10 Best Stern Lights
for May 2023

MOOZ's editors select recommendations independently. Purchases made through our links may earn us commissions.

Boating and sailing are incredibly enjoyable activities, but ensuring your safety and visibility on the water is of utmost importance. That's where stern lights come in. Stern lights are an essential component of any boat's navigation system and they mark the boat's position for other boats on the water. LED marine lights have become very popular because of their durability, bright light output and low energy consumption. These lights come in different shapes and sizes, featuring a range of materials and designs to fit any boat style. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to the 10 best stern lights that you can use for sports and outdoors, boating, and sailing. From waterproof to chrome options, these lights are sure to make your experience on the water safer and more enjoyable. So, whether you are a recreational sailor or a competitive boater, read on to find the perfect stern light for your on-water adventures.

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Pactrade Marine LED All-Round Long Stern Light Plugin Aluminum Pole, 24

Pactrade Marine LED All-Round Long Light Stern Plugin Aluminum Pole

by Pactrade Marine
What We like

Item number: Pm151595

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Product Features

  • Working voltage: 12 vdc
  • This is a 24" led all-round stern light made in plastic housing and aluminum post
  • This light has a visibility of 2 nautical miles (nm), and it is approved by uscg
  • Material: Plastic housing & aluminum pole
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12

ONLINE LED STORE 12" White LED Marine Navigation Anchor All-Round Boat Light [USCG ABYC A-16 3NM] [IP67 [Chrome Waterproof] & ABS] 3 Nautical Mile Visibility Fold Down Stern Light for Fishing Boat Yacht Pontoon

by ONLINE LED STORE
What We like

FLEXIBLE POWER - Our lights are designed to handle a wider range of input voltages than other lights on the market, so whether you're running a 12 or 24-volt system on your boat, these lights will fit your setup.

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Product Features

  • LESS WASTE - Finding ways to reduce your equipments total amp draw is an important consideration for any boat owner. Drawing only 1 watt of power, these LED lights are a great way to cut out unnecessary power drains.
  • COMPLETELY LEGAL - Our lights are USCG 33 CFR 183.810 approved, meet ABYC standard A-16, are visible up to 3NM, and can be used as an all-round white light on power-driven boats up to 39.4' (12m) long, or anchor light on boats up to 165' (50m).
  • LOW MAINTENANCE - Equipped with long-lasting LEDs, corrosion resistant materials, an anti-glare design, and a folding base for easier storage, these lights are less prone to damage and maintenance issues than other lights on the market.
  • ALWAYS RELIABLE - The 12" all-round light is an important piece of safety equipment on your boat and must be able to function in all weather conditions. Unlike other, cheaper lights, our lights are silicone sealed, fully submersible, and IP67 rated.
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Pactrade Marine Boat Navigation All-Round Warm White Stern Light and 2-Prong Nylon Base, 24

Pactrade Marine Boat Navigation All-Round Warm Stern White Light and 2-Prong Nylon Base

by Pactrade Marine
What We like

Item number: PM151251b2 + PM151272

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Product Features

  • Material: Plastic housing & aluminum pole
  • Housing color: Black, and clear white lens
  • Color: Warm white
  • This set of items include one all-round warm white stern light, and one 2-prong black nylon base
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Botepon Marine Led Boat Lights, Led Navigation Lights, Red and Green Bow Lights, Boat Stern Lights IP67 Waterproof for Pontoon Boat Dinghy Kayak Yacht Vessel

Botepon Marine Led Boat Lights

by Botepon
What We like

HIGH QUALITYIP67 waterproof, DC 12V operated, Made with a flexible high quality silicone shell, and is designed to last 50,000 hours.

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Product Features

  • APPILICATIONBest idea for boat lights, navigation lights, bow lights, boating lights on Pontoon Boat, Bass Boat, Dinghy, Yacht, Kayak and so on.
  • SUPER BRIGHTWith 18Pcs imported 5050 led chip, can produce a very visible light of 3 miles.
  • EASY TO INSTALLThe 3M strong Double-sided adhesive on the back of the strip light enables you to put it in any where you want. We advise that if you want keep it on place in a long time, please use the marine grade silicone adhesive to fix it.
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Obcursco Adjustable Boat Stern Light White All Round Anchor Light 9 Inch Fold Down Boat Stern Light

Obcursco Adjustable Boat Stern Light White All Round Light Anchor 9 Inch Fold Down Boat Stern Light

by Obcursco
What We like

Easy to install: Confirm installation position and then uses 4 installation screws to fix stern light and done.

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Product Features

  • Meet USCG requirement: 360 3NM reliable illumination ensures boat is highly visible on the water to avoid marine accident.
  • IP65 Waterproof Rate: Fully waterproof ring can improve waterproof performance.
  • Specification: Working voltage: 12-24V, Waterproof rate: IP65, Tube material: Stainless Steel, Base material: Marine grade ABS, Bulb color: 5000K.
  • 180 adjustable mounted fold down design: Adjustable angle design meets whatever visibility angle you require
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SeaSense Telescopic Stern Light 26 to 48-Inches with Round Base, Chrome

SeaSense Telescopic Stern Light 26 48-Inches to with Round Base

by Unified Marine, Inc.
What We like

Perfect For Boats Up To 39'

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Product Features

  • Meets U.S.C.G. Requirements
  • Reduce Inventory w/Sizes Extending Up To 72"
  • Can Be Seen For 2 NM
  • Non-Glare Lens Diffuses Light Out Of View
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3 inch 6 LED S.S.304 12V Round Marine Navigation Light Chrome Boat Polished Stainless LED Transom Mount Stern Anchor Lights Flush Mount,IP67 Waterproof

CISNO 3 inch 6 LED S.S.304 12V Round Marine Navigation Light Boat Chrome Polished Stainless LED Transom Mount Stern Anchor Lights Flush Mount

by CISNO
What We like

Chrome Bezel: Quality flange constructed; Durable Light Body: Durable clear plastic lens and body

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Product Features

  • Fasteners and Mounting Gasket Included
  • Replaces existing stern & swim platform lights with LED lighting
  • 3 inch Diameter,12 V DC,IP67 Waterproof,Flush mount
  • It can be used to light an interior compartment and may also be used as a cockpit courtesy light
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Partsam 2pcs 3

Partsam 2pcs 3" inch Round Navigation Lights Chrome Boat Marine Clear Blue Lens 6-2835-SMD LED Transom Mount Stern Anchor Lamps 12V Surface Mount

by Partsam
What We like

Accessories Included: Come with the mounting screws you need, easy to install

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Product Features

  • It can be used to light an interior compartment and may also be used as a cockpit courtesy light
  • 3 inch Diameter; 12 V DC; 6-2835-SMD; surface mount; Replaces existing stern & swim platform lights with LED lighting
  • electroplate plastic bezel+PC lens: Quality flange constructed; Durable Light Body: Durable clear pc lens and body
  • Partsam transom light has longevity and low draw of LED technology applied to a round, surface mount blue light for vertical transoms. Also, it can also serve as an interior cabin or courtesy light
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White Stern LED Marine Navigation Light [IP67 Waterproof] [USCG Approved] [Corrosion Resistant Chrome and ABS] 2 Nautical Mile Visibility for Fishing Boat Yacht Pontoon up to 65.6' (20m)

ONLINE LED STORE White Stern LED Marine Navigation Light [IP67 Waterproof] [USCG Approved] [Corrosion Resistant and Chrome ABS] 2 Nautical Mile Visibility for Fishing Boat Yacht Pontoon up to 65.6' (20m)

by ONLINE LED STORE
What We like

FLEXIBLE POWER - Our lights are designed to handle a wider range of input voltages than other lights on the market, so whether you're running a 12 or 24-volt system on your boat, these lights will fit your setup.

more infoarrow_drop_down

Product Features

  • LOW MAINTENANCE - Caring for a boat is a time-consuming endeavor and your lights shouldn't add to the workload. Made from corrosion resistant, chrome-plated ABS, and equipped with long-lasting LEDs, these lights are one less thing to worry about.
  • ALWAYS RELIABLE - A stern light is an important piece of safety equipment on your boat and must be able to function in all weather conditions. Unlike other, cheaper lights, our lights are silicone sealed, fully submersible, and IP67 rated.
  • LESS WASTE - Finding ways to reduce your equipment's total amp draw is an important consideration for any boat owner. Drawing only .2 watts of power, these LED lights are a great way to cut out unnecessary power drains.
  • COMPLETELY LEGAL - You can cruise with confidence knowing that our stern lights are USCG approved in accordance with 33 CFR 183.810, meet ABYC standard A-16, are visible up to 2NM, and can be used on boats up to 65.6' (20m) in length.
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7.3
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Snap Adj. All-Round Stern Light

Shoreline Marine Snap All-Round Adj. Stern Light

by Big Game International
What We like

Universal plug allows for easy plug and play use; No tricky installation

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Product Features

  • Durable anodized aluminum pole stands up against the elements
  • Extendable from 28" to 49" Inch
  • Gives 360 degree visibility

As a scientist with a degree in history, I have always been interested in the evolution of technology and how it has impacted human society throughout the ages. One such evolution that has had a profound impact on the safety of marine navigation is the development of stern lights.

Stern lights have been used on boats and ships for centuries, and they serve a critical role in ensuring that vessels can be safely navigated in low light conditions. In the early days of seafaring, stern lights were often simple torches or lanterns that were hung from the stern of a vessel. These early lights were primitive, but they served their purpose by providing a small amount of illumination that allowed other ships and boats to see the vessel in the darkness.

Over time, stern lights evolved and became more sophisticated. The first truly modern stern lights were introduced in the early 20th century, powered by electric bulbs with batteries or generators. These lights were brighter and more reliable than their predecessors and helped improve safety at sea. In fact, the United States Coast Guard required all vessels over a certain size to have a stern light installed by 1915.

As technology advanced, stern lights continued to improve. The development of LED technology in the 1960s and 70s allowed for even brighter and more energy-efficient lights that were more reliable than previous models. Today, LED stern lights are the standard on most vessels, providing bright, long-lasting illumination that can be seen for miles.

It is important to note that stern lights play a critical role in ensuring the safety of those who navigate the waters, especially at night. Without these lights, vessels would be much harder to see and collisions would be much more common. That's why the United States Coast Guard and other marine organizations have strict regulations regarding the installation and use of stern lights.

So the next time you're out on the water at night, take a moment to appreciate the evolution of stern lights and the role they play in making navigation safer for everyone.

1) Material choice: The use of plastic housing and aluminum pole has likely been chosen for its durability and resistance to harsh marine environments. However, this material choice may also affect the weight of the product, which could impact ease of installation and portability for users.

2) Size and Visibility: The choice of a 24" size for the all-round stern light may impact visibility for users on different types of vessels or in different weather conditions. A larger size may provide better visibility but could also be bulkier and more difficult to install.

3) Energy Efficiency: The use of LED lights in this product is likely chosen for their energy efficiency and long-lasting durability. However, the brightness of the LED lights may also affect user experience, as a light that is too bright could be distracting or disorienting, while a light that is too dim may not provide adequate visibility.

Overall, the design choices made for this product are likely intended to improve functionality and durability for users, while also meeting regulations and safety standards. However, the specific trade-offs made in terms of material, size, and brightness may impact user experience in different ways beyond what the manufacturer may claim.

FAQ About stern lights

Q: What color should a stern light be?

A: The color of a stern light should be white.

Q: How tall should stern light be on boat?

A: The height of a stern light on a boat depends on the size and type of the boat. However, as a general rule, a stern light should be visible from at least two nautical miles away, and so it should be mounted high enough to be visible from all angles.

Q: What color lights are best on a boat?

A: White, red, and green are the most common colors of lights on boats. White lights are used for navigation, while red and green lights are used for indicating the port and starboard side of the boat, respectively.

Q: Which is the appropriate lighting for a fishing vessel at stern?

A: For a fishing vessel, it is appropriate to have an all-round white light at the stern, which should be visible from at least 2 nautical miles away. Additionally, if the fishing vessel is underway, it should also have red and green lights at the bow, indicating the vessel's direction of travel to other boats.

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