Navigation lights are a must-have for any kayak or boat. It’s not an accessory, it’s a safety feature that you cannot live without. There are many different types of navigation lights available on the market today and it can be difficult to choose the best one for your needs, but this article is going to make things much easier for you! We’ll review some of the most popular navigation light models currently on sale and give you all the information you need to decide which one is right for your needs!
Navigation lights are a type of marine lighting that is used to improve the visibility of a vessel while it is underway. They provide basic guidance for other vessels when travelling at night or in low-visibility conditions. There are many different types and styles of navigation lights available on the market, but they all serve the same purpose: to make your boat or kayak more visible to others while you’re out on the water.
In order to comply with maritime regulations, any vessel travelling at night must display navigation lights in accordance with certain specifications. These requirements vary depending on the size and type of vessel, but typically include one or more white masthead light, one or more green sidelight, and a red sternlight. Some boats may also require a towing light, anchor lights, and other types of lighting based on their size or design.
Lights For Kayaks
Railblaza’s Visibility Kit is a great choice for kayak navigation lights. The kit includes two Railblaza StarPort Max 360 degree light mounts, four Rokkor LED lights, and a 12-volt plug with built-in battery cable.
The Railblaza can be attached to any flat surface on your boat, while the Rokkor LEDs provide bright, white illumination that can be seen from up to half a mile away. The kit also comes with a rechargeable 12-volt battery pack, so no need to worry about finding replacement batteries when the time comes.
The Railblaza is a great choice for kayak navigation lights thanks to its versatile StarPort Max mount that can be attached just about anywhere on your boat, while Rokkor LEDs provide bright white illumination… Very easy to use and set up! Very happy with this product!!
Unlike halogen bulbs which must be handled carefully so they don’t shatter, LED bulbs are solid state meaning they’re much more durable. And if one does happen to malfunction or break you won’t have any issues replacing it – simply buy another bulb instead of having to manually fix something inside the light housing (which often requires specific tools).
- Bright, white illumination that can be seen from up to half a mile away
- Comes with rechargeable 12-volt battery pack
- Only comes with four LED lights which might not be enough for some users
The Hobie Safety Flag/Light Combo is an affordable choice that’s easy to use and install. Made with high-quality materials, this flag can be attached just about anywhere on your kayak for optimal visibility in all conditions.
One of the best things about using a safety flag instead of lights or reflectors alone is how it increases your visual footprint – meaning you’ll stand out much more than if you were simply paddling around without any type of light at night (which makes it harder for other vessels to see you). The bright LED strobe also helps alert others who might not otherwise notice there was someone during nighttime hours! And since the device is waterproof, rain won’t damage its internal components even if it’s submerged.
One downside to the Hobie Safety Flag/Light Combo is that, as with all flags, it can sometimes catch wind and get in the way while you’re paddling. It might take a little bit of getting used to but overall it shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience.
- Provides 360-degree visibility
- Attaches easily to kayak
- Flag sometimes catches wind while paddling
The Paddlers Supply Company LED Kayak Deck Light is a great option for those looking for an affordable and durable light. This light can be easily attached to any kayak with the included adhesive pad or screws, making it a versatile choice that’s perfect for all types of paddlers.
One of the best things about this light is that it features three different modes: solid white light, flashing strobe, and slow-flashing strobe. This makes it ideal for both daytime and nighttime use, as you can choose the mode that works best depending on your surroundings.
Another great thing about this light is that it only weighs 0.44 ounces, making it extremely lightweight and easy to attach to any part of a kayak or paddleboard without weighing you down. This also makes it very portable for those looking for an option they can easily store in their boat if needed.
The last really awesome feature of this light is its water-resistant design with an IPX rating of 67, which protects the LED from damage due to rain and splashes. Other lights may not be able to handle as much exposure as this one before failing, so we were impressed by how durable and sturdy the Paddlers Supply Company model really was!
- Very affordable
- Durable and water-resistant
- Three different modes for versatile use
- None that we could find!
The Attwood Water-Resistant Deck Mount LED Navigation Light is a great option for those looking for an affordable all-around light. This model can be easily attached to any kayak or paddleboard with the included deck mount, making it easy to keep track of your location when you’re out on the water.
Another thing that we really liked about this particular product was how bright and visible its flashing pattern was in comparison to other products we tested! The yellow color also made it stand out well against different backgrounds, so even if there wasn’t much ambient lighting available at night time, you could still easily see where this unit was pointing due to its unique design.
This specific light features nine total LEDs which are powered by three AAA batteries, and the entire product is IPX-66 waterproof rated. This means that it can easily withstand direct splashes of water from any angle without getting damaged, but we would recommend keeping this light out of deep puddles or other bodies of water to be safe.
- Affordable
- Easy to attach/detach from kayak or paddleboard
- Visible flashing pattern
- Waterproof (IPX-66)
- Batteries not included
The Energizer High Powered LED Headlamp is a great option for those looking for a durable and reliable light to take with them on their next kayaking trip. This headlamp features three bright LEDs which can be seen from up to 100 feet away, making it an ideal choice for night-time navigation.
It’s also worth noting that this particular headlamp is IPX- rated for water resistance, meaning it can withstand brief periods of immersion in water without getting damaged. Additionally, the headband itself is adjustable so that you can find the right fit for your head.
The Energizer High Powered LED Headlamp is a great choice because it delivers on all fronts – value, quality, and durability. At only $11 this light can easily be used to replace any other lights you have in your kayak or boat without breaking the bank!
- Bright LEDs can be seen from up to 100 feet away
- IPX-rated for water resistance
- Adjustable headband for a custom fit
- None noted!
The Nextorch Cap Lights Clip On Headlamp Flashlight is a unique option which can help you see clearly while kayaking at night.
This headlamp attaches to the brim of your hat, making it perfect for hands-free use while out on the water. Plus, its great design means that you won’t have any trouble fitting it over any kind hat or helmet – even if they are wet!
If you’re looking for an ultra versatile light then this might be the one for you since there are so many different ways in which it can be used! It’s also worth noting that this product comes with red and green lights allowing you to choose between colors based on preference.
These cap lights feature ten white L.E.D lights plus three red and two green L.E E D lights, giving you a total of thirteen different lighting options to choose from!
In addition, these cap-lights are compact enough that they won’t cause storage problems when not in use – the batteries can even be removed for added convenience! This means that if your kayak or boat capsizes you don’t need to worry about losing any important equipment! It’s worth noting though that this product isn’t intended as a substitute for approved marine navigational aids but is instead meant to enhance visibility while boating at night.
- Attaches to most hats
- Comes with red and green lights
- Battery can be removed for convenience
- May not provide enough light for certain activities.
The 12V LED Submersible Night Fishing Light is a great option for those who want to be able to see clearly in the dark while kayaking.
This light attaches easily to your boat or kayak and provides a bright, white light that can help you spot fish and other obstacles in the water. It’s also perfect for illuminating your path as you paddle – ensuring that you won’t accidentally run into anything!
This submersible light runs on twelve volts of power and includes an adjustable bracket which makes it easy to attach it wherever you need it. Plus, its tough plastic casing means that it can withstand even the roughest conditions!
If you’re looking for an affordable way to improve your night time boating experience, the 12V LED Submersible Night Fishing Light is a great option.
- Affordable
- Lightweight and durable design
- Adjustable bracket makes it easy to attach the light anywhere on your kayak, boat, or even paddleboard.
- May not be bright enough for some users
How to Choose the Right Kayak Navigation Lights: A Buyer’s Guide
- Flag And Light Combo Kits
Flag and Light Combo Kits are great for beginners because they offer all the necessary lighting features in one easy package. They usually include a flag mounted on an aluminum pole, which is used to make your boat more visible during daylight hours (flag kits only). In addition, these types of kayak lights also come with masthead and sidelights that can be attached anywhere along the top edge or forward part of your craft. This gives you greater flexibility when choosing where to install them depending on your specific needs!
- Deck Lights
Deck lights are a good choice for kayakers who want to add additional lighting features without spending too much money. These types of kayak navigation lights typically consist of one or more waterproof LED bulbs with an attached wire and clip, which you can use to attach it virtually anywhere on your boat (deck lights only). The beauty about deck light is that they’re very versatile because the clips allow you to place them in almost any position.
One unique feature offered by most brands of deck light is multiple brightness settings, so if you need extra visibility at night then these should suit your needs perfectly! They also work great as marker buoys when used during the day thanks to their bright colors and water-resistant exterior casing.
- Fish Attracting Lights
As the name suggests, Fish Attracting Lights are designed to help anglers attract fish by emitting a soft light underwater. They come in many different shapes and sizes, but all work on the same basic principle: they emit a low-intensity light that attracts baitfish and other aquatic creatures.
While not strictly kayak navigation lights, these types of lights can be a great addition to your setup if you’re looking to increase your chances of catching fish. Some models even have an adjustable focus so you can customize the beam width depending on your fishing needs!
When choosing kayak navigation lights, there are a few factors you’ll need to consider. Here’s a quick buyer’s guide to help make the process easier:
There are two main types of kayak navigation lights – deck or fish attracting lights, and underwater lamps. Deck or fish attracting lights attach to the top of your vessel and emit a bright light that is visible from a distance. Underwater lamps attach below the waterline and emit soft light that attracts baitfish and other aquatic creatures.
Most brands offer multiple brightness settings so you can choose a setting that suits your needs perfectly! If you need extra visibility when paddling near busy waterways for example, then a high/low option would be perfect for this situation. The same goes if it’s foggy outside or there’s poor light conditions due to clouds blocking out the sun – just use the “high” function until things improve.
Many brands offer adjustable clamps so you can strap the lamp onto any area on your boat for optimal lighting performance. This is a great feature if you often paddle in areas where there’s no danger of running into other boats or objects – just remove the light and save on battery life!
Kayak navigation lights can be easily removed if they’re not needed for some reason. This means you can take them off your boat when they’re not in use and store them safely until you need them again. This is a great feature if you often paddle in areas where there’s no danger of running into other boats or objects – just remove the light and save on battery life!
Some kayak navigation lights use LED bulbs, while others make use of halogen. There are pros and cons to both options so it really comes down to personal preference when choosing between them. However, one thing worth noting is that multiple LEDs tend to be more durable than halogens as they’re less likely to shatter due their solid state design (whereas with halogens, care must be taken not to touch the bulb directly because once broken they cannot easily be replaced).
Benefits of Using Kayak Navigation Lights
One of the primary benefits of using kayak navigation lights is that they help other vessels see you from a greater distance, which can help prevent accidents. By having your boat fitted with bright and visible lights, you’re not only adhering to maritime law but also increasing your safety on the water.
In addition, many people find it easier to maneuver their boats at night when they have proper lighting installed. This is especially true for beginners who are still getting used to paddling in the dark.
Another benefit of using kayak navigation lights is that they ensure your boat is visible during the day and night. This means you don’t have to worry about being run over by other vessels or crashing into objects in low-visibility conditions.
In addition, many models come with adjustable brightness settings so you can choose a setting that suits your needs perfectly! If you need extra visibility when paddling near busy waterways for example, then a high/low option would be perfect for this situation. The same goes if it’s foggy outside or there’s poor light conditions due to clouds blocking out the sun – just use the “high” function until things improve.
Lastly, using kayak navigation lights also promotes safety while travelling in low-visibility conditions. By having proper lighting installed on your vessel, you’re reducing the chances of running into obstacles or being hit by another boat.
In addition, many people find it easier to maneuver their boats at night when they have proper lighting installed. This is especially true for beginners who are still getting used to paddling in the dark.
Kayak navigation lights enhance your visibility to other boaters, which may help avoid collisions. You can also increase the chances of being spotted from a distance when using deck or fish attracting light because they emit bright beams that reflect off water and attract attention.
In addition, many people find it easier to navigate their kayaks at night when equipped with proper lighting installed on their vessel. This is especially true for beginners who are still getting used to paddling in the dark.
Lastly, using kayak navigation lights can also attract fish if you use a fish attracting light. By emitting a soft light underwater, you’re providing an environment that baitfish and other aquatic creatures find inviting. This can increase your chances of catching fish, especially if you’re targeting certain species.
While not strictly kayak navigation lights, these types of lights can be a great addition to your setup if you’re looking to increase your chances of catching fish. Some models even have an adjustable focus so you can customize the beam width depending on your fishing needs!
Tips for Using Kayak Navigation Lights
- Mounting position is very important. You want your light to be visible from all angles, so keep that in mind when positioning it on the kayak.
- It’s a good idea to check out your state and national laws about navigation lights before investing into them as they vary greatly across geographical regions. This website offers a great summary of rules per country: Kayak Light Laws .
- Although not an official requirement for most boating activities, having some form of night time illumination will make you more visible on the water at night but also help avoid accidents with other boats or floating objects such as logs or debris. Keep this in mind before using any kind of flashlight during nighttime hours!
- Invest in a good quality light. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the lake with a broken light.
Frequently asked questions
Conclusion
It’s not only important to have the right kayak, but also that you know how to use it. The best way to do this is by having lights on your kayak at night and during low visibility conditions. There are many types of Kayak navigation lights available for purchase so read our buyer’s guide before making a decision about which light system will be the most beneficial for you and your needs. We’ve reviewed some of the top options out there so take a look through them today!