Answering the question for Jon boat owners: the best light kits provide dependable navigation, anchor and deck illumination while withstanding salty conditions. This guide highlights five top options suited for small fishing or recreational jon boats, focusing on ease of installation, durability, and clear visibility. Ideal buyers include DIY installers, weekend boaters, and safety-conscious anglers who need reliable lighting without complex systems. Below is a quick comparison and detailed product breakdown to help you choose the right kit.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Attwood Water-Resistant Portable Clamp-On LED Light Kit | Portable setups and quick removal | Clamp-on flexibility with sealed electronics |
| SCYONBARCO 12 Inch Anchor Light | Permanent fixed mast lights | USCG-ready 3NM visibility, fold-down design |
| Obcursco Boat Stern Lights | Adjustable stern/navigation lighting | Long lifespan, IP67 waterproof |
| QLOOASEA 12 Inch Anchor Light | USCG-compliant, pontoon or small boats | 3NM visibility with robust construction |
| Botepon Navigation Lights | Bright bow/deck lighting on entry-level boats | Bright, wide illumination for night safety |
Attwood Water-Resistant Portable Clamp-On LED Light Kit
The Attwood kit includes a red/green bow light and a white stern light with quick-release mounts, a pole, and mounting hardware. Its clamp-on design supports fast addition or removal, ideal for boats that require temporary lighting or seasonal use. Sealed electronics in a shock-proof housing and a shatter-proof polycarbonate lens offer durability in marine environments. Best for boaters who want flexible, temporary lighting without permanent mounting.
Who it’s best for: DIY installers seeking an easy, non-permanent lighting solution. Why chosen: portability and quick-install system reduce setup time and potential boat alterations. Limitation: clamps may require periodic tightening and alignment checks to maintain water tightness.
SCYONBARCO 12 Inches Anchor Light
This 12-inch anchor light is designed for fixed installation on pontoon and small boats, delivering a 360° white LED beam with USCG-compatible 3NM visibility. It features IP67 waterproofing, a stainless steel pole, and a fold-down design to protect the bulb when not in use. Best for: boats needing permanent, compliant night-running illumination. Choose this if you want a reliable, long-term anchor light with durable construction. Caution: installation requires securing a mast or elevated mounting point.
Obcursco Boat Stern Lights, Telescoping Pole
The Obcursco stern lights feature a telescoping 27″-48″ pole with 360° navigation lighting and IP67 waterproof construction. With 63 SMD LEDs, they provide bright, long-range visibility and a high lifespan (up to 50,000 hours). Best for: jon boats needing a tall, adjustable stern/navigation solution. Choose this if you want a versatile light height and strong night visibility. Limitation: the telescoping mechanism may require occasional lubrication and adjustment to retain stability in rough water.
QLOOASEA 12 Inch Anchor Light
This 12-inch white boat navigation light is IP67 waterproof and engineered to meet USCG requirements for 3NM visibility. Its stainless steel pole and marine-grade components provide durable performance on pontoon, jon, or small boats. Best for: boaters needing a dependable, USCG-compliant anchor light. Better for: those who want a robust, fixed lighting solution without complex electronics. Limitation: some users may prefer integrated deck lighting alongside anchor lighting for broader coverage.
Botepon Navigation Lights for Boats
These adhesive red and green bow lights plus deck lights provide enhanced night visibility for night fishing and boating. They are designed to function on pontoon, bass, dinghy, kayak, or jon boats. Best for: simple retrofits on smaller boats requiring bright, multi-area illumination. Choose this if you want a straightforward, budget-friendly upgrade for basic navigation and deck lighting. Caution: adhesion quality depends on clean mounting surfaces and weather exposure over time.
Buying Guide
What to consider when choosing a jon boat light kit:
- Purpose: Permanent navigation lights vs. portable lighting. Permanent kits offer steady compliance; portable options provide flexibility for seasonal use.
- Power and Voltage: Ensure compatibility with your boat’s electrical system (12V is standard for little craft).
- Waterproofing and Durability: Look for IP ratings (IP67 recommended) and corrosion-resistant materials for saltwater use.
- Beam Pattern: 360° lanterns are ideal for deck visibility; 3NM or more brightness improves night navigation for other vessels.
- Mounting Options: Fixed poles, fold-down or telescoping poles, or clamp-on mounting affect installation complexity and stability.
- Maintenance: Consider ease of cleaning, lens clarity, and ease of bulb replacement if applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the minimum USCG requirement for boat lights?
Many vessels are expected to meet a 3NM visibility standard for navigation lights. Verify spec compliance for your boat length and type.
- Are adhesive boat lights reliable long-term?
Adhesive lighting can be dependable for light-duty use, but surface preparation and environmental exposure affect adhesion over time.
- Can I mix different brands for a jon boat light kit?
Yes, as long as power, voltage, and mounting compatibility are matched. Ensure all components meet marine standards.
- What maintenance is needed for LED marine lights?
Regular cleaning, checking seals, and inspecting for corrosion or loose fittings extend life and performance.
- Is IP67 waterproofing sufficient for offshore use?
IP67 is standard for many marine lights; for exposed offshore conditions, choose higher sealing and corrosion-resistant materials.