Marine LED Deck & Accent Lights for Boats | Safe, Stylish & Saltwater-Ready

Q: What should I look for in LED light strips for boats?

Look for waterproof (IP67) LED strips with durable silicone jackets, tinned wiring, and the ability to operate in extreme temperatures (from -30°C to 60°C). Choose strips that can be cut and sealed to fit your space, with a high LED count per meter, and a multi-year warranty. Options include both single-color and RGB color-changing strips, available in various lengths (8, 16, or 30 feet), widths, and bend radii. Some models are designed for hidden installations, while others have built-in diffusers for direct visibility.

Q: Can I cut LED strips to fit my boat? How do I do it?

Yes, you can cut Shadow-Caster LED strips to fit your boat, but only at marked cut points:

• SCM-AL-MINI-NEON & SCM-AL-SVMINI-NEON: 1″ (25mm) segments
• SCM-AL-NEON: 1.5″ (38mm) segments
• SCM-AL-LED: 2″ (50mm) segments

For Neon models, use a sharp knife to expose the cut line inside the diffuser before cutting. After cutting, seal the end with the included cap and clear RTV silicone to maintain waterproofing. Avoid twisting or pulling the strip during installation.

Q: Where and how should I mount LED strip lights on my boat?

LED strips can be mounted almost anywhere, such as under gunwales, inside hatches and compartments, on shelves, steps, walkways, around decks, and throughout boat interiors.

• For hidden accent lighting (e.g., under gunwales or inside cabinets), use SCM-AL-LED strips.
• For visible areas, use Neon models (Standard, Mini, or Side View) with built-in diffusers for a smooth, even glow.

Mount strips with clips (one per foot), optional tracks, or RTV adhesive. Do not bend tighter than the minimum radius specified for your model. All models are waterproof and suitable for wet locations.

Q: How much do LED strips drain my boat battery?

Battery drain depends on strip length and voltage. Typical draw for 12V models:

• 1.2 Amps per meter (3.3 ft)
• 15 Watts per meter
• 24V models use half the current (0.6 Amps per meter).

To estimate battery use: multiply the current by strip length and hours of use (e.g., 1 meter for 5 hours = 6 Ah). LED strips have low power draw, but monitor your battery during extended use at anchor. Dimming the lights with a controller reduces power consumption.

Q: How do I power and control LED strip lights?

Strips run on your boat’s DC power (most are 12V; some 16ft models are 24V) and come with 20 feet (6m) of wiring.

Wiring color codes:

• Black: +12V positive
• Red/Green/Blue: Negative channels for color control

You can:

• Hardwire for a single fixed color (connect black to +12V, color wire to negative)
• Use a controller for full color and brightness adjustment

Q: What control options are available?

• Single-zone control: SCM-SNLC or SCM-SZ-RGB (simple on/off, one color/zone)
• Multi-zone control: SCM-ZC-KIT (pushbutton remote)
• Advanced control: Light Commander (SCM-MFD-LC-KIT) integrates with your boat’s display screen (MFD) for managing multiple lighting zones

Q: What color effects and lighting styles are available?

Shadow-Caster strips offer full RGB color-changing. You can display a single static color by hardwiring, or use a controller to adjust color and brightness.

• Neon, Mini Neon, and Side View models have diffusers for smooth, even neon-like lighting.
• SCM-AL-LED is best for hidden accent lighting.

Controllers allow for more advanced effects and synchronized color changes across zones.

Shadow-Caster Round Accent Lights (RAL series) are easy to install and include accessories to make installation even easier.

To install, drill a small hole and use the included hardware to secure the light. Here is how to install each model:

Mounting Options and Hardware

• SCM-RAL-RGB-0.4-AB: Mount from the front with a spring clip, or from the back with a nut and washer (both included).
• SCM-RAL-RGB-0.4-PW: Has a white plastic housing but no mounting hardware.
• SCM-RAL-RGB-0.5: For bigger or wet areas (like baitwells). Comes with nylon nut and rubber washer for a watertight fit.

Installation Specifications

Recommended hole sizes and pre-attached wires make installation easier:

Do LED courtesy lights affect night vision?

Shadow-Caster marine LED courtesy lights are specifically designed to minimize interference with night vision. The level of impact depends on the model and color you select. Key features that help protect your night vision include:

• Directional, Low-Glare Design: Lights are aimed downward and spread illumination evenly, reducing bright spots and preventing glare.
• Night-Vision Friendly Colors: Options like “Cool Red” and RGBW models let you choose colors that are less disruptive to night vision (red is best for preserving dark adaptation).
• Gradual Illumination & Dimming: Features like Soft Start (gradual ramp-up to full brightness) and dimming controls on select models help prevent sudden bright light and allow you to adjust brightness as needed.

Are marine LED courtesy lights easy to install?

Yes. Shadow-Caster courtesy lights are engineered for quick, hassle-free installation. Most models follow these steps:

1. Preparation: Pick a flat mounting spot, use the supplied template, and drill necessary holes.
2. Sealing: Apply a small amount of silicone sealant to screw holes and around the edges for a watertight fit.
3. Mounting & Finishing: Secure the light with included screws, then snap or slide the cover in place to hide hardware.

All lights use a standard 12V DC power connection. You can wire them to a basic switch or integrate with Shadow-NET® control systems for advanced features. Comprehensive installation guides and wiring diagrams are available for every model.

Are these lights waterproof and corrosion-resistant?

Absolutely. Shadow-Caster LED courtesy lights are built to withstand harsh marine environments.

• Waterproof: All main models (SCM-CL, CLX, CLS, CL10) are IP67-rated. Some can be fully submerged (great for baitwell use).
• Corrosion Resistance: Made using marine-grade 316 stainless steel, UV-stabilized plastic housings, and tough ABS plastic covers. These materials guard against rust, pitting, brittleness, and sun damage.
• Maintenance: Simply clean with soap and water using a soft cloth or sponge to keep them looking and working their best.

Can LED courtesy lights be dimmed?

Yes. Dimming options vary by model:

• Built-in Dimming: The SCM-CLS model has a touch sensor for on/off control and dimming—just press and hold to adjust brightness. It also offers a Soft Start feature for gradual brightness increase.
• External Control Dimming: Models like the SCM-CL10 can be dimmed and have their color changed when connected to compatible external controllers or Shadow-NET® systems. This allows grouping, zone management, and fine brightness control.

What are spreader lights and what do they do?

Spreader lights are bright marine LED lights designed to illuminate boat decks and large areas. They help improve nighttime visibility for crew and passengers, enhancing safety on board.

Which boats use spreader lights?

Spreader lights are used on all types of boats and yachts to brightly light up decks and other large areas, making them suitable for a wide variety of marine vessels.

What should I look for when choosing boat spreader lights?

Lighting Performance and Beam Quality

• Brightness: Look for high output (around 2200 lumens) and a wide beam angle (about 60°) to cover large areas.
• Glare reduction: Special reflectors help spread light evenly and reduce glare for better visibility.
• True White: Choose “True White” LEDs for the best white light.

Durability and Construction

• Waterproof: Ensure lights have a high waterproof rating (IP67 or similar) for marine conditions.
• Materials: Opt for aluminum housings and glass lenses for longevity; avoid plastic.
• Power: Choose lights compatible with a wide voltage range (10–30V DC).

Mounting Options

• Flush Mount: Provides a seamless, integrated look, ideal for T-Tops.
• Bracket Mount: Good for retrofitting or mounting where cutouts aren’t possible.

Control and Color Versatility

Color choices: Select from white, three-color, or full-color options to fit your needs. Control methods:

• Standard on/off switch (power toggle) lets you adjust brightness and cycle colors.
• Digital systems like Shadow-NET® allow advanced control from your boat’s display, including unlimited colors, dimming, and music sync.

Soft start: Lights gradually brighten, preventing sudden glare.

Warranty and Support

Look for a 3-year warranty and clear installation instructions.

How do I power and control LED spreader lights?

Powering the Lights

• Connect to a 10–30V DC power source. Each light typically draws 24 watts.
• Current draw is about 2 amps at 12V or 1 amp at 24V.
• Installation usually involves a 3′ (1m) cable; connect power and ground, generally through a fused circuit.

Control Options

Standard Switch (Power Toggle):

• Use a regular on/off switch to turn lights on and off.
• Lights feature a soft start, slowly brightening to avoid blinding.
• Quickly toggle the switch while the light is brightening to set your preferred brightness.
• For multi-color models, continue toggling to cycle through available colors (Full Color models offer 12 colors; 3-Color models cycle between blue, red, and white).
• To reset the light to default white, turn it off for 10 seconds.

Digital Control (Shadow-NET®):

• For advanced features, connect Full Color models to a Shadow-NET® system using a Light Commander module.
• Control lights from your boat’s Multifunction Display (MFD) or via a dedicated app.
• Enjoy features such as unlimited colors, dimming, fading, and music synchronization.
• When using Shadow-NET®, a manual switch is no longer required.