How To Install LED Strip Lights on a Boat?

LED strip lights are a great option if you want to install a lighting system on your boat. They have many advantages such as energy efficiency, long life, safety, and a variety of color options, and are waterproof rated. So why not install LED strip lights on your boat?

In this article, we will provide the easiest way to install LED strip lights on your boat. And discuss what kind of led strip lights is suitable for use on board, as well as the specific location of installation.

Which Places on the Boat Are Suitable for Installing LED Strip Lights?

If you plan to install LED strip lights on your boat. First, we need to determine where the LED strip lights will be placed. The most suitable places to install LED strip lights on the boat: include the deck, guardrail, inside the cabin, under the boat’s side, and along the guardrail, etc.

We install LED strip lights under the side of the boat or along the railing to provide a good lighting environment for docking at night. Inside the cabin, LED strip lights can be used for general lighting or to create ambiance.

How to Power the LED Strip Lights on My Boat?

LED strip lights operate on a low voltage supply and can be powered by DC or AC voltage. If your boat has a 12V DC power supply, then you can directly connect the LED strip lights to it. However, if your boat runs on AC, then you will need a transformer (power supply) to convert the high voltage from AC to DC.

In addition, there are more convenient ways to supply power. You can use a battery pack to power the LED strip lights. The battery pack allows you to use the lights flexibly, allowing you to light up the strip anytime. without draining the boat’s main battery.

How to Choose the Waterproof Level of LED Strip Lights for Boat?

First, we definitely want to look at where the LED strip lights are installed on the boat. But at least we recommend using IP67/IP68-protected LED strip lights. This can also be analyzed case by case. If you just put it in the cabin for lighting, then the IP67-protected LED strip lights are fine.

However, if the strip lights are anywhere near the outer edge of the boat, or even the hull itself. It is very likely that there will be direct contact with water, then you may need IP68 waterproof-level LED strip lights. Also, since boats are usually associated with and surrounded by water, IP68 waterproof-level LED strip lights are the best choice.

What Factors Need to be Considered Before Buying Boat LED Strip Lights?

Before buying LED strip lights for a boat, we need to comprehensively consider some necessary factors. This can help you choose the most suitable LED strip lights.

Degree of Protection

Since the boat faces weather conditions such as water, extreme heat, rain, and severe storms, we need to give priority to choosing a high protection level.

The number “6” in the IP68 rating indicates the highest level of protection against dust and other solid particles, meaning the device is completely dustproof. The number “8” indicates the highest waterproof level, which means that the device can be immersed in the specified depth of water for a long time without being damaged.

The higher the IP rating, the better protection it offers. Therefore, we recommend using IP67/IP68 waterproof-level LED strip lights in the cabin. For those outside the cabin or immersed in water, you must choose IP68 protection-grade LED strip lights.

Voltage

All of our LED strip lights are low voltage powered, making them ideal for boat use. There are many customers who will choose 12V voltage. Since the boat is close to the water, it is more likely to be in direct contact with the water. So its safety factor is very high.

Durable

LED strip lights are very energy efficient and durable. IP67 and IP68 grade LED strip lights, the outer material is silicone. So, it can resist outdoor harsh weather and environment, anti-corrosion, and anti-UV. It also won’t turn yellow and become brittle in direct sunlight.

Color

LED strip lights are available in many colors, from warm white to cool white color temperature. There is colored light, blue, green, and so on.

If it is used in the cabin of the boat, we recommend choosing warm-colored light or adjustable light, which can illuminate and enhance the atmosphere. If it is used outside the cabin, you can choose RGB or RGBW. This allows for different colors to make your boat stand out.

lifespan

Long-life LED lighting products are a key consideration. Considering that the boat will often hit the water, we need to choose high-quality LED strip lights. This is cost-effective and does not require frequent maintenance and replacement. All of our LED strips is a 3 to 5 years warranty.

Advantages of Disadvantages of LED Strip Lights for Boat

We focus on analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of using LED light strips for boat, which can help you choose products more clearly.

Advantages of LED Strip Lights for Boat

• Long Lifespan: LED strip lights have a long lifespan and are more durable. It lasts for thousands of hours and you don’t need to replace it often.
• Energy Efficiency: LED strip lights are energy-efficient LED products. So it consumes very little energy. This reduces battery usage and increases boat run time.
• Durability: The LED strip IP68 waterproof level is designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. They are resistant to impact, corrosion, UV and more.
• Eco-Friendly: LED strips are environmentally friendly as they do not contain harmful substances such as mercury. They also have a lower carbon footprint due to their energy-efficient properties.
• Flexibility: The strip lights are light and flexible and can be freely placed in the small space on the boat and any space on the curved surface.
• Customization: LED light strips are available in a variety of colors, and also support color temperature customization. In addition, the size and length can also be customized to create custom lighting effects in the cabin.
• Low Maintenance Cost: The LED light strip has a long service life and does not need to be replaced frequently. So, there is no need for frequent lamp changes or maintenance work.
• Improved Visibility: The LED strip lights provide bright, even illumination for improved visibility inside and outside your boat. This is essential for safety when sailing at night or when working on deck.
• Eco-Friendly: LED strips are environmentally friendly as they do not contain harmful substances such as mercury. They also have a lower carbon footprint due to their energy-efficient properties.

Disadvantages of LED Strip Lights for Boat

High Upfront Cost: LED strip lights typically have a higher upfront cost compared to other boat lights. However, it does not require a lot of effort to maintain it later. So its energy efficiency and extended life can offset this upfront cost.

Heat Dissipation: LED strips generate heat, albeit very little. But we also need to take additional adequate heat dissipation measures to prevent overheating from affecting life.

High Quality: Although many LED strip lights are waterproof. But not all LED strip support exposure to water or immersion in water. So we have to choose high-quality LED strip lights, and that are waterproof enough to resist the harsh environment at sea.

How Do I Choose the Best-LED Strip Lights for My Boat?

There are many options when it comes to choosing the best-LED strip lights for your boat. Single-color high-density LED strip lights: Such as COB LED strip lights and 2835 LED light strips. All are suitable for use in the boat. And there are a variety of colors to choose from, which can be cut to length anytime and anywhere.

In addition, if it is used outside the boat, I recommend using IP68 LED neon flex lights. It is a light strip specially prepared for swimming pools and can be used underwater. Designed for underwater use, this light emits a bright white light to help you navigate dark waters.

How to Install LED Strip Lights on a Boat?

Installing LED strip lights on a boat is a relatively simple process. First of all, we want to make sure that the mounting surface is free from dust and clean. You will need to clean the area where the light will be installed with rubbing alcohol.

Next, measure the length of the area where the led strip lights will be mounted and cut the LED strips to fit any space. The following is a simple process of installing LED strip lights on your boat, you can refer to it.

Prepare Materials

Before you start installing LED strip lights on your boat, you need to prepare some installation materials. Here’s what you need:

• LED strip
• Adhesive tape
• Rubbing alcohol
• Scissors
• Wire cutters
• Wire connector
• Power supply (12V DC power supply or battery pack)

Clean the Surface

The first step is to clean the surface on which the LED strip will be installed. You can use rubbing alcohol to wipe down the area and remove any dirt, dust, or debris.

Measure and Cut the LED Strip

Next, measure the length of the area where you will mount the LED strip. Cut to length with scissors or a utility knife. Be sure to cut from the cut flag or you will destroy the light strip.

Peel off the 3M tape

After cutting the LED strip to the proper length, peel off the tape on the back of the strip. It can be pasted directly where you want to install the LED strip.

Install the LED Light Bar

Carefully place the LED strips on the surface where they will be mounted, making sure they are straight and even. Press firmly on the strip lights to make sure they are properly adhered and will not fall out.

Connect Power Supply

Once the LED strips are installed, it’s time to connect them to a power source. If your boat has a 12V DC power supply, you can use a wire connector to connect the LED strip directly to it. If you are using a battery pack, use the wire connectors to connect the LED strip to the battery pack. Make sure to test the lights to make sure they are working properly.

Light Up the LED Strip!

After installing the LED strip, you can first test whether it can be lit. Remember that when testing the connection line, be sure to disconnect the power first to ensure safety.

In Conclusion

Installing LED strip lights on your boat is a great way to illuminate and enhance your look. The above analyzes choosing the right LED strip for your boat and enjoying its many benefits.

Just remember to choose LED light strips that are waterproof and designed for boat use, and to thoroughly clean the surface before installing the light. This way you can enhance and remodel your boat’s appearance and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

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