Best Stern Light Boat Navigation Lights of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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Stern Light Boat Navigation Lights are essential safety equipment for any boat or watercraft. These lights are specifically designed to be mounted on the stern, or back, of the vessel to ensure visibility and compliance with navigation regulations. The stern light provides a steady white light that is visible from all directions, alerting other boaters to the presence and direction of the vessel. Made with durable materials and equipped with long-lasting LED bulbs, these navigation lights are built to withstand harsh marine conditions. Whether for recreational boating or professional use, Stern Light Boat Navigation Lights are a reliable and crucial addition to any boat.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Young Marine 9 inch LED Boat Stern Light Cover #TOP 1
Young Marine 9 inch LED Boat Stern Light
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Adjustable LED Marine Navigation Anchor Light Cover #TOP 2
Adjustable LED Marine Navigation Anchor Light
ftb score rating icon 9.7
SETYPARY 12" Boat Anchor Light Cover #TOP 3
SETYPARY 12" Boat Anchor Light
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Stern Light Boat Navigation Lights

#TOP 1

Young Marine 9 inch LED Boat Stern Light

LT-1001
White
9" Foldable
Young Marine 9 inch LED Boat Stern Light Cover
Young Marine 9 inch 3 Nautical Mile White LED Fold Down Boat Stern Light Boat Anchor Light for Pontoon and Fishing Boat Navigation Anchor Lights All Round 360° White LED 12-24V

The Young Marine 9 inch LED Boat Stern Light is a high-quality boat navigation light that meets the USCG requirement of 3NM. It features a 2.5W LED light with two extra 8.2ft cables, making it easy to install without the need to prepare cables. The light is water and dust-proof with an IP 65 rating and is made from ABS & PC materials. Its stainless steel tube is 9" long and 180-degree foldable for convenience. Additionally, the LED lamp is changeable, and the light emits a daylight white 4000-4500K color temperature.

What We Like
Meets USCG requirement of 3NM
Water and dust-proof with an IP 65 rating
Stainless steel tube is 9" long and 180-degree foldable
#TOP 2

Adjustable LED Marine Navigation Anchor Light

SIL0014
34" - 60"
34"-60"
Adjustable LED Marine Navigation Anchor Light Cover
TRUE MODS 34"- 60" 12-24V Adjustable White LED Marine Navigation Anchor All-Round Boat Light [USCG ABYC A-16 3NM] [Telescoping Pole Base] [Waterproof] 3 Nautical Mile Back Rear Stern Tower Light

This adjustable LED marine navigation anchor light is a complete kit that includes both the lighting unit and the quick-connect plug-in base, making the installation process smoother. With an adjustable height of 34" to 60", it can stay above your head and out of your eyes. This light is IP66 rated and visible up to 3NM, making it the best choice for recreational boats of all sizes. In addition, this light is equipped with long-lasting LEDs, corrosion-resistant materials, anti-glare design, and a quick-lock base for easy removal and storage, making it low maintenance.

What We Like
Adjustable height to control glare and visibility
Complete kit for easy installation
Visible up to 3NM and meets USCG 33 CFR 183.810 and ABYC standard A-16
Low maintenance with long-lasting LEDs and corrosion-resistant materials
#TOP 3

SETYPARY 12" Boat Anchor Light

SETYPARY
BCG003
12 Inches
12 Inches
SETYPARY 12" Boat Anchor Light Cover
SETYPARY 12 Inches Anchor Light Boat Stern Light Waterproof IP67, White Fold Down Marine Navigation Lights for Boats LED for Pontoon, Jon Boat and Bass Boat (12-24V)

SETYPARY Boat Anchor Light is a waterproof LED marine light suitable for boats like pontoons, jon boats, and bass boats. It features enhanced brightness with 51pcs SMD2835 LEDs, meeting USCG requirements for visibility up to 3 nautical miles. With an IP67 waterproof rating, it can withstand harsh marine environments. The robust base design and stainless steel lamp pole ensure durability and security during high-speed navigation. Additionally, it comes with a three-year warranty for peace of mind.

What We Like
Bright LED Illumination
USCG Compliance
IP67 Waterproof Rating
#TOP 4

Sebnux Fold-Down Boat Stern Light

SV001
Silver Tube
Sebnux Fold-Down Boat Stern Light Cover
Sebnux White LED Fold Down Boat Stern Light Boat Anchor Light for Pontoon and Fishing Boat (12")

The Sebnux Fold-Down Boat Stern Light is a highly visible and waterproof boat navigation light suitable for pontoon and fishing boats. It features advanced COB light design with stable electrical property, lower energy consumption, and quickly cooling function. The 5000K white illumination ensures high visibility and is visible up to 3 nautical miles away. The fold-down design allows for a 180° adjustable mounted base for any usage scenario. The marine-grade material and silicone-sealed waterproof ring can extend the light's service lifetime.

What We Like
Advanced COB light design with stable electrical property, lower energy consumption, and quickly cooling function.
Highly visible 5000K white illumination visible up to 3 nautical miles away to avoid marine accidents.
Harsh IP66 waterproof design with a silicone-sealed waterproof ring to protect against moisture damage and extend bulb life.
Marine-grade materials with anti-UV PE66 base and high-corrosion prevention stainless steel tube for extended service lifetime.
Fold-down design with a 180° adjustable mounted base for any usage scenario.
#TOP 5

SETYPARY Anchor Light for Boats

SETYPARY
AL33-006
6 Inches
6 Inches
SETYPARY Anchor Light for Boats Cover
SETYPARY Anchor Light Stern Light for Boats LED, Boat Navigation Lights 3 Nautical Mile Visibility, Waterproof IP67 White Fold Down Pontoon Boat Lights for Marine, Jon Boat, Small Boat (12~24V, 6”)

The SETYPARY Boat Anchor Light is designed to enhance your boating experience with its impressive features. It meets USCG requirements, providing visibility up to 3 nautical miles thanks to its 33 SMD2835 LEDs, ensuring you can be seen clearly on the water. The bulb is easily replaceable, allowing you to maintain brightness without hassle. With an IP67 waterproof rating, this light can withstand harsh marine conditions, giving you peace of mind in any weather. Its excellent quality guarantees a stable light source, making your night navigation safer and more reliable.

What We Like
3NM visibility
Easy bulb replacement
Waterproof IP67 rating
High-quality LED lights
#TOP 6

Marinexplore LED Boat Anchor Light

marinexplore
7206-6
6 Inches
Marinexplore LED Boat Anchor Light Cover
marinexplore Boat Anchor Light,White LED Stern Light for Boat 3 Nautical Mile Bimini Top Lights Fold Down Pontoon Light All Round 12~24V, 6''

The Marinexplore LED Anchor Light offers exceptional brightness with its 5W LED technology, providing visibility up to 3 nautical miles. This feature enhances your safety while navigating on pontoon boats or yachts. Its IP67 waterproof rating ensures that the light remains fully functional even in harsh marine environments, making it a reliable choice for all weather conditions. Additionally, the fold-down design allows you to protect the light during the day, adding convenience to your boating experience. With compatibility for 12-24 VDC systems, it easily integrates into your existing marine electrical setup.

What We Like
Ultra-bright visibility
Waterproof construction
Fold-down design
Universal voltage compatibility
Easy installation
#TOP 7

Obcursco Telescoping Boat Stern Light

OS004-001
Black
Obcursco Telescoping Boat Stern Light Cover
Obcursco Telescoping Pole Boat Stern Light with Base, 3NM 360 Degrees All Round Led Anchor Light, 12V Adjustable Boat Navigation Lights for Pontoon, Yacht, Bass boat and Fishing Boat (27"-48", Black)

The Obcursco Boat Stern Light is designed for optimal visibility and convenience during your marine adventures. With an adjustable length of 27 to 48 inches, you can customize it to fit your boat perfectly. The super bright 63 SMD LED bulbs ensure that you are clearly seen, enhancing safety in low-light conditions. Crafted with IP67 waterproof materials, this light withstands harsh marine environments, giving you peace of mind while sailing. Additionally, setting it up is a breeze; simply attach the base, plug in the rod, and adjust to your preferred height without the need for special tools.

What We Like
Adjustable length for custom fit
Bright LED for enhanced visibility
IP67 waterproof rating
Easy installation process
#TOP 8

Innovative Lighting LED White Case Stern Light with Suction Cup

560-2110-7
White
One size
Innovative Lighting LED White Case Stern Light with Suction Cup Cover
Innovative Lighting LED White Case Stern Light with Suction Cup

Innovative Lighting LED Stern Light is a boat navigation light that features a molded one-piece white body construction, sealed heavy-duty on/off switch, and uses one LED rated at 100,000 hours service life. It uses 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs, helping you save on battery life and replacement costs. The sealed heavy-duty on/off switch ensures the light stays on when you need it and off when you don't. The suction cup makes it easy to install and adjust the light's position. This boat navigation light requires four "AA" batteries (not included) to operate, making it convenient to replace the batteries when needed without the need for professional installation.

What We Like
Energy-saving
Long-lasting LED
Easy to install
#TOP 9

CLGMarine 12-Inch Bimini Top Light

CLGMarine
11889-H12A
black /Aluminum
CLGMarine 12-Inch Bimini Top Light Cover
CLGMarine Bimini Top Light,All Round Led Anchor Lights,Stern Light,Boat Navigation Lights,Folding Base USCG Certified 2NM,12 Inches for Pontoon Boats Light (Horizontal Mount)

The CLGMarine Bimini Top Light is designed with high-quality materials, ensuring durability for your pontoon boat. Its sturdy folding base allows for secure horizontal mounting, making it easy for you to set up or store when not in use. With a visibility range of 2 nautical miles, this USCG-certified navigation light offers reliable illumination for safe nighttime boating. Plus, it comes with all necessary mounting hardware, so you can install it right out of the box without any hassle.

What We Like
Durable construction
Reliable visibility
Easy storage
Hassle-free installation
#TOP 10

YOLOtek PERKO 2-pin Anchor Light Base Model #6911

PRNDPK1
Black
YOLOtek PERKO 2-pin Anchor Light Base Model #6911 Cover
YOLOtek PERKO 2-pin Anchor Light Base Round Large Thread Vet Owned! Model # 6911 0° Rake. Secure Boat Navigation Lights on Stern or Bow. Easy Install Kit with Screws & Connectors. Boat Accessories

The YOLOtek Anchor Light Base is designed for easy installation on your boat or kayak. With a round base measuring 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches, it comes with stainless steel screws and crimp connectors, allowing you to connect your navigation lights effortlessly. This base is ideal for replacing non-thread ports or adding new lights, enhancing your boat's visibility on the water. Made from high-quality, chrome-plated materials, you can trust this product to last for years. Plus, being US Veteran Owned means you can buy with confidence, knowing you’re supporting a great cause and receiving excellent customer service.

What We Like
Easy installation
Durable materials
Compatible with various boats
Includes necessary hardware
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the requirements for the stern navigation light?

The stern navigation light must be visible across 135 degrees and from a distance of two miles. When combined with the masthead light, they cover a full 360-degree range. Additionally, one pair of red and green sidelights is required, visible across 112.5 degrees and from one mile away.

2. What color is the stern navigation light?

The stern navigation light is white and should be visible over an unbroken arc of 135 degrees, centered on dead astern.

3. What is the white navigation light at the stern of a boat?

The white light at the stern of a boat is the sternlight. It is seen only from behind or nearly behind the vessel and helps indicate the boat's position to other vessels on the water.

4. What are the rules of navigation lights on boats?

According to the rules, side lights must be visible from one nautical mile, while masthead and stern lights must be visible from two nautical miles. Sailboats under 12 meters need to have green and red side lights, as well as a white stern light.

5. How tall does a stern light need to be?

A stern light on a boat needs to be a minimum of one meter (3.3 feet) above the vessel's hull. This ensures that the light is unobstructed and visible from all directions for maximum safety.

6. What size boat needs a stern light?

Boats measuring under 12 meters (39.4 feet) to 20 meters (65.6 feet) require a white stern light that is visible across 135 degrees and from a distance of two nautical miles.

7. What is the yellow stern light?

The yellow stern light is used by vessels engaged in towing and pushing. It is placed above the usual white stern light. If the total length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, a third white, forward-facing masthead light is also displayed.

8. What is the difference between an anchor light and a stern light?

The stern light is a white light that needs to be visible for at least two miles. On the other hand, the anchor light is also a white light but is used specifically when a boat is anchored.

9. When should boat navigation lights be on?

Boat navigation lights should be turned on when operating the boat at night or in poor visibility conditions. During the night, this refers to the period between sunset and daybreak, while poor visibility can include heavy fog, rain, or snowfall during the daytime.

10. What lights must be displayed on a boat?

Powered boats underway must display sidelights and either an all-round white light or a stern and masthead light.

Editor's Notes

During our stern light boat navigation light research, we found 24 stern light boat navigation light products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 35,455 customer reviews through our big data system to write the stern light boat navigation lights list. We found that most customers choose stern light boat navigation lights with an average price of $28.35.

The stern light boat navigation lights are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of stern light boat navigation lights, including Young Marine, ONLINE LED STORE, SETYPARY, Sebnux, marinexplore. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 293 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.