Steps For Installing LED Underwater Boat Lights

Whether you are looking forward to sailing on the lake at night, or you are a fisherman wanting to attract more bait fish, installing LED Boat Lights should be on your agenda. Not only are LED Lights going to give your boat a really great look, but an excellent choice for attracting bait fish while ensuring your safety during night hours.


The Tools Needed:

For all practical purposes, you really should have a professional marine electrician install your LED underwater boat lights. If you choose to do it yourself, you can do this a little under 2 hours, here are the steps you need to follow:

  • A Power Drill with 1/2” and 1/8” drill bits that are long enough to drill through the transom.
  • A Phillips Head Screwdriver that will work with #8 screws.
  • Blue Painter’s Tape to hold the template in place without damaging your hull’s surface.
  • Marine Grade Sealant – a 3M 4200 sealant is highly recommended.
  • A General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner.
  • Clean Shop Towels.
  • A soft cloth – terry cloth is recommended.
  • 180-220 Grit Sandpaper Is Optional.
Amazing lighting at Night!

Steps For Installing Your LED Boat Lights:

First Step:

  • Decide where you want to install the lights. It is recommended they are at least 6” below the water line. They should be on a clean, unobstructed, flat surface. Once you have decided where to place the lights, cut out the templates that come with your LED lights and tape them to the hull. Follow the instructions on the templates, mark the center and mounting holes with a pencil or a dry marker.

Second Step:

  • Before you start drilling holes into the hull, make sure nothing is behind these areas. Once the holes are completed, clean the area using a clean towel and a little adhesive cleaner.Optional: Carefully sand the area inside the diameter of where the light fixture will be located, this will help with adhesion. Then clean the area with the adhesive cleaner.
  • Note! If you are uncomfortable about drilling holes, hire a professional to do it for you.
LED Lights Installation Schematic

Third Step:

  • The first thing you will do is give the surface area a good cleaning and then run the wires, of the lights, through the center hole. Then run a bead of sealant around the perimeter of the fixture. This will be approximately 1/8” to 1/4” from the edge. Apply more sealant in and around the mounting and center holes.
  • You want to make sure you have a water tight seal in and around the light.

Fourth Step:

  • From inside the boat, pull the cables very carefully, positioning the fixture on the outside. Take your #8 screws, that come with the fixture, and mount the fixture to the hull.
  • IMPORTANT: HAND TIGHTEN ONLY, until the adhesive starts to squeeze out of the sides. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN! Wipe up any excess sealant.

Fifth Step:

  • At this point, refer to the wiring diagrams, that came with your LED light system, for wiring the lighting. Before beginning make sure your exposed wires are covered with electrical tape to prevent corrosion. Test the lights. If all went well, your lights should work perfectly!
  • NOTE: Before launching your boat in the water; you must allow the sealant to cure, according to the instructions of the manufacturer. Then you will be ready to spend evenings on the lake or enjoy a more productive fishing trip!
Boat after Light system installation
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