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Last Updated on August 20, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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The 8 Best 12v Boat Spotlights
A boat spotlight is essential for boaters who love staying on the water even after sunset. It makes navigation easier at night and could also serve as a signal in case they need help.
However, buying a boat spotlight can be challenging, especially if it’s your first time.
Fortunately, we’ve rounded up the eight best boat spotlights to simplify your search. Check them out!
Key Takeaways:
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- Importance of Boat Spotlights: Essential for nighttime navigation and signaling for help.
- Top Recommendations:
- BIGSUN Rechargeable Spotlight: Super bright, versatile, and long battery life.
- Jabsco 60020 Halogen Searchlight: Durable, non-corrosive materials and powerful light.
- BUYSIGHT Rechargeable Spotlight: Lightweight, waterproof, and multi-functional.
- STANLEY FATMAX Ultra Bright LED Spotlight: High lumens, sturdy construction, and ergonomic.
- SUPAREE LED Spotlight: Magnetic base, remote control, and wide beam.
- GOODSMANN Rechargeable Spotlight: Waterproof, floating, and durable.
- Streamlight Waypoint LED Spotlight: Lightweight, versatile, and indestructible design.
- WFPOWER 2-Pack Boat Spotlight: Affordable, durable, and easy to install.
- Buying Guide:
- Type: Hand-held vs. Mounted models.
- Brightness: Lumens range and visibility distance.
- Waterproofing: Importance of water resistance.
- Durability: Build quality and materials.
- Power Source: Battery vs. corded spotlights.
8 Best Boat Spotlights
1. BIGSUN Rechargeable Spotlight
The BIGSUN Spotlight is a high-quality yet affordable boat spotlight. It emits a super bright light that can penetrate up to 1300 yards of darkness to ease navigation and make your night trips enjoyable. It has a red lens option to give the night some color.
I like the rechargeable battery, which lasts 12 hours in the highest setting. But it doesn’t go off after this. You’ll still have four more hours with reduced brightness.
It’s also easy to use. A simple flick of a button switches it to different lighting modes and off. Thanks to its 10,000-mah solid lithium battery, you can use this spotlight to recharge your phone significantly if it is low on power.
Another impressive aspect of this spotlight is that it’s highly versatile. In addition to boating, it can be used for camping, hunting, and any other activity that requires reliable brightness at night.
And that’s not all; the spotlight comes with a super-bright side lamp. According to the manufacturer, the side lamp’s brightness is equivalent to 10 mobile phones’ flashlights turned on simultaneously.
The waterproof and shockproof spotlight will last long when handled with care. But there is nothing much to worry about as I’ve dropped mine several times, and it still works great.
When you order this spotlight, the package comes with everything you need, including a charger, cable, hand and shoulder straps, and a mountable tripod.
2. BUYSIGHT B743-G Rechargeable Spotlight
If you are searching for a premium marine spotlight that will last a lifetime, look no further than the Jabsco 60020 Halogen Searchlight.
This quality spotlight uses non-corrosive materials that can withstand extreme boating conditions to ensure it serves you long.
It uses a sealed beam, so you can expect the light to remain bright and dependable since the reflector doesn’t get dirty or become tarnished regardless of the conditions to which you expose the spotlight.
The Jabsco 60020 Halogen Searchlight installation, with excellent, easy-to-follow instructions, is a breeze.
Most boat spotlights tend to break when boating in wavy waters, especially when dealing with 5-foot or higher waves, but this one works great and handles all weather conditions well.
Its patented clutch mechanism protects the motor from damage. It draws less power yet produces much light, helping you see clearly when sailing at night.
No batteries are required for this boat spotlight to work, so you don’t have to worry about self-discharge, a common problem with many rechargeable spotlights. You must ensure it’s well connected to a power source in the boat and enjoy the bright light.
The spotlight has a 15-inch cable for easy connection and remote control for unmatched convenience. You can rotate the searchlight about 320 degrees horizontally and 75 degrees vertically.
3. BUYSIGHT Rechargeable Spotlight
The BUYSIGHT Rechargeable Spotlight is a bright flashlight designed for indoor and outdoor applications. It is lightweight and can be used as a hand-held flashlight.
It comes with three lighting modes: the main bright flashlight, the weak mode, and the slide light. The latter can be used as a floodlight on the boat or when engaging in other outdoor activities at night, like camping.
Besides the flood flashlight, the side light has a warning light function that gives red and blue light signals. The warning light is handy in hazy weather.
This waterproof boat spotlight is incredibly durable. Its aluminum shell is well-treated to prevent corrosion and has a lifetime warranty.
The ergonomic handle makes operating this spotlight easy. If you don’t want to hold it, mount it using its bracket, allowing you to do your night activities easily.
Overall, this BUYSIGHT Spotlight provides great value for your money. Thanks to its top quality, excellent performance, and durability.
The only problem with this spotlight is that it’s easy to get faulty parts, but this is not a deal breaker since you can call the manufacturer any time, and they’ll send you a replacement for free.
4. STANLEY FATMAX Ultra Bright LED Spotlight
The STANLEY FATMAX Ultra Bright LED Spotlight is a must-have for every boater. It’s also ideal for camping and any outdoor activities.
However, if you love sailing at night, this spotlight will light up your adventures and make your navigation stress-free. It offers up to 2,200 lumens of light, allowing bright lighting over 300 yards away.
What’s impressive about this spotlight is its sturdy construction, ensuring it can withstand water splashes and deliver top-notch performance. If you sail in saltwater environments, you don’t have to worry about rusting, as the spotlight uses quality materials that will not corrode in boating conditions.
It comes with a pivoting stand and a trigger lock that allow you to use the spotlight while still having free hands for your night operations. But this doesn’t mean that holding this spotlight is uncomfortable or risky. It comes with ergonomic rubber, which ensures a good grip.
The lightweight design makes it easy to operate for extended periods without fatigue. In case of an emergency, you only need to click once to activate the bright lighting mode and continue with your adventures.
Its lithium-ion battery can hold power for up to 12 months when appropriately charged. Using the spotlight on a low setting can last about 7 hours, which is ideal for most boaters.
The package includes everything you need to charge and use the spotlight to avoid additional costs.
The only downside of this boat spotlight is that it’s not submersible in the water. It can stand splashes from waves, but it’s not entirely waterproof.
5. SUPAREE LED Spotlight
The SUPAREE LED Spotlight is a quality searchlight that offers unparalleled convenience. Its magnetic base allows you to enjoy incredibly bright lighting without holding or sticking it in one place.
What makes the spotlight stand out is that it’s 100% rotational. You can set it on any metallic part of the boat and get the appropriate lighting in whichever direction you need.
Unlike most spotlights, this one has a broad yet intense beam that allows you to see up to 500 yards clearly at night.
It comes with a remote control and is a great purchase. The remote allows you to operate the spotlight from a long distance, something you may not enjoy with most boat spotlights.
And it’s not just designed for boats. You can use it for truck and trailer lighting, camping, off-roading, hunting, Garden lighting, and more.
This spotlight uses a power cord instead of a rechargeable battery. But don’t let that fool you—the cord is incredibly long, making it easy to move around with the spotlight.
The power cord is also highly durable, allowing you to power the spotlight for as long as it lasts without making multiple replacements.
If you are looking for a quality spotlight that provides a bright light with a wide beam, the SUPAREE Rotating Spotlight is a great choice. You’ll also love its flexibility and durability.
6. GOODSMANN Rechargeable Spotlight
Are you looking for a compact boat spotlight that is 100% waterproof? Your search ends on the GOODSMANN Rechargeable Spotlight.
This one is a bit more expensive than most spotlights reviewed on the list, but the extra dollars are worth it. It’s a 3000-lumen spotlight, but even a brighter version (4500 lumens) is cheaper.
This sturdy boat spotlight has three lighting modes: high, low, and a flashing alert when the torch is off.
Being completely waterproof, the GOODSMANN Rechargeable Spotlight is ideal for any boating adventure. Your boating environment doesn’t matter when using this spotlight, as it remains unaffected by even the most extreme conditions.
If you accidentally drop it in the water, you won’t have to worry about damaging or losing it since it’s submersible and will float for easy retrieval. It also has a strap for easy handling.
Its durable rechargeable battery has a capacity of 2000 mah and can be easily charged with the package’s adapter, a 100cm cable.
This GOODSMANN Spotlight is exceptionally versatile. It is handy for different outdoor applications, from camping to cave exploring.
You can confidently buy the spotlight with a one-year warranty because quality is guaranteed. You can call the manufacturer for quick replacement if you receive faulty parts.
7. Streamlight Waypoint LED Spotlight
The Streamlight Waypoint LED Spotlight is an improved and lightweight model with an incredible brightness of about 550 lumens, illuminating over 500 yards.
This water-resistant spotlight will serve you in any boating circumstance. You can switch between high and low brightness levels depending on your needs.
When you turn the spotlight off, the emergency signal lights will still be running, making it easy to spot the flashlight when needed.
The hand-held spotlight has a well-made handle and a balanced build to ease the strain and prevent hand fatigue.
It’s also an incredibly portable and versatile spotlight. You can use it for various applications, such as RV camping, hunting, lighting your garden, and more.
Another reason why many boaters love this spotlight is its indestructible design. It will serve you for many years while providing reliable illumination for your night boating trips.
The package includes everything you need to use the spotlight beside the batteries. But this is not a deal breaker since alkaline C batteries are affordable.
The batteries will last about 10 hours, serving bright light, while the emergency alert light runs for 82 hours.
If you don’t want to use batteries, you can connect the spotlight to a power source for unlimited lighting since it has a power cord.
8. WFPOWER 2-Pack Boat Spotlight
The WFPOWER 2-Pack Spotlight is another affordable, high-quality, and reliable boat spotlight. It provides ultra-bright LED light to illuminate your boating environment for stress-free navigation adequately.
The spotlight is highly durable and built with cast aluminum alloy and a reinforced PMMA P lens.
It’s easy to install on any boat and has all the mounting accessories and hardware needed. The installation hardware is made of stainless steel to prevent rust and ensure a perfect fit.
This spotlight is entirely waterproof, so you don’t have to stress about damaging it when boating in wavy water or rainstorms.
Its stainless steel mounting bracket is flexible, allowing you to adjust the spotlight by about 120 degrees for convenient lighting.
This spotlight can be used at night for other outdoor adventures, such as boating. It can be mounted indoors on a pickup, trailer, truck, or SUV.
Overall, the WFPOWER 2-Pack Spotlight will provide great value for your money. With its reasonable price and terrific performance, it’s easy to see why many adventurers love this spotlight.
However, the mounting bracket can be tricky but manageable for some users. Once you get past that, you’ll enjoy decent lighting for many years.
Best Boat Spotlights: Buying Guide
If you want to buy a spotlight for your boat, here are the essential things to look for to ensure that you get the best one:
Hand-Held vs. Mounted Model
Some boat spotlights are designed to be hand-held, while others are mountable on the boat. It’s essential to consider the type of design you want to ensure you get a spotlight that suits your needs.
Hand-held spotlights provide great flexibility. You can use them on any part of the boat and take them with you when engaging in other outdoor activities, as you don’t need to do any mounting work.
If you decide to get a hand-held spotlight for your boating adventures, it will help you choose a lightweight model with an ergonomic handle to prevent hand fatigue and ensure a good grip.
Mountable spotlights also provide convenience. You can mount several in different parts of the boat and won’t have to hold any lighting tools.
If this is the route you want, I’d recommend checking the mounting hardware, as not all use stainless steel. If you end up with cheaply made mounting brackets, you’ll need to replace them soon since they will inevitably rust.
Brightness
The amount of light a spotlight produces matters a lot, as it determines whether it’s suitable for boating. Fewer lumens mean low light, while higher lumens mean more brightness.
Generally, about 550 to 2000 lumens are ideal for boating and other outdoor activities. The best boat spotlight should be able to illuminate at least 200 yards.
Waterproofing
Choosing waterproof models is essential since you will use your boat spotlight when navigating at night.
Accidents can happen anytime, and your spotlight could fall into the water. If it’s not water-resistant, it will no longer function.
So, why not go for a waterproof spotlight that will not get damaged in case of submersion in the water? Along with water resistance, some spotlights will also float on the water, making it easy to retrieve them.
Durability
While it’s difficult to tell how durable a product is before using it, you can check the overall build and the materials used to determine how long a spotlight will last.
Spotlights made of high-quality and treated materials will last a long time, while cheap ones will break after a few days or months of use.
You can also check the spotlight’s warranty and consider what other customers say about the product’s durability.
Battery or Corded
Some boat spotlights require a battery, while others come with a power cord, and each type has advantages and disadvantages.
If you want a battery-powered spotlight, remember that some are rechargeable, and others are replaceable.
Rechargeable batteries are a better option since they are built into the spotlight, so you don’t have to buy anything extra. However, it would be best to recharge them after using them.
While they can be more expensive than corded ones, they do not require any power to run and can last many hours after charging.
Consider its quality and durability if you buy a spotlight with a rechargeable battery. You don’t want a battery that will discharge itself whenever you charge it.
One important thing to look for in a corded spotlight is the cord length. In this case, longer cords are better, providing improved flexibility.
FAQs
Q: How Many Lumens Do I Need for Boat Spotlights
A: At least 550 lumens are ideal for boating and outdoor adventures. With such brightness, you can see as far as 200 yards or even more, which is perfect for fishing or navigation.
Nonetheless, some premium spotlight models come with high brightness of up to 5000 lumens. While this is impressive lighting, it may not be necessary unless you plan to light an ample space and are willing to pay the extra dollars.
When buying a boat spotlight, it would be best to consider other factors besides brightness. We are discussing water resistance, durability, ease of use/installation, and more.
Q: How Far Will 5000 Lumens Shine?
A: A spotlight with a brightness of 5000 lumens can illuminate about 600 yards or even more. Wide beam bulbs of 5000 lumens can shine average spaces of about 250 square feet.
Final Thoughts
Having a good spotlight on board can be beneficial not only to you but also to other water users at night. It can help you quickly navigate and send warnings to other boaters while out there.
If you want to buy a spotlight for your boat, consider the abovementioned factors. You can also purchase any spotlights reviewed in this article, provided they suit your needs!
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