Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I'm thinking of doing some toon camping and have a thought about visibility when anchored in the cove so the bass boys will see me...

I purchased 2 rolls of blue led waterproof strip lights both 16 feet long. I was thinking of attaching them under the deck above and along the toons where they would reflect downward off the metal and water. I also bought a dimmer switch to avoid too bright lights...I'm thinking this would provide a safety feature for us while sleeping and anchored. What say you?

I did something similar to that--let me see if I can find a pic---
I'm very glad I did put them on though.
I feel the same when we are anchored out at night, as far as being seen.

Pick a color other than blue.

Even though you can light your boat with lights that won't be mistaken for or interfere with any navigation lights, Federal and most state laws say that no vessel may display any blue light, except for Law Enforcement.

These are off of my cell phone but you get the idea.
And yes as boatcop says check the regs in your state.

Thanks guys!

Steve that is exactly what I was thinking! I am planning on running both strips that way. Do you have them on both sides, and if so, are they connected, or do they each have a separate power plug? Thanks again!

They are on both sides-the adhesive that is on the lights is not good so plan on using your glue of choice to secure them-I have both sides wired into the battery at the rear of the boat-I only use them anchored and they do attract shad and I was told they wouldn't attract bugs but the bugs around here didn't read that they shouldn't be attracted to LED's.
I also put amber lights inside- it really helped light up the inside.
Both inside and outside are on a separate toggle switch.

Im' in NH I can use any color I want but only while anchored or docked. No lights other than nav lights while underway.

I saw some rental boats at Disney that had color changing LEDs down both sides. I suppose the rules are different there but they were red blue and green. (Hurt your eyes bright)

They really make a statement, just nothing I ever wanted to say

I would think most states would have rules that limit you to only burn your anchor light (as far as visible lights from the exterior) while at anchor. That is the purpose of the anchor light -- it not only lets people know you are there, but also that you are at anchor. I see a lot of the LED strips on toons, but I think they are only allowable in most states to be used while at the dock. Not while underway and not even at anchor. It sounds like your state may be different, but I would want to be sure.

Realistically, though, you will probably have a good idea of whether your local law enforcement would enforce the rules. I'm sure in some places they would look the other way.

I doubt you would get much hassle if you were anchored or beached but, underway, you are certainly in violation of COLREGS

On the bay, a lot of people have LED lighting like the pics above. I've never seen or heard the local water cops or Coast Guard harassing people while at anchor. Technically they could, so I'd ask a local cop on the water you are boating on first.

I stopped a state marine patrol officer to ask about it and he said at anchor or docked is ok but not underway. I'm in NH. He also said the see alot of colored cup holders lit up. also a no no while underway if visible from the outside.

So you guys that have done this...I bought Hittlights with 3M adhesive backing. The reviews I read stated they stuck well on aluminum. I noticed one post above said to use glue as well? Did yours have the 3M adhesive? I'm lazy and would like to go without glue since 3M usually has a pretty good reputation? Thoughts?

Mine did have an adhesive but it didn't hold, not sure what brand though.

I have the 3m tape only. holding well. I did clean the aluminium good with laquer thinner