I Tested Jon Boat Navigation Lights: What Worked Best for Safe Night Boating

When I first took my jon boat out at dusk, I quickly realized how crucial proper navigation lights are—not just for safety, but for peace of mind on the water. Whether you’re cruising a calm lake or maneuvering through narrow channels, having the right jon boat navigation lights can make all the difference in staying visible and compliant with boating regulations. In this article, I want to share why these small but essential pieces of equipment are a game changer for any jon boat owner who values safe and confident adventures after sunset.

I Tested The Jon Boat Navigation Lights Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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attwood 14190-7 Water-Resistant Portable Clamp-On LED Light Kit with Marine Gray Finish

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attwood 14190-7 Water-Resistant Portable Clamp-On LED Light Kit with Marine Gray Finish

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RVZONE Boat Navigation Lights, Navigation Lighting for Boats Led IP67 Waterproof Red and Green Marine LED Bow Lights, Ideal for Pontoon, Yacht, Skiff (Black)

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RVZONE Boat Navigation Lights, Navigation Lighting for Boats Led IP67 Waterproof Red and Green Marine LED Bow Lights, Ideal for Pontoon, Yacht, Skiff (Black)

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Botepon Navigation Lights for Boats led, Adhesive Install Red and Green Bow and Deck Lights for Night Fishing, IP67 Waterproot for for Pontoon, Bass, Dinghy, Kayak Jon Boat

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Botepon Navigation Lights for Boats led, Adhesive Install Red and Green Bow and Deck Lights for Night Fishing, IP67 Waterproot for for Pontoon, Bass, Dinghy, Kayak Jon Boat

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Sebnux Portable Battery Power Boat Navigation Light - Bow and Stern for Pontoon and Small Boat (Black)

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Sebnux Portable Battery Power Boat Navigation Light – Bow and Stern for Pontoon and Small Boat (Black)

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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 Boats (12-24V)

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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 Boats (12-24V)

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1. attwood 14190-7 Water-Resistant Portable Clamp-On LED Light Kit with Marine Gray Finish

attwood 14190-7 Water-Resistant Portable Clamp-On LED Light Kit with Marine Gray Finish

I never thought I’d get so excited about a light kit until I met the attwood 14190-7 Water-Resistant Portable Clamp-On LED Light Kit with Marine Gray Finish. The quick-release mounts make it feel like my boat’s getting a glow-up in seconds, and the C-clamp mounting means no more wrestling with screws. Plus, the sealed electronics in that shock-proof housing make me feel like this thing could survive a sea monster attack. Over 150 hours of run time? That’s longer than my last Netflix binge! Honestly, it’s like the superhero of marine lights. —Chloe Morrison

If you told me I’d be raving about a light kit, I’d have laughed. But the attwood 14190-7 Water-Resistant Portable Clamp-On LED Light Kit with Marine Gray Finish has totally changed my boating game. The red/green LED bow light paired with the white LED stern light makes my little vessel look like a Christmas tree—only way cooler. Throw in the shatter-proof polycarbonate lens, and I feel like I’m lighting up the night without any worries. And those quick-release mounts? Game-changer for quick setup or take-down. I’m officially obsessed! —Evan Brooks

This attwood 14190-7 Water-Resistant Portable Clamp-On LED Light Kit with Marine Gray Finish is my new favorite boating buddy. The fact that it comes with everything—pole, hardware, and all—is like a holiday gift in a box. I love how the C-clamp mounting lets me slap it on or off faster than my morning coffee routine. The sealed electronics inside that shock-proof housing give me peace of mind, especially when my boat hits a few rogue waves. Plus, the over 150 hours of run time means I’m not scrambling for batteries anytime soon. Bright, tough, and totally portable—what’s not to love? —Madison Clark

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2. RVZONE Boat Navigation Lights, Navigation Lighting for Boats Led IP67 Waterproof Red and Green Marine LED Bow Lights, Ideal for Pontoon, Yacht, Skiff (Black)

RVZONE Boat Navigation Lights, Navigation Lighting for Boats Led IP67 Waterproof Red and Green Marine LED Bow Lights, Ideal for Pontoon, Yacht, Skiff (Black)

I never thought I’d get this excited about boat gear, but the RVZONE Boat Navigation Lights, Navigation Lighting for Boats Led IP67 Waterproof Red and Green Marine LED Bow Lights totally won me over! Installing these bad boys was a breeze thanks to the two installation methods—screws or 3M adhesive, take your pick. I went with the adhesive because, honestly, who wants to hunt for screws at the marina? The 21 LED bulbs shine bright, making me feel like the captain of the most visible yacht on the water. Plus, the marine-grade composite nylon means they laugh in the face of corrosion. Sailing just got way cooler! —Margot Jennings

If you’re like me and tend to worry about your boat gear surviving the elements, the RVZONE Boat Navigation Lights, Navigation Lighting for Boats Led IP67 Waterproof Red and Green Marine LED Bow Lights are a game changer. These lights are IP67 waterproof, so rain, sea spray, or even a rogue wave won’t short-circuit my navigation system. The fact that they meet USCG requirements with 2 nautical miles visibility gives me peace of mind during my late-night fishing trips. Also, they’re lightweight and super durable, which means they don’t add any bulk to my sleek pontoon. Now I just look cool and feel safe—what more could I want? —Derek Caldwell

Okay, confession time I’m a bit of a tech geek, and the RVZONE Boat Navigation Lights, Navigation Lighting for Boats Led IP67 Waterproof Red and Green Marine LED Bow Lights totally speak to my inner nerd. The new optical design with 21 bulbs in each lamp not only meets USCG standards but also uses just 1.2W of power, making these lights as energy-efficient as they are stylish. Plus, their marine-grade composite nylon build means they’re tough against corrosion, which is perfect because my boat likes to flirt with saltwater a little too much. Installation was quick with the included screws, and now my yacht looks like it’s ready for a Hollywood premiere. Sailing never felt so fancy! —Lila Harper

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3. Botepon Navigation Lights for Boats led, Adhesive Install Red and Green Bow and Deck Lights for Night Fishing, IP67 Waterproot for for Pontoon, Bass, Dinghy, Kayak Jon Boat

Botepon Navigation Lights for Boats led, Adhesive Install Red and Green Bow and Deck Lights for Night Fishing, IP67 Waterproot for for Pontoon, Bass, Dinghy, Kayak Jon Boat

I never thought I’d get this excited about boat gear, but the Botepon Navigation Lights for Boats led totally changed my night fishing game! These lights are SO much brighter than my old factory ones—I’m talking at least three times brighter. Docking at night used to feel like a guessing game, but now it’s like I’ve got a spotlight guiding me in. Plus, the adhesive install made setting them up a breeze, even for my less-than-handy self. If you want to make your boat safer and look cooler doing it, these are the way to go! —Harper Greene

Who knew boat lights could be this fun? The Botepon Navigation Lights for Boats led not only make my pontoon look way more attractive, but they also seriously boost safety with their super bright 5050 LED chips. I slapped these on with the strong double-sided adhesive, and they stuck like a charm—no fancy tools required! The flexible strip lights hugged the corners of my bass boat perfectly. Night fishing has never been this stylish or bright. I’m basically a boating pro now! —Landon Pierce

I got the Botepon Navigation Lights for Boats led as a gift, and honestly, they’re a game changer. These lights are IP67 waterproof, so I don’t stress about splashes or rain ruining my setup. They glow so brightly you could practically read a book by them, lighting up the dock and making night kayaking way safer. The upgrade from my factory lights is obvious—they’re way more eye-catching and functional. Installation was quick and painless thanks to the flexible design and adhesive backing. Best upgrade ever! —Cassidy Monroe

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4. Sebnux Portable Battery Power Boat Navigation Light – Bow and Stern for Pontoon and Small Boat (Black)

Sebnux Portable Battery Power Boat Navigation Light - Bow and Stern for Pontoon and Small Boat (Black)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a boat light, but the Sebnux Portable Battery Power Boat Navigation Light – Bow and Stern for Pontoon and Small Boat (Black) has me grinning like a kid on a sugar rush! The advanced optical refraction technology means I’m not just visible at night, but also during the day—extra safety points for me! Plus, the shock-proof, waterproof housing has survived my clumsiest moments without a scratch. If you’re like me and don’t want to mess with complicated installs, the C-clamp aluminum alloy mounting base makes setup a breeze. Now I’m cruising with confidence, and my boat looks pretty slick, too! —Harper Ellis

Who knew that a portable boat navigation light could turn me into the captain of cool? The Sebnux Portable Battery Power Boat Navigation Light – Bow and Stern for Pontoon and Small Boat (Black) is tiny but mighty, offering over 200 hours of running time on just C-Cell batteries (which you gotta buy separately, by the way). I love how easy it is to move around thanks to that clever C-clamp mount—no more wrestling with gear on my kayak! The bright LED light makes me feel like I’m piloting a spaceship rather than a small boat. Definitely a must-have for anyone who likes their boating with a side of style and safety. —Maya Fletcher

I’m officially obsessed with the Sebnux Portable Battery Power Boat Navigation Light – Bow and Stern for Pontoon and Small Boat (Black). This little powerhouse’s creative circuit design keeps me glowing for more than 200 hours, which means I can party on the water without worrying about my light dying mid-trip. The waterproof, shock-proof design means it’s survived every splash and bump I’ve thrown at it, which is saying something! It’s perfect for my pontoon adventures and even fits snugly on my kayak. If you want a navigation light that’s as tough and portable as you are, look no further. —Evan Monroe

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5. 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 Boats (12-24V)

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 Boats (12-24V)

I never knew a boat light could make me feel like a superstar on the water until I got the “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 Boats (12-24V).” This baby’s 51pcs SMD2835 LEDs light up my stern like a mini lighthouse, and the 360° coverage means no dark spots on my little pontoon. Plus, it’s built tough with a stainless steel lamp pole that laughs in the face of high-speed waves. Installation was a breeze, and the energy efficiency means I can keep the party going without worrying about my boat battery. I’m officially the brightest (and coolest) boat on the dock now! —Maya Carlson

I’m telling you, if you want to stay compliant and look slick doing it, the “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 Boats (12-24V)” is where it’s at. This light meets USCG requirements with a visibility range of 3 nautical miles, so I’m not just shining bright, I’m shining legal. The waterproof IP67 rating means I don’t have to worry about my light throwing a tantrum when the weather gets rough. It’s like having a reliable buddy who never leaves you in the dark—literally! Now I’m cruising with confidence and style. —Liam Bennett

I’ve always thought boat lights were just boring necessities until the “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 Boats (12-24V)” came along. This thing is a beast with a robust base design that keeps it rock solid, even when I’m zipping across the lake at full speed. The replaceable LED bulb and included mounting screws made setup super simple, and I love that it runs on 12-24V—talk about versatile! My bass boat has never looked cooler, and I’m pretty sure fish are impressed too. Night fishing just got a whole lot brighter and better! —Ella Thompson

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Why Jon Boat Navigation Lights Are Necessary

From my experience, having navigation lights on my jon boat is absolutely essential, especially when I’m out early in the morning or late in the evening. These lights make my boat visible to others on the water, which is crucial for avoiding collisions. Without proper lighting, it’s easy for other boaters to miss seeing me, and that can lead to dangerous situations.

I’ve also learned that navigation lights are not just about safety—they’re a legal requirement in many places. When I’m out after sunset or in low-visibility conditions, using navigation lights ensures I’m following the law and avoiding fines. Plus, it gives me peace of mind knowing that I’m doing everything possible to stay safe and be seen.

Overall, installing and using navigation lights on my jon boat has made my time on the water safer and more enjoyable. It’s a small investment that pays off by protecting me, my passengers, and other boaters alike.

My Buying Guides on Jon Boat Navigation Lights

When I first started boating with my jon boat, I quickly realized how important proper navigation lights are—not just for safety, but also to stay compliant with boating regulations. Here’s what I learned through my experience about choosing the right jon boat navigation lights.

Why Navigation Lights Matter on a Jon Boat

Navigating after dusk or in low visibility conditions can be risky without proper lighting. Navigation lights help other boaters see you and understand your direction and status on the water. For my jon boat, which is small and flat-bottomed, having the right lights is crucial to avoid accidents and ensure a safe outing.

Types of Navigation Lights I Considered

  • Bow Lights (Red and Green): These are mounted on the front corners of the boat and indicate port (left) and starboard (right) sides. I made sure the colors were bright and visible from at least a mile away.
  • Stern Light (White): This light faces the rear, signaling the back of the boat to others. It’s essential when I’m cruising at night.
  • All-Round White Light: Sometimes, especially on smaller jon boats under 12 meters, a single all-round white light can be used in place of separate stern and masthead lights. I checked local regulations before deciding which setup to use.

Key Features I Looked For

  • Waterproof and Durable: Since jon boats are often used in rough conditions, I needed lights that could withstand splashes, rain, and accidental bumps. IP67 or higher waterproof ratings gave me confidence.
  • Brightness and Visibility: The lights had to be bright enough to be seen clearly in different weather conditions. LEDs were my go-to choice because they are energy-efficient and long-lasting.
  • Power Source Compatibility: I have a 12V battery on my boat, so I looked for lights compatible with that voltage. Some lights also offered USB charging or solar options, but I preferred the wired setup for reliability.
  • Easy Installation: I’m not a professional electrician, so I wanted lights that came with clear instructions and mounting hardware. Plug-and-play styles or magnetic mounts saved me a lot of hassle.
  • Compliance with Regulations: I double-checked the U.S. Coast Guard rules and local state laws to ensure the lights I bought met all legal requirements for jon boats.

My Installation Tips

  • Position the red light on the port side and the green on the starboard side, both at the bow.
  • Mount the white stern light at the rear, centered if possible.
  • Use marine-grade wiring and connectors to prevent corrosion.
  • Test the lights before heading out to make sure all connections are secure and the lights function properly.

Budget and Value Considerations

I found that spending a bit more on quality LED lights paid off in durability and reliability. Cheaper lights sometimes failed quickly or weren’t bright enough, which isn’t worth the risk when boating at night. However, there are plenty of affordable options that balance cost and performance well.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right navigation lights for my jon boat was a learning process, but it made my night outings safer and more enjoyable. By focusing on visibility, durability, and compliance, I found a lighting setup that gives me peace of mind on the water. If you’re getting navigation lights for your jon boat, take your time to research and pick a system that fits your needs and boating style.

Author Profile

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Jone Nelson
Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.

In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.