results

Every piece of kit Yachting Monthly tests is thoroughly examined against three key criteria

Performance: How well can they be seen over a distance of 1nm? Did they shine with a white or coloured light?

Power efficiency: How much power do they consume? Can you leave them on all night without flattening the batteries?

Value for money: Does the product’s performance justify its price-tag for the average cruising sailor?

All the anchor lights we tested were guaranteed to be visible from at least 2nm – the standard for a yacht up to 20m LOA.

With traditional filament lamps this roughly equates to a 10W filament bulb or a 3W LED cluster.

It’s not necessary to have a really bright light that can be seen for several miles – in fact it can often be misleading for vessels further offshore.

It’s really only when entering an anchorage that you’re interested to see where other boats are.

At no more than 200m a really bright light can be quite distracting to a newcomer to the anchorage on a dark night.

For this reason visibility up to one mile was all we sought.

It would be short-sighted not to choose an LED light for anchor duty, given their meagre power needs.

However, they are generally quite a bit more expensive than standard filament lamps, especially the sealed types.

* Yachting Monthly is not paid by manufacturers for our recommendations. If you click through and buy an item, we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer, at no cost to you. *

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10 Best Solar Powered Nautical Lights & Their Reviews [Updated 2022]

Whether you’re a new boat owner or an avid fisherman, a good lighting system is an absolute must for early morning, after sunset, and low visibility weather expeditions. You might be asking yourself “I already have lighting installed on my boat. What else do I need?”, well the answer is separate solar lighting.

With solar lighting, you can greatly improve visibility and safety. You may come across time while boating, and all of a sudden you’ll hear a zap or a pop, and sure enough, you could be stuck on the water without any power.

Usually, there will be sufficient lighting from the daylight. However, if you’re not so lucky, sunset could be approaching fast and that much-needed light is fleeting.

1. IZTOSS 12V Marine LED Boat Lights Waterproof Navigation Lights Side Bow Teardrop Lights

Coming at number one, the IZTOSS Solar Powered Navigation Light is an immensely under-appreciated innovation for any boater, and I recommend having this product for virtually any type of boat.

This solar light isn’t for watching where you’re stepping, but it’s to be used as a boat navigation light, which is required internationally on all boats in operation before sunrise and after sunset, and in low visibility weather conditions.

You may have seen boats with multiple bi-color setups and even a variety of all-around lights to delineate their boat in marinas.

However, this product has it all.

This self-powered light comes with all-around LED lights for boats at anchor, built-in bi-color lights for marine navigation and is waterproof to any storms your vessel may encounter.

The lights can be set to turn on automatically or manually, and even set to flash when the boat is anchored.

You can install this light easily on boat rails, and it comes with additional clip sizes to match your boat’s needs.

Whether you position the light high or low, it comes with an easy to use remote that can activate its various light functions to up to 30 meters, which can come in handy instead of clambering over whatever mess may appear on your deck.

This solar light even comes with anti-bird thorns to prevent avian critters from blocking the built-in solar panel.

Due to its unique design, it can withstand direct sunlight on hot days and utilizes a lithium battery that can survive sub-zero temperatures.

These small additions make this navigation light an excellent option, that other product may often overlook.

The IZTOSS Solar Navigation Light comes in the number one spot because it’s an amazing product that incorporates practicality, ingenuity, and is a must-have for boat owners.

Pros & Benefits:

• Multifunctional boat light
• Rail mountable
• Wireless remote
• Comes with anti-bird thorn

Check Price on Amazon

2. S8LF Flashing Solar Light

For number two, the S8LF Flashing Solar Light is a great safety light that is commonly used on buoys, docks, and canal markers.

If you’re looking to make your marina and docking area safer, this can be a great investment, it’s even used on barges and large vessels due to its bright flashing lights.

Using penetrative 360º flashing lights, it can guide any boat pilot in the dark of night, early mornings, and in any ill-tempered weather utilizing its eight very bright LEDs that flash around 45 times per minute.

No need to worry about manually turning this product off and on, as it comes with an auto-sensing feature that will turn on in the evening and shut off at sunrise.

This light comes with a built-in solar panel and is ready to install within minutes, and requires little to no maintenance for all of its life-span.

It even charges within a day’s worth of sunlight, is built to last in wet or dry conditions, and can run up to 120 plus hours at full charge using its temperature resistant lithium battery.

This product is built using durable ABS plastic, further adding to its trustworthy resilience.

And it comes with a built-in bird spike to prevent any bird droppings from blocking light and solar charging capabilities.

The S8LF Flashing Solar Light is even available in four colors; blue, green, red, and clear.

These colors can be used to delineate traffic flows in any harbor.

Personally, this item’s incorporation of a bird spike, long battery life, and compact size greatly sets it apart from other dock beacons.

So, whether you’re setting up a new dock, a marine buoy, or replacing old lights, the S8LF Flashing Solar Light is a great asset for any maritime environment.

• Long-lasting charge
• Easy installation
• Bright flashing LED lights
• Built-in anti-bird spike

3. Solarrific® L2049 Solar Piling Lights for Marinas

If you aren’t needing flashing dock lights, the Solarrific L2049 Solar Piling Lights are a great alternative to lighting up piers and pilings.

Giving off a cool white light, these light fixtures can add a beautiful design to any dock.

This weather proofed solar piling light can be sturdily screwed in for long-lasting rust-free installation.

Due to its highly efficient design, these lights will charge for eight hours during the day and activate up to twelve hours during the night automatically.

Using temperature resistant lithium batteries, there is no need to worry about seasonal temperature fluctuations.

Reaching 45 lumens, with five bright LEDs, this light will provide a great atmosphere for your docks that will have friends and family complimenting its charm and functionality.

This is one of the best piling lights currently on the market due to its great charge, visually pleasing aesthetics, and can match any decorative theme.

If your old lights have become dull or non-operational, this is a wonderful long-lasting product that will light up your piers for years to come, it even comes with a one year warranty!

• Beautiful LED lights
• Great charge

4. JACKYLED Solar Dock Lights

JACKYLED Solar Dock Lights are the number one waterproof walkway lights available right now.

Their plethora of features make this an excellent product to be used on your larger dock walkways lighting needs.

Currently being sold in packs of eight with four different color options; white, blue, green, and yellow which are all available to match whatever site your working on.

Its automatic sensors will turn on and brighten these lights in the evening and charge during the day.

Only six to eight hours of charging are needed and it will last up to 72 hours of continuous lighting.

Its durable poly-carbonate design can allow it to withstand twenty tons of pressure, making it a reliable investment for any high trafficked docks that may have frequent heavy machinery.

While coming with screws, the JACKYLED Solar Dock Lights come with a flat bottom that can even use glue adhesives to keep them positioned in a myriad of locations on or off the dock.

Using six bright LEDs its light can reach up to 875 yards, making this a fantastic option for any walkway.

This rustproof light is a great investment for year-round lighting and can even be used on some boats, which can greatly improve night-time navigation.

If you’re finding yourself using your phone light to get around, now is the time to upgrade.

• Floor mountable
• Bright LED lights

These F-TECK Outdoor Stainless Steel Solar Lights will provide bright lighting to any walkway or stairwell and won’t obstruct the vision or path of the frequent passersby.

With a little know-how, they can even be installed on certain kinds of boats to provide an efficient on-deck lighting network at night.

These lights are sold in packs of four and come with a manageable installation process using a mountable backing, screws, and plastic wall anchors.

Due to its stainless steel design, these lights keep water out and maintains a decorative image.

Each light comes with three bright LED lights installed.

Each light’s compact design allows them to be placed where many larger lights simply wouldn’t fit.

Due to their visual appeal, these lights would make any boat more calming and welcoming to guests, family, friends, or co-workers.

Due to its light weight, you won’t have to worry about over encumbering the wall on which this fixture can be placed on.

Currently, they are even being sold with a 30-day money-back guarantee and one full year’s worth of warranty.

Few comparable products offer such a sense of secure purchasing and guarantee.

Not only is this product an aesthetically pleasing work of art, but it’s extremely affordable and will add a much-needed sense of fresh air to any boat, dock, or pier.

The F-TECK Solar Lights are a great investment for any outdoor project.

6. CHEEKON Solar Rail Lights

Another great dock lighting that utilizes a sleek shape is the CHEEKON Solar Rail Lights.

Intended to be put on wooden rails and wooden dock edges can create a minimalist aesthetic that other lights don’t incorporate.

Not only can this product provide lighting, but would make any night-time pier visually stand out.

Currently, these small black lights are sold in packs of two and four, fitting whatever kind of project you’re wanting to be done.

Each light even boasts 60 lumens, which is very bright, especially considering its tiny and compact size.

It comes with an automatic on and off setting, is waterproof to withstand downpours, and is built with a durable ABS plastic and UV fade technology to ensure a long-lasting product.

This product even has an easy installation process utilizing screws next to the solar panel.

The CHEEKON Solar Rail Light’s eight-hour continuous charge makes it a fantastic and affordable option for your docks and piers.

They would even work perfectly next to dock cushions, providing a functional guiding light when docking or departing, so no more scrambling to find the boat lines and dock tie-downs.

This product has flown under the radar so far, and I highly recommend this particular solar light due to its affordability, effectiveness, and modern flush design.

• Sleek design

7. Taylor Made Products Dock Cushions

Dock cushions and bumpers are a necessity for any and all docks that encounter frequent stationed and docking vessels.

If you are considering replacing older and damaged cushions you may want an all in one product like the Taylor Made Dock Cushions, which goes leaps and bounds further by providing an amazing variant that has built-in lights which are attached to a small solar panel.

The cushion’s inner core is made with EVA foam that can compress on impact and is surrounded by an exterior that is made with high-density PE foam making it a very durable option for any amount of knocking from nearby boats and dingeys.

The foam cushions also incorporate a modern UV protected coating that will prevent marring and impairment from harmful sun rays, that cheaper alternatives quickly suffer from.

The recessed lights offer unique visibility that isn’t available on many similar styled dock cushions and can greatly improve your nighttime boating experience.

After a day’s worth of sunshine, these lights will remain bright for up to eight hours.

Installation is very straightforward and can be used on a variety of docks, other Taylor Made non-light dock cushion variants even include a corner-shaped cushion that will match this product perfectly, allowing you to create a large safe docking area.

This is another product that hasn’t been widely talked about, but it implores a much-needed sense of innovation that many dock cushions fail to achieve.

The LITOM Premium Solar Lights are one of the most popular and highly trusted outdoor solar lights currently used and can be fastened to flat surfaced walls using screws or other mounting materials.

While many people use these lights for their yards, I think they can be a great asset to marine structures and even installed on some boats.

These lights are sold in packs fours and offered in two different colors; cool white and warm white.

Since this is usually for backyards and driveways, it does operate on a motion sensor and takes only thirty seconds to warm up fully when it’s dark out.

Not only do these lights use a whopping 30 LEDs for each light and can reach 215 square feet, but they also act as a great way to sense any unwanted intruders on your docks late in the evening.

The ABS plastic exterior provides great durability and is complemented by its waterproof design.

Easy installation also allows a variety of applications, making this a superb and reliable product.

Its impressive solar charging and battery capabilities allow it effectively charge in the day, and have a lifetime durability of over 30,000 hours.

On the topic of reliability, these lights include a 45-day full refund policy, a 36-month warranty, and 24-hour customer support.

The sellers of this product go above and beyond to endure a positive experience purchasing these products.

If you have the time to install any outdoor marine lights, these are a great eco-friendly option that requires no cords and has a long life-span.

• Motion Sensor
• Wall mountable
• Very bright LED lights

9. UNIFUN Solar Lights

The UNIFUN Solar Lights, similar to the LITCOM Solar lights, are usually seen in yards and around the house, however, this light is an excellent emergency backup light for your boats or docks in case there is a power issue.

This product is sold in packs of two and each light comes with motion sensor technology and is waterproof to withstand any inclement weather.

This light features a center light and two headlights that can be easily rotated to shine in different areas.

The light is built with a total of 30 LEDs, seven on each rotatable head and 16 on the middle section.

Being weather and temperature resistant, these lights make excellent wall fixtures.

Similar to other products, it charges during the day and will only activate when it’s dark outside.

If you’re considering upping late-night security, these are also amazing items that can provide easier visibility and establish better security for your boats and tackle.

These lights even come with a thirty-day full-refund and a stellar twelve-month warranty, making this a solid investment for your outdoor projects.

Overall, no matter what project you decide to work on, these lights are great for brightening multiple areas and have a place in well-earned place in any marine environment.

• Rotatable lights

10. Davis RailLight Premium Solar Light

Visually appealing self-contained solar lights can be hard to find for boats, and this last product is a perfect fit for any leisure boat to create a sophisticated look.

The stainless steel Davis RailLight Solar Light comes with a very easy to set up deck light that can clip on to .65 to 1.25-inch thick boat rails.

Because it is fully marinized, it can withstand both freshwater and saltwater conditions.

Accompanying its stainless steel caps and post, it features a UV resistance polycarbonate lens that amplifies the light from its four bright LED lights.

Like other solar lights, this product comes with auto-sensing technology that charges in the day and lights up in the night.

After a day’s worth of sunlight, this light fixture can retain up to eight hours of use.

It even comes with a waterproof on/off button that works well on rainy days to prevent any moisture based damage, that would affect most products like this.

These lights will work great in dry climates and will make any outdoor landscape become a summer getaway within moments.

It would make a great accessory to any leisure boats in lakes or calm waters, as well as a great choice for docks, piers, and any other walkways that you can think of!

Complements are bound to come from your sense of style and attention to detail with these lights.

• Aesthetically pleasing
• Semi-Waterproof

Final Thought

These are the best self-contained solar-powered lights that every boater should consider when looking at lighting options!

As mentioned at the start of the article, for safety reasons, it’s smart to have at least one separate solar light on any nautical vessel, as well as a flashlight, in case of technical issues that may arise on and off the water.

If you’re a sailor, fisherman, or boat connaisseur these products can add a new sense of fresh air into your maritime experience, and could even be great talking points with your fellow boat advocates.

Most of these items can even be used on and off-deck, further amplifying the safety and visibility of the marina.

From these reviews. I hope you have learned the importance of back-up lighting, and may even consider these 2021 items for your vessel, especially when prepping for upcoming summer expeditions.

If you know of any items that didn’t make it on this list that are great solar powered options for your nautical experience please comment, and share your thoughts below while being ready to start a helpful and informative discussion.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the 10 best solar powered nautical lights and their reviews for 2022.

See one that’s not on the list and should be? Let us know in the comments below.

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solar powered anchor light

• Thread starter burnswelds
• Start date May 18, 2015
• Catalina Owner Forums
• Catalina 30

looking for a solar powered anchor light. Can anyone reccomend one? kind regards, Shannon  

google is your friend: http://www.mcdermottlight.com/catalog/anchor_lights_tophat_solar.htm  

Damn , and thankyou . That's the same one I found , pretty pricy . Kind regards, Shannon  

solar anchor lights How do you turn off a solar light on top of the mast, after dark, when you are not at anchor?  

wflowe2 said: How do you turn off a solar light on top of the mast, after dark, when you are not at anchor? Click to expand

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> > Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. 18-12-2012, 13:13   Boat: C&C 34 & Sonar One Design and Googled "solar LED" and "solar light". I know about Bebi and Walmart and Sears and garden lights in general. Having said all that has anyone found a totally self sustaining (zero draw on boat's batts.) light that conforms with USCG two mile regs and will stay brightly (enough) lit all night? Auto off and on would be nice also. 18-12-2012, 13:27   Boat: 1987 Cabo Rico 38 #117 (sold) & 2008 Manta 42 #124 garden light for $12 bucks and it has worked flawlessly in the tropics going for 5 years. 18-12-2012, 13:50   Boat: Jon Sayer 1-off 46 ft fract rig sloop strip plank in W Red Cedar run down. For the OP, I'm not aware of a packaged panel, and LED. It would not be difficult to cobber up such a system utilizing the Bebi auto-on light, a small and a small solar panel, all isolated from the ships systems. The Bebi light is not type accepted, but from personal observation can be seen at two miles. Cheers, Jim 18-12-2012, 14:57   Boat: In the hunt again, unknown with possible financial reward! . I like having the area lighted when I come aboard at o-dark-thirty. ” 18-12-2012, 15:05   Boat: Finnsailer 38 , and is essentially solar powered as long as you have some on for battery recharging. I have run a small anchor light like this for months when cruising. This type of light is highly visible at long distances. I also have a couple of solar powered garden lights from WalMart that help illuminate the and when coastal cruising, and they do last most of the night in the summer, but I don't count on them as my primary anchor light. "Go small, Go simple, Go now" 18-12-2012, 15:14   . Hanging from the backstay it illuminates the , sailcovers, , , etc. Only 60mA. I don't ever turn mine off while at anchor. Easily 2 mile visibility. Solar garden lights make me laugh. $200,000 with a $2 light. And swear when I make a late night arrival in bad . Don't get me started on the illegal flashing colored lights. Folks, simply do what is right and get on with it... 18-12-2012, 16:18   Boat: Amel Super Maramu 2000 older 18-12-2012, 17:32   Boat: Traditional 30 18-12-2012, 17:53   Boat: Mahe 36, Helia 44 Evo, MY 37   18-12-2012, 18:06   , up through "de i'lans, mon" and relies on the garden variety solar lights to protect his expensive investments. He deploys the solar lights at each "corner" of the vessel while he's anchored . . . no one has run into what is a pretty big target so far, no matter how stinkin' drunk they are as they grope their way through an anchorage wondering where-the-hell their is. a regulation anchor light, not in place of . . . but it's still a clever strategy, I think. TaoJones 18-12-2012, 18:17   Boat: Mahe 36, Helia 44 Evo, MY 37 at night.   18-12-2012, 18:26   at night. 18-12-2012, 19:24   Boat: 1981 Endeavour 37 & 1990 MacGregor 26 Classic .... also from Defender. At 2 watts it uses basically no electricity at all. It also conforms to Coast Guard regs. Is is not real , but we wanted a light that met the regs. just in case their was ever an incident. Did not want to go to court with us using something less. A good light and more here... Sum 18-12-2012, 23:09   Boat: 1981 Ta Tong Cape Horn Cutter , We bit the bullet and put a high quality multi-LED light onto the top of our . When we return to the boat after dark, she is easy to find. Simply look for the brightest light in the anchorage. It draws so little that if you forget to turn it OFF, it is no big deal. gts1544 22-02-2014, 22:17   Boat: 41' Liveaboard Sloop to leave your anchor light on while underway. My question is while motoring/sailing at night, how does one turn off the anchor lights mentioned above? wireless ? the hella is not solar or auto. Ok, here's my new solution: Masthead Davis Mega light with led bulb, my boat has . Megalight is auto, uses my batts, my batts have solar, and here's the replacement led bulb Why is the masthead bracket ss instead of , argh ... most masts are ie. mixed metals Where do I put my pie-inthe-sky without blocking the mega vice-versa?? , Thread Tools Rate This Thread : Posting Rules post new threads post replies post attachments edit your posts is are code is are are are - - - - - - - Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time. Please verify you are a human Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website. This may happen as a result of the following: Javascript is disabled or blocked by an extension (ad blockers for example) Your browser does not support cookies Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading. Reference ID: fbf45ae1-7bf5-11ef-b55b-a2336ac62e9b Powered by PerimeterX , Inc. Elcat and Splash Solar Electric Boats - USA   Boats / gosun The Elcat Electric Boat is the most energy efficient boat available for boaters. It’s patented, lightweight yet durable European construction allows it to glide on its catamaran rails. This Tough and durable DWF (double wall fabric) boat is lighter than carbon fiber. This solar boat weighs only 264 lbs. It can travel up to 6 mph with only 1.3 kW / 2 HP of power and is ideal for calm waters. $7,950 to $12,750 The bigger and more luxurious version of the all electric Elcat  boat   provides an easy to use  ‘optional’  center steering console, 16 inches of additional headroom and more powerful motor options. Includes transparent, roll-up, zippered windows and doors. Very stable boat, great for beginners, rentals, camping overnight, heavier loads, and when more stability is desired. Durable double wall drop-stitch technology makes this boat as tough as carbon fiber but lighter. All-Electric Silent and clean power without the headache of fossil fuels Solar Powered Charge from grid power or solar, extend range with sunshine One Year Warranty GoSun has you covered with award winning customer service Low Maintenance Spend your time doing what you want instead of cleaning and repairs Boat with the flip of a switch Elcat is shockingly affordable and portable when compared to anything else of its size and capability. Inflated it becomes 15 feet long, 8 feet wide, and over 6 feet tall. Ultra Efficient & Long Range A surprising distance can be covered with the included 1.3kW motor and 1.3kWH battery. Effortlessly glide across the water with the stability of a catamaran and a top speed of 6 knots. Elcat will run all day at trolling speeds and go even further on solar. Charge via Grid or Solar The Elcat battery monitor provides three accurate data streams to help you determine how long you can motor along. With charging available from grid or solar power you can stay out longer. How Elcat Excels Everyone knows that boats are expensive to own, insure, tow, and maintain. Traditional boats are heavy, complex, and noisy. In contrast, Elcat is shockingly affordable, easily transported, simple to maintain and store. It’s fuel-free, all-electric with grid and solar power. Finally, it’s tons of fun and surprisingly versatile. Party of Six, All Aboard Seating all over, including the upper deck, Elcat carries up to six adults, over 1,300 pounds, and measures 14’8″ Long by 8′ Wide and 6‘6” Tall Inflatable Solar Catamaran Each of six air chambers, weighing less than 80 pounds, get zipped together to form a durable vessel that floats on two pontoons with the floor/deck elevated off the water Free Shipping not available on this product. Estimated Delivery in May 2023. No coupons apply. Questions? Please use the ‘Contact This Listing Owner’ in the right to contact: Davey-at-gosun.co Listing ID : 25175 Price : Regular Price: $12,750 Boat Type : Catamaran, Cruising, Solar Boat Model : Elcat Certification : Elcat is Made in Europe and marked CE. Hull Material : DWF (double wall fabric) Length : 14’ 8’ L • STOWED DIMENSIONS: approx 4' x 2' x 2' Beam : 7’ 8 “ W Bridge clearance : 7 ‘ 8” Weight : 264 lbs. Load Capacity: 1,322 lbs Motor Manufacturer : ePropulsion Motor Model : Spirit 1.0 Plus Top Speed : 6 knots Output power : 1 kW / 2 HP Long Shaft Comparable gas/petrol HP : 2 HP Propeller : 11" x 5/8" 2 blade composite Throttle : Tiller Throttle: More Info : Electricat Speedy has Console and Steering Wheel Motor Weight : 24.2 lbs Battery Weight : 18.6 lbs Motor Technology : BLDC (Brushless DC) Battery Chemistry : LiFePo4 (LFP) Battery Capacity : 1276 wh / 46 V Charger : Yes Charge Time: Standard : Grid: 8.5 hours Solar Panels : 200 W & MPPT controller Passengers : 6 Check all listings by this user Add to favourites National USA United States , North America   Show phone number +1 859.803.1191   https://gosun.co/products/gosun-elcat-solar-powered-electric-boat/ Exciting things are happening every day in electric boats and boating. Subscribe to the Plugboats newsletter so you don't miss a thing! (Or follow us on social media) Email address: RS Electric Boats Pulse 63 ePropulsion Spirit 1 Plus, Spirit 1 EVO, Pod Drives: 1.0 Evo, 3.0 Evo, 6.0 Evo Get all the latest electric boats and boating news delivered to your mailbox! Sign up here for the Plugboats newsletter. IT’S FREE! Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy Yachting World Digital Edition Starlink at sea: all change for cruisers  May 13, 2023 Starlink has shaken up its offering for cruising sailors with a crack down on service term violations and new data plans Starlink, Elon Musk’s low orbit satellite network which delivers low cost high speed internet via a portable dish, has shaken up its offering for cruising sailors and other broadband users at sea. Starlink has been hailed as a game-changer by many adopters. Since its launch just two and a half years ago, its coverage has expanded rapidly and many cruisers crossing the Atlantic last season reported full service mid-ocean. Even cruisers in remote Pacific regions have been reporting excellent connectivity while at sea. In March this year, four American sailors were rescued after their yacht Raindancer sank mid-Pacific in what may well be the first Starlink-enabled rescue. While the conventional rescue communication protocols worked effectively, their rescue was accelerated by the fact that several other yachts on the route were made aware of their plight from browsing Facebook while online, and a Whatsapp group was set up to help coordinate their rescue among boats with fast connectivity (see June issue of Yachting World for the full story). However, most recreational sailors have been using Starlink Roam, previously known as Starlink RV (‘recreational vehicle’) – a plan designed for those in touring vehicles, off grid cabins etc, who needed connectivity whilst stationary – and, critically, on land. The original dedicated Maritime version was designed for commerical use, with subscription initially costing around £5,000 per month. Starlink dish fitted to a bimini structure on a cruising yacht. Photo: Phil Johnson/SV Sonder Numerous Facebook groups sprang up, populated with instructions on how to ‘hack’ the standard Starlink dish to improve its connectivity on a moving yacht, though Starlink contracts always made clear that using a modified stardard dish and Roam connection whilst sailing was in breach of its warranty and terms of service. However, over the past couple of week cruisers have been receiving emails from Starlink notifying them that the company is cracking down on this usage: “Your Starlink has been used in areas that violate the terms and conditions of your service plan: your plan does not include service on the ocean. Starting as early as May 9th, 2023 you will be unable to connect to the internet on the ocean except to access your Starlink account where you can make updates to your account.” The message then went on to recommend users change their service plan to one of their new, more expensive, ‘Mobile Priority’ plans (though considerably less than the previous Maritime plan). It’s important to note that this crack down is not a change to Starlink’s usage permissions, the company is only enforcing its existing terms and conditions. The notifications prompted a flurry of discusssion on the many Starlink user groups, with some joking that it ‘felt like Y2K all over again’, and concerns that connectivity would be cut off instantly at 0000hrs on May 9 (that wasn’t the case, although some customers have received repeated emails and connectivity warnings). Starlink at sea Starlink maps service areas into 15 mile cells, shown on its service maps as blue and black hexagons, determining whether that area is ‘land’ or ‘ocean’, marked in ‘blue’ and ‘black’ respectively. If the satellite technology detects that the dish is being used in a black hexagon it will consider you to be on the ocean. There are, unsurprisingly, a few anomalies – islands and promontories etc which have not been recognised as land etc. ‘Land’ and ‘Ocean’ areas as shown around the Canary Islands on the Starlink map. Source: Starlink.com Starlink advised Roam users instead move to one of their Mobile Priority plans. However, in a pattern that will be familiar to anyone who’s followed Musk’s rapid-fire changes at Twitter, those policy options went through a series of updates and different pricing plans over the past week. One possible solution for cruising users may be to subscribe to a Priority data plan which can be ‘toggled’ on and off as they move between land and ocean areas – although some users report that even after toggling ‘off’ they were still using data from the more expensive Priority plan. Whilst many RV/Roam users have successfully used Starlink’s standard dish whilst in motion, Starlink now offers a dedicated ‘in motion’ option using a higher performance dish. The website currently shows Starlink Martime and Starlink Mobility packages from £247 per month with a hardware cost of £2410, though there are some hefty discounts currently being promoted to existing standard dish owners on new hardware costs Will a securely anchored yacht running Starlink be viewed as ‘in motion’? Photo: Phil Johnson/SV Sonder What’s not yet clear is whether the geo-locating technology considers being on anchor or in a marina as stationary or in motion. One email shared on a user group, apparently from Starlink customer service, says: “You do not need the high performance dish to use in-motion service. However, using the regular dish in-motion voids the warranty, as it wasn’t deigned or built for in motion use. In motion means moving…. A boat at anchor is considered in motion. The bobbing motion will trigger the motion sensors in the dish. “The non high perforamnce antennas may be used in motion now, and in the forseeable future. We do not anticipate removing this capability. A reminder however that they weill be out of warranty if used in motion.” However, confusing, Starlink’s own FAQ page , under “Can I use Starlink in motion?”, advises: “Flat High Performance Starlink is only available to be purchased in certain regions. If your account country is outside these regions, you can use your current Starlink hardware paired with the Mobile Priority data to access prioritized service globally on land and in the ocean while stationary.” [our underline] User groups advise contacting Starlink direct if, for example, you want to use non-priority data while in port and only occasional in-motion priority data for an ocean passage. Options and restrictions also depend on which region cruisers purchased their dish in, and which address their data plan is registered to.  The other consensus among user groups seems to be that, unless you need seamless high speed connectivity because you are running a business whilst cruising or similar, not to rush to replace hardware or sign up for new data plans as they are rapidly evolving. problem solving intervention 255 IMAGES Anchor Navigation Light White Solar Powered 4 Led Sailing with solar power: A practical guide Best Solar Nautical Lights for 2024 Installations on sailing yachts and sailing catamarans Anchor Solar Navigation Light 360° 1-3 nautical miles Relaxn LED Solar 360° Anchor Light VIDEO 1660 StealthWeld MV With a Yamaha 90/65 Jet! Eco-Warrior's Dream: Solar Electric Boat Solar Panel Sailboat Install #sailinglife #sailboat #boat Learning to add Solar Power to a Sailboat. Part 1 Sailboat in kochi port, Kerala| Ships, Boats Perko Anchor light COMMENTS Extra Anchor Lighting For moored boats, we'd install enough built-in solar panels to run a conventional masthead anchor light through the main battery system. Although there are photocell systems that will turn lights off during the day, a low-draw LED anchor light draws little more than the sensing circuit, so you can just leave it on. I Tested 10 Solar Powered Anchor Lights: Here Are My Top 3 Picks I tested 10 solar powered anchor lights and found the best one for your boat. Get it here before it's sold out! Anchor lights test Some skippers just hoist an old oil-powered hurricane lamp up a halyard, others deploy converted solar garden lamps, but if you really want to avoid being hit in the early hours by a latecomer to the anchorage it's surely best to ensure your anchor light is clearly visible from a good distance. 10 Best Solar Powered Nautical Lights & Their Reviews [Updated 2022] 10 best solar powered nautical lights and their reviews for 2022. Important in the use of your boat or ship for navigating the sea. Solar Buoys & Nav. Lights Lake Lite offers the highest quality illuminated Solar Buoys & Solar Navigational Lights on the market. Choose from our Solar Marker Buoy with 3 different LED colors, the Marker Buoy with a variety of Solar Navigation Light colors, the Solar Illuminating Buoy, Regulatory Buoy with Navigational Light, our Solar Marine Light (5 colors choices), and our Solar Beacon Light. All of our Solar ... RailLight Premium™ Solar-Powered Light Shop DAVIS INSTRUMENTS RailLight Premium™ Solar-Powered Light at West Marine. Visit for prices, reviews, deals and more! Signal Mate LED Anchor Light with Auto On/Off Description. The Signal Mate LED Anchor Light with Auto On / Off is a rugged, waterproof anchor light. This light is viewable for 360 degrees up to 3 nautical miles away. It has a photocell so the light turns on and off automatically and the top of the lens is clear which allows the illumination of a wind vane positioned above the light. DYK&NX LED Anchor Light of Marine Boat Yacht Navigation with Solar Buy DYK&NX LED Anchor Light of Marine Boat Yacht Navigation with Solar Charging, PC Material, Waterproof and Dustproof for Boat Lights Bow and Stern (Color : White): Navigation Lights - Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases Amazon.com: Solar Navigation Lights Solar Powered 6 Modes Navigation Lights Deck Lights and Waterproof for Improving the Safety of Vessel Navigation Widely Installed On Seagoing Vessels Yachts Fishing Boats Docks Berths. $9668. $7.65 delivery Sep 23 - Oct 2. Or fastest delivery Sep 18 - 20. Only 4 left in stock - order soon. Sailing Gear Review: NaviSafe Navi Light 360 Portable Anchor Light So I've been experimenting with alternative anchor lights instead. My go-to portable anchor light the last couple of years has been the Carmanah M550, a really high quality solar powered LED that has a remote control and up to 3 nautical miles of visibility. The downside to recommending the M550 is the high cost and limited availability. Solar Anchor or Dock Light This solar marine warning light, with CONSTANT-ON function, makes an excellent overnight DOCK LIGHT for marine vehicles at anchor. Easy to attach to rails and superstructure, the 360 degree bright White LED provides 2 NM visibility, meeting the USCG requirements (Rule 30). Solar Anchor Light Location: Port Moresby,Papua New Guinea. Boat: FP Belize Maestro 43 and OPBs. Posts: 12,891. Re: Solar Anchor Light. An anchor light doesn't have to be on the mast or permanently mounted. You can just hoist an all round white light "where it can best be seen". 27-09-2020, 02:38. # 8. Fuss. Solar mast head lights Apr 12, 2013 #2 Any anchor light should have an I/O at the electrical panel, regardless of how it is powered. Many solar lights have their own built-in daylight switches, assuming you have an I/O wired in anyway. Many skippers have used LED anchor lights with solar lights in the cockpit in addition. Your boat, your choice. Good luck. solar powered anchor light looking for a solar powered anchor light. Can anyone reccomend one? kind regards, Shannon Anchor light solar for Mooring Re: Anchor light solar for Mooring. You can connect a light sensor, which detects ambient light (@ Radio Shack), up to a small bulb. Then seal them in a Baby Food jar, with sealed holes in it's lid for power wires. Put some alligator clips, or small terminal connectors on the ends of the wires. And hoist your new light up the mast. Solar anchor light? Hanging from the backstay it illuminates the mast, sailcovers, rigging, radar, etc. Only 60mA. I don't ever turn mine off while at anchor. Easily 2 mile visibility. Solar garden lights make me laugh. $200,000 boat with a $2 light. And swear when I make a late night arrival in bad weather. 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