Marine Electronics
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If you have ever seen a yacht with underwater lights installed in it, you would surely agree that it is a lovely sight. It is almost inspiring to see the soft glow around the vessel as it floats upon deep, dark waters. You can tell that the owners of these fine boats are proud to have them lit up. Who could blame them? I know that I would be proud if I could afford to make my boat as spiffy as theirs. I don’t own a yacht, but those wonderfully luminous lights aren’t exclusive to yachts.
Though underwater lights are primarily installed for aesthetic appeal, they serve other purposes as well. But as with anything, there are both pros and cons to these submerged lights and I will now share them with you. It is especially important to know the good and the bad if you are considering having them installed.
Beyond the visual delights that are gleaned from underwater lights there are security, safety, and fishing benefits that can be added to the list of pros.
Having lights illuminating the water around your boat will make you boat more secure. Many people who have these lights leave them on while their boat is at the dock. If some crook was looking to steal something they would be less likely to take their wiles to your watercraft. If you were to install an underwater camera as well, you would have that much more security. It may not seem like much, but every bit of security helps.
As far as safety is concerned, underwater lights help your guests and crew climb onboard safely. And if someone were to fall overboard, the glow would help them find their way to a ladder and those still onboard would be able to help more easily. The lights also help keep your boat safe in shallower water. You will be able to see and avoid any obstacles that could damage your craft.
The biggest reason people install underwater lights on their boats besides ocular stimulation is fishing. When all else is dark in the water, fish can’t help but be fascinated and mesmerized by the bright lights. Some people just fish for the fish around their yachts, but others catch the fish so they can use them later to bait larger fish.
Of course, there is a major downside. Underwater lights can be very, very expensive. A single light can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $2,000! The cheaper lights are usually surface mounted, but the expensive ones are installed through the hull. Since a hole needs to be drilled for the light to go through you will need to pay a professional to install it. This just adds to the cost and having a hole in your hull may even make you a little uneasy. But if it is installed properly, you won’t have to worry at all.
No one needs to have underwater lights on their boat or yacht. In fact, no one really needs a pleasure boat at all. But if you own a boat and have some extra money, you may want enlighten your boat and become the envy of everyone who sees it.
