Are lights required on my boat?
According to the US Coast Guard, all boats must have a navigation light placed at the highest point of the boat. This navigation light must project 2NM of visibility in all directions. Anything Boating offers a variety of navigation lights, so whether you have a pontoon, a wakeboard tower, or a fishing t-top, we have you covered.
What lights are right for your boat?
Besides navigation lights, there are also other light options to accessorize your boat and make it safer. These additions will range depending on what kind of boat you have. If you have a wakeboard tower, you may consider adding an LED light bar for a spotlight effect, or for broader coverage you might consider an LED light set. If you have a fishing boat with a t-top and plan on fishing early in the morning or after sunset, you may want to consider adding additional lighting. For a more concentrated area you might consider an LED spreader light, and for broader coverage you might consider an LED light bar.
Switches and Panels
Before buying a boat switch panel there are some things you need to do to ensure you choose the right one. These things include making a note of all of the electrical features on your boat, making sure that all of your wires are arranged so they will be able to reach the panel, brainstorming what you feel a convenient layout would be for you, and assessing what already exists on the boat’s dash. There are three main types of boat switches on the market: rocker switches, toggle switches, and pushbutton switches. Each of these have pros and cons, and you can normally decide which one you want to go with based on personal preference and your boat's aesthetic.
- Rocker Switches: The most popular. You can easily label each switch and have a variety of light color options to choose from, including night-readable.
- Toggle Switches: Short metal switches. Toggle switches support any voltage and are easily customizable, but do not have style options.
- Pushbutton Switches: Buttons that control electrical mechanisms, usually with a plastic shell.
Wiring Harnesses
Boat wiring harnesses are essential to protect your boat wires. Without a boat wiring harness, your wires will be hanging all over and be exposed which can be dangerous. It is recommended to color code your wiring harness to keep all the complex wires organized to make for easy access.