LED Boat Lights (cheap and easy) [2020]

Waterproof LED Light Strip ...................... amzn.to/2qpcvMF
Speaker Cable .......................................... amzn.to/2MqReuy
Switch ....................................................... amzn.to/32qRijd
Zip-Ties ..................................................... amzn.to/2MrIMLD
Volt Meter ................................................. amzn.to/2IXQjQ7
It only took a few hours, but my dad and I added LED running lights to the side of their pontoon boat. Most of that time was spent trying to figure out where everything should go and how it should be wired up. But the actual process is easy. Attach the LED strip lights with its double stick tape. Connect the wire and run to the center console. Connect the wires to a switch, attach the switch to the wood panel, and connect the wires to 12V DC power.
It was really simple. There are a couple things to know, like buying the right waterproof LED lights, and knowing that the lights need to be wired - to - and + to +. The wires can't be in any orientation, there is a + and - for them to light up.
Disclosure Note: The above links are Amazon Affiliate links. There is NO additional cost to you, however I get paid a small percentage from Amazon if you purchase after clicking on the link.
boat light, led boat lights, boat running lights
Boat Running Lights | LED Marine Lights

[@DaveWirth]

Waterproof LED Light Strip ...................... amzn.to/2qpcvMF Speaker Cable .......................................... amzn.to/2MqReuy Switch ....................................................... amzn.to/32qRijd Zip-Ties ..................................................... amzn.to/2MrIMLD Volt Meter ................................................. amzn.to/2IXQjQ7

[@randallroberts1276]

Dave Wirth in l

[@jimcourtney5650]

Your video was just what I was looking for. Ordered the lights and was able to get them installed for the 4th of July weekend. Thanks.

[@jeepvette7723]

3:44 looks like you got a squirrel stow away on board.

[@BjBnet]

I've done about 30 pontoons so far. If you don't want your strips to fall off, which they will eventually, apply a bead of clear silicone along the whole length. It's easiest with just a dab on your finger and spread it. Good video!

[@tomlopez2561]

I have done this the only issue I have is that I keep blowing a 5 amp fuse where I hooked up current 12 dc voltage to 2 wires I had under the boat live. then I went directly to the fuse box and same thing HMMMM

[@KRDP]

i just bought waterproof submersible led lights so i can put them on my paddle boat so i can make it look it look cool and pick up jugs at night so i decided that depending on how the led lights work i might pick up some for my pontoon so i searched and seen this vid its actually helpful to know that we could tie them to the pontoon boat so the led lights look so freaking cool to me

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Nice job you gave me some ideas. I was hoping to do solar lights though...hmmm.

[@bradpaynter4361]

Worked great; thanks for the tips and links. I cleaned the mating surface like crazy, using rubbing alcohol as the last step. LEDs are secure now, but think I'll run a bead of silicone as someone suggested to be sure. Also, rather than grabbing power from an existing circuit, I'm pulling right from the battery. They look sweet!

[@shawnlittle8683]

Should use tinned copper wire for boat because the tinning keeps moisture from Croding the copper which will and can cause shorting or fire. Should also add a fuse. This will help them to last

[@JT_70]

Yes to using tinned copper instead of speaker wires which will oxidize and corrode. Also use waterproof connectors instead of wire nuts. I solder all wires and seal the connections with marine heat shrink tubing or use waterproof connectors. Thoroughly clean with alcohol where the LED strip will be attached. May need to use 3M foam adhesive strips. The adhesive sticks better if warmed first with a hair dryer.

[@mrbmp09]

If you notice 1 end of the strip is brighter than the other. You can feed 12v on both ends of the strip. Like others have said, the tape won't hold long, use silicone sealant along both edges of each strip. Or some type of clamp / ties.

[@markkirsten3]

Wire nuts are probably the biggest no-no in the boating world.

[@ozzy8449]

How have they been holding up? I installed some for a buddy in his pontoon a few years back with the same type of leds and even though they were suppose to be water proof they weren’t. The adhesive also stopped holding up so I added the led screw hold downs but still had the problem with the leds corroding. He finally ordered some sealed led puck type lights.

[@Odieodillacell]

I did the same thing and the water blasted the Led strip right off. I ended up installing mine in florescent bulb covers (8ft) sections to protect them from water damage.

[@clayflannery2608]

How long did the strips work for? Do you recommend them

[@alexislupman3590]

Hi there, My dad has a pontoon and I am buying these for him for Father's day! Thanks for this video. We are also Michigan people! Houghton Lake Michigan! Any updated advice will be helpful!

[@DaveWirth]

Just peel and stick. Maybe use zip ties for attaching the wires better. The real pain is finding 12 volts and installing the switch, that took the longest.

[@user-is2lp8ou2g]

Love you pontoon light video. Just one question. Did you use the speaker wire to tie both side together. I understand the power just not sure on how to tie in both side. Thanks Frank

[@DaveWirth]

I ran 2 wires to each side of the boat. I probably could have run 1 wire to the back of the boat, then split it from there. Just know that you need 12 volts of power to each light strip.

[@GeorgeBonez]

Not criticizing but wondering why he didn’t use one of his existing ACC switches?

[@garywheeler2055]

Would love to see an update after some regular useable

[@DaveWirth]

Ya me too. We put the lights on after taking the boat out this fall. Spring's here but it's still snowing in Michigan.

[@garywheeler2055]

Oh geez ya.... I assumed you were south... Ontario Canada here 🇨🇦

[@darktoadone5068]

Did it hold up once it was in the lake or did the lights short out?

[@DaveWirth]

Still working just fine.

[@cajunman7389]

How has the tape on the lights held up over time?

[@DaveWirth]

Everything is still working fine today - 3 years later

[@jeremiahlavoie7998]

Need to show it at night time

[@BWWGL9]

IP65 rating is NOT WATERPROOF, just to let you know. You want IP68, or at least IP67.

[@postwick]

Splicing into the radio wires is a good way to introduce interference, buzz, etc into your radio. Bad idea. This video isn't very good, sorry. Dedicated power wires should have been run and you shouldn't have used speaker wire.

[@biglaverstyle]

or wire nuts or electrical tape

[@Fraidecat]

A Rube Goldberg wire supported by wire, you can be sure that this will work perfectly until those wire supports chafe through the insulation and short circuit. No mention of fusing, so perhaps the resulting fire will destroy your boat.

[@DaveWirth]

Well it's 12volts DC through a 22 gauge wire and that wire is located in a heavy aluminum channel, so i doubt it would create a significant spark. Also the bailing wire isn't really supporting the wire that much. It's just there to make sure it doesn't dip down. Maybe i could have used zip ties - would have been better.

[@OU8Aspark]

Are the lights still working?

[@DaveWirth]

Ya. Still work

[@tomlopez2561]

I have done this the only issue I have is that I keep blowing a 5 amp fuse where I hooked up current 12 cd voltage. then I went directly to the fuse box and same thing HMMMM

[@tomlopez2561]

all blacks with black and all whites with whites

[@tomlopez2561]

got it

[@leeroysimpsonn5489]

Can you run at night with with led lights ? Does game warden or sherrif ever write tickets for that ?

[@DaveWirth]

The boat has been in the garage for the winter, but i think it's ok to have lights on at night. I know carp fishermen have tons of spot lights shining down in the water when the go bow fishing at night.

[@garywheeler2055]

Being lit up on the water at nite can’t be a bad thing .......

[@rabbit929]

You canNOT have them on while in motion. Only while at the dock. If you want to have lights they need to be red and green on the appropriate sides because then they are considered navigation lights.

[@frankloree2462]

You lost my attention with the wire nuts and tape

[@jamesrahn8339]

That's about as ghetto as possible. Speaker wire, electrical tape..? Well I guess it looks good