Best 12v Handheld Spotlights for Boats: Detailed Review Guide by ATVA Online!

When you love fishing under the stars, you absolutely need the best boat spotlight out there.

There is nothing more relaxing than a nighttime boat ride. Without the proper light, you could become lost.

I love being able to take my boat for a spin at night. It would be difficult to maneuver in some waters if I wasn’t the owner of an LED spotlight, especially a handheld spotlight for the boat.

How marine foglight can help you:

• Navigate through dark body of waters
• Detect rocks and other obstructions
• Check your fishing line
• Pull in a fish
• Find items on your boat
• Signal for help
• Prevent boat collisions

Types of Marine Floodlights

Before I give you details on boat spotlight reviews, let’s talk about the two types and their applilcations.

• Built-In models – These are installed on your boat and are not removable. If you choose this type of spotlight, installation is key. Improper installation can be a light hazard. If the light is mounted in the wrong area, it creates a hazy light force that impedes your vision. I would recommend you temporarily mount a light and use it at night. If the light creates a haze, it needs a new position.
• Hand-held models – There are both wireless and wired hand-held spotlights. If you plan on purchasing this type, I would advise you to purchase a receptacle. A receptacle will lock the male plug in place. This will ensure the light is more secure. Hand-held models range in size and power.

Benefits of Using a Boat Floodlight

As a boat owner, I enjoy going at night when the waters are quiet. Some of my best fishing takes place at night, night fishing. If you are like me, you need the best spotlight for your boat. Believe me, that big catch will be easier to claim with light.

If you have gotten into trouble on your boat, you know stress. Try being stranded at night! A marine spotlight can assist you in getting help. The light will pinpoint your location for rescuers.

If you have a spotlight on your boat, you will be able to avoid boat damage. Running into a rock or other obstruction can cause damage. I advise boat owners to consider the best-rated spotlight for boats and for many applications.

Without one, you are stuck using your boat in the day. However, there are plenty of good reasons to want to use your boat at night.  These types of spotlights can also help with emergency situations and allow you the ability to call for S.O.S if needed during any activity for peace of mind.

For example, I am an avid catfish fisherman and catfish become active at night. I use mine to pull them in. When you’re trying to catch a catfish, keep the light off while they are biting, for best results. Once you feel that tug, turn on the light. Putting the boat spotlight on lets you pull that big one in with ease. A find the light helps me remove the hook and secure my catch.

When I set out to do this review, I decided only the best names would do. A cheap option will not cut it! We also discuss 12v spotlights for boats as well as more powerful options!

Marine Foglights – Top Model Compared

Image	Product	Features	Price
OUR TOP PICK	Stanley FatMax 5W Rechargeable Spot Light	Bright light from 5W LED Can be charged in your vehicle Easy to use with a rugged pistol grip	Check Price On Amazon
EDITOR’S CHOICE	Cyclops 1400 Lumen Marine Style Spotlight	Has durable ABS plastic housing Retractable bracket allows you to hang up the spotlight Bright halogen bulb is great for use at night	Check Price On Amazon
BEST VALUE	GOODSMANN Rechargeable Spotlight	Is completely waterproof and will not sink Three light settings that include an SOS flash warning Does not need battery replacements and is easy to charge	Check Price On Amazon
RUNNER UP	DEWALT 20V MAX LED Work Light	Works with any Dewalt 20V battery The durable lens cover ensures your bulbs stay protected The 90-degree pivotal head shines the light in all directions you need	Check Price On Amazon
RUNNER UP	Streamlight 44900 Waypoint Spotlight	This light can be used with the power cord or 4C batteries Tough and durable polycarbonate housing Trigger design makes this light easy to use	Check Price On Amazon
RUNNER UP	LE Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern	Perfect for boating, sailing camping, RVing Easily charged with the included USB cord Lightweight and easy to carry and use	Check Price On Amazon
RUNNER UP	Rechargeable Spotlight	Up to 1300 lumens of light Adjustable brightness High IP rating IPX6	Check Price On Amazon
RUNNER UP	Brinkmann Handheld Lighting Set	Offers high and low settings Charging indicator light for convenience Can be charged in your car or at a wall outlet	Check Price On Amazon
RUNNER UP	Browning High Noon 4C Light	Made of a tough polycarbonate material Completely waterproof and floats in water At its highest level, it offers an amazing 1000 lumens	Check Price On Amazon

9 Marine light Options For Your Boat

Summary

It is submersible up to six feet. If you drop it in the water, it will float face up and the glass does not become foggy.   Don’t ask me how I know this!

If you are looking for a high level of illumination, this is your model. This boat spotlight delivers up to 520 lumens. It offers a bright 5W LED light.

The long-life battery is what really sold me, however. The longer the battery life or the rechargeable battery, the longer I can stay out on my boat at night.

I like that you can recharge the light in your vehicle. It comes with adapters for 120-volt AC and 12-volt DC. Overall, this is a solid lighting option that will give you good service.  Also, be sure to check with the manufacturer about any warranty they offer.

Summary

It comes with a retractable metal bracket that is aluminum to allow you to hook it up. This is great if you are fishing or carrying out a task that requires you to use both hands.

You will not have to worry about dropping the light. It makes the spotlight particularly versatile. It is something that I found particularly useful when trying this spotlight out.

I found this spotlight to be particularly bright which is great for use in foggy weather or at night. It will increase your visibility significantly. It uses a halogen bulb with a high intensity instead of an LED bulb.

The only downside to this spotlight was that I found the 10-foot cord to run a little short.

Summary

One of my favorite features about this best boat light is the three different light settings.

This super bright light uses a 30 W LED with 3000 lumens. You can set it on high, low (with flashing SOS), or off. Switching between the different light functions is simple.

Another cool thing about this light is you do not need to replace the batteries, you have chargers. The battery is a rechargeable battery and charges via USB which makes it less of a hassle.

Summary

I cannot say enough good things about Dewalt. I own one of their saws. The company is focused on quality, so I could not wait to give this light a try and see it perform out on my boat.

Although this light is not marketed as a marine light, I found it versatile on my boat. I found myself using it for all types of work, including being able to see to remove hooks from fish and bait my line.

I love that this light has a belt clip on it because this keeps it in place for hands-free use. Because of the pivoting head, you can attach it to your belt clip and move the head to focus the light.

Summary

Streamlight is a trusted name in lighting products and they do not disappoint with this waypoint spotlight. This light offers a solid 550 lumens at an affordable price which is a great emergency light.

This light operates on a 12V DC power cord which is ideal for those who hate purchasing replacement batteries. If you prefer, there is the option of powering this light with 4C batteries.

This light comes with a C4 bulb that is resistant to shock and has a lifespan of 50,000 hours so you will be able to use it a long time before needing to think about replacing the bulb.

This spotlight is built to provide durability. Its polycarbonate housing stands up to all types of abuse and believes me, I put it through it all!

I was really pleased with this light. I like being able to switch between the power cord and batteries, depending on how I am using the light. You can use the stand or mount to offer hands-free use.

Summary

This light has five light settings and at its highest level offers an amazing 1000 lumens.

The rechargeable battery charges via a USB cable, so there is no need to purchase replacement batteries or worry about cords getting in the way of the boat.

The five lighting modes include the front spotlight, left side mode, and right side mode red. The front light offers two levels of brightness and is ideal for all types of uses, including on your fishing boat.

While you cannot submerge this light and expect it to survive, it does have water resistance, meaning it can survive water splashes and mild rain. This is a light you will find many uses for, including at the campsite, in your RV, and for light while working on your truck.

Although this light is durable, you will not find it to be heavy! Children will be able to carry the light which is perfect for those father/child fishing excursions.

Summary

But what makes it good for boating is its waterproofing.  With an IP rating of an impressive IPX6, it can handle drops of rain and hold its own if it was dropped in water.  It can drop 3 whole feet without getting damaged, and it’s designed to float to the top of the water, so you can just grab it and carry on.

Speaking of being dropped, it’s impact-resistant thanks to its durable Polystyrene and ABS build, so it can handle being dropped inside the boat.

If you start to get tired of holding it, you can go hands-free thanks to the pivoting flip-over stand. You can choose what angle you want it to shine at.

And it can keep on working through the darkest hours of the night, up to 5 hours to be exact.  It’s rechargeable, and if you don’t need the light on all through the night, you can choose to use the light as a power supply for your cell phone or other mobile devices.

Summary

This model is portable and cordless: perfect for boating.

This heavy-duty light is lightweight and portable. It charges in 8-10 hours. I love the charging indicator light. It lets me know this baby is ready.

The trigger design is easy to use and the mode can be locked in place. I found it super simple to use. I will caution you not to drop this one in the water. It is not waterproof or it would be higher in the list.

I recommend using the mounting stand so you can use it hands-free for greater control. This one is a keeper. You will find you will use it in your car, boat, and home.

Summary

I like this model because you can use it hands-free with the stand or a lanyard. The spotlight operates on 4C batteries so there are no pesky cords to get in the way. If you are like me, this is something you want to avoid because I am a klutz!

This light is waterproof and it will float in the water, should you make the mistake of dropping it. On its max setting, it offers 1000 lumens and the low setting is 90. Browning has tested this boat light for an effective reach of up to 725 yards. It gives you a lot of light for a little money.

Understanding Wattage, Size, and Weight

Before you set out to find the best handheld spotlight for boats or even other options, what should you consider?

I want you to be prepared with all the info you need. An informed spotlight buyer is a better buyer!

Wattage and Lumens

Wattage and lumens often get confused. The wattage means the power it takes to burn the bulb. Lumens describe the brightness of the bulb.

You should consider both when making your purchase. The factor you will want to focus on is lumens.

The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. You will want to make sure the light is as bright as possible. The best lights should have multiple lumen settings.

Size and Weight

One of the next things you need to consider is size and weight. In this case, bigger is not better.

The lighter the weight, the easier it to hold. A compact, lightweight design is best.

Unless you need extreme brightness, a compact design is best. You do not want a heavy model or your hands will wear out.

Quality Materials

As with anything, durability matters. I put my spotlights through lots of abuse on my boat because I’m clumsy and drops happen.

If they happen to you, durable materials are a must. You want spotlight materials that can take a beating and keep working. Choose one that is scratch, dent, and break-resistant.

Design Matters

Ergonomics is a big issue in these lights. Trigger designs are best for hand-helds.

A proper design should cradle your fingers. If the spotlight is not comfortable, you won’t use it. Choose a design that mimics the curvatures of the hand. The right design will lessen hand fatigue.

Frequently Asked Questions & Tips

I’ve gotten quite a few questions so I thought I’d try to answer some.

Which is the best searchlight for a boat: floodlight vs spot?

I get asked this question quite a lot so I would like to address it. A floodlight floods an area with a broad beam of light. Spotlights project the beam at a concentrated point. In terms of boating, spotlights are preferred.

Spotlights allow you to see greater distances. Spotlights are typically brighter than floodlights. I use spotlights for fishing. They help me see out into the water and avoid obstacles. I also use them to prevent boating accidents.

If you want to light up your deck for a party, floodlights are great. If you want to see into the distance, get yourself a spotlight. Hand-held spotlights offer many uses over floodlights.

Which is better: halogen or LEDS?

Answer: WLED light is considered superior for boating. They are more expensive than halogen.

LEDs lights do not produce much heat and require less power. LEDS lights burn longer than halogen.

Can you replace the battery?

Answer: This is an option that varies among models. Some models do allow for easy replacement. Some batteries cannot be replaced.

It is wise to check out this option before buying.  Some people prefer the option of replacing the battery so they can have a backup on the boat.

What distance does the average beam offer?

Answer: The spotlights I tested all shined out at least 500 feet. Most models were better at 300 feet.

The longer the beam length, the lesser the light at the end. Choose a high-lumen spotlight for the longest shine length.

Final Words

I would feel comfortable taking any of these spotlights on my boat.

If you have never boated at night, try one of these best boat spotlights. These lights give you greater security. You will be amazed at how much you use these lights onboard your boat.

I couldn’t boat at night without one.

Happy Boating!