Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I believe our new boat (due to deliver on Saturday...can you tell I'm chomping at the bit) is coming with Sanpan's underwater lighting package. Does anyone here have photos of what to expect? I haven't been able to find photos online of what it actually looks like. Does it serve any actual purpose (night fishing?) or is it really just "bling?" Thanks a lot everyone - I really appreciate your input.

Seen one before and it looks a lot like this.

It looks awesome. I want some

So is it true that you can't run on water with those turned on? Only when you're stationary?

Depends on your local laws. I know the rear facing lights but the lights along the sides may draw scrutiny. Most states say that only red, green, white while underway. That being said I know that on my lakes in Oklahoma they don't bother you too much.

The rear facing lights are fine

That is a pretty cool photo! Thanks!

I have them on my Berkshire. Not sure about the rear "underwater" light, but we have the LEDs that run under the deck along the sides just like that picture. I run with them on in the evenings all the time. I like the fact that I can be seen from farther away with them on. I've seen a couple other boats on my lake with them and I can always see the purple hue around the boats before I see their NAV and Anc lights.

I've talked to our LEO's about extra lights. They can give one a ticket using anything than those proscribed by law. Even anchored out, they only want the standard anchor lights visible. So, I guess if they have had a bad day, then . . . .

That said, check with your local LEO's to get their opinion.

Ok so I'm going to kinda steal a spot on your thread hear, has anyone tried the light that rreplaces your boat plug found em on ebay for like 60 bucks not sure if its worth a shot for that. Now unlike the full srt up yhis would just light my wake if it does anything at all

I have seen but not tried them. Most of the ones I've seen are for 'glass boats, as the wire goes out the back, there for you need to be able to access the rear to wire it up. ALSO, there seems to be some confusion about what is being referred to here. UNDER DECK LEDs are the ones you see that run under the entire length of the rub rail, above the pontoon riser. Under WATER lights are just that...UNDER THE WATER. There are a few different desings, most mount to your transom or the speedo bracket on the bottem back of the tubes. The good ones are bright enough to light up good amount at night. There pretty cool...

Thanks toonguy we have a deck boat so I think its worth a shot on the drain plug led's cuz I've got no interest in drilling into my transom our out drive so drain plug it is.

I really like the looks of some of these lights but I have to say that I hate seeing them on the lake at night. I know, they don't work as well during the day.

You can quickly understand a boats course when just their navigation lights are on. Those three lights do a remarkable job. While it is unlikely that I will accidentally hit some of the boats that look like floating neon signs on my lake, it does have a negative impact on safety. Anything that obscures or detracts from your navigation lights while under way is a mistake in my opinion.

I really do not mind them when people are anchored though. Since they are not moving, I only need to see them. This of course brings up an other issue. It is very common for people to anchor with their navigation lights on. These should only be used when under way. It makes sense, you are not moving so there is no reason to determine direction... no nav lights, no move.

You ever notice that someones backup lights are on in a parking lot, stop to let them back out only to discover that they are spacing out with their car in reverse? Same thing

I have one of those floating neon signs-
I don't use them while I'm underway because its a good way to attract negative attention from the law-
I DO turn them on sometimes when anchored to attract bait fish AND its easier seen by the drunks-
I've been on Lewisville-wont go again in warm weather-to many hot shots on that lake in warm weather-
Even driving past part cove wasn't worth going back when party cove is rocking-
I do like fishing for blue cat during the winter there though-