LEDs have been around for a long time, but in recent years advancements in brightness of the lighting itself, the uniformity of that light and the availability of white light have made LEDs extremely attractive to boaters. In fact, boaters are switching over from conventional to LED lighting in ever-increasing numbers.

The reasons to do so are plentiful:

1. Size. LEDs are smaller and lighter than other types of lighting and can even be used on smaller, trailerable boats.

2. Durability. LEDs handle the shock of a choppy boat ride, a brush with floating debris or engine vibration much better than incandescent lights. They also are more resistant to extremes of temperature and moisture.

3. Energy Saving. LEDs draw the least amount of power of any currently available lighting technology.

4. Greater Life Expectancy. The average life expectancy for LED lights is something like 40,000 to 50,000 hours. Contrast that with the 1,000 to 2,000 hours typical of incandescent lights; halogens at 2,000 to 6,000; and fluorescents at around 20,000 to 25,000 (less for some of the compact florescents).

5. Low Heat. LEDs produce minimal heat, a huge advantage in places like the engine area or the bilge, yet they are comparable to high-heat halogens in light output.

6. Stronger Light. LEDs are great for underwater lighting and for navigation lighting because of the strength of the light itself. Counterintuitively, they tend to be easier on the eyes for interior light as well, appearing "cooler" than other lighting types.

7. Lower Cost In The Long Run. While it's true that there is a higher initial cost with LEDs, that cost is more than offset by the lower replacement costs, due to their longevity.

As you can see, LEDs have a number of advantages over other lighting technologies, so if you haven't considered switching to LEDs, now may be the time.

- Linda Hoff