Let’s Talk About Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing
The Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing promises to be a durable and reliable navigation light for boats under 20 meters. With its European styling, chrome-plated housing, and energy-efficient LED, it appears to be a modern upgrade to traditional stern lights.
My search for a new stern light began after my old incandescent one finally gave out after years of faithful service. I wanted something brighter, more energy-efficient, and built to withstand the harsh marine environment. The Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing seemed to check all the boxes, and the chrome finish promised a touch of class.
Unboxing the light, I was immediately struck by its solid construction. The chrome plating was flawless, and the housing felt weighty and substantial. The LED appeared well-protected within the lens.
I considered the Attwood LED Stern Light and the Aqual Signal Series 40, but ultimately chose the Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing due to its combination of style, perceived durability, and positive online reviews. While the Attwood was cheaper, its plastic housing didn’t inspire confidence. The Aqual Signal was more expensive, and I wasn’t convinced it offered significantly better performance to justify the higher price.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. It looked and felt like a quality product, but the real test would be how it performed on the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing on my 18-foot center console fishing boat. The installation was straightforward, using the existing wiring and mounting holes from my previous stern light. I tested it on a late-night fishing trip in the Chesapeake Bay.
The light was impressively bright. It easily met the 2-mile visibility claim, cutting through the darkness and haze with a crisp white light. I felt much safer knowing that other boats could clearly see me.
There were no issues during the first use. The light performed flawlessly, and I didn’t need any time to get used to it. It was a simple, direct replacement that immediately improved my boat’s visibility.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing has proven to be a reliable and robust piece of equipment. It has held up well to the harsh marine environment, with no signs of corrosion or fading. The chrome plating still looks as good as new.
The light is easy to clean with a quick wipe down after each trip. I have noticed no decrease in brightness or performance over time. This outperforms my old incandescent light significantly, which required bulb changes every season and was always susceptible to moisture intrusion.
This Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing has definitely exceeded my expectations. It provides a bright, reliable light source that gives me peace of mind when boating at night.
Breaking Down the Features of Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Perko
- Voltage: 12 volts. This makes it compatible with most boat electrical systems.
- Color: White. Standard for stern lights, ensuring proper visibility and adherence to regulations.
- Bulb Type: LED. Offers energy efficiency and long life compared to traditional bulbs.
- Additional Features: 12v. Simply reiterates the voltage requirement.
- Lens Color: White. Provides a clear, unobstructed light output.
- Housing: Chrome Plated. Offers corrosion resistance and a stylish look.
- Visibility Arc (Degree): 135. Covers the necessary area for stern light visibility.
- Visible Range (Miles): 2. Meets the requirements for vessels under 20 meters.
These specifications are crucial for a stern light. They ensure that the light is bright enough, visible from the correct angles, and durable enough to withstand the elements. The LED technology is a significant upgrade, offering longer life and lower power consumption.
Performance & Functionality
The Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing performs its job exceptionally well. Its bright, consistent light ensures that my boat is visible to other vessels, enhancing safety during nighttime navigation. The 135-degree visibility arc covers the required area, eliminating any blind spots.
The light’s strengths lie in its brightness, durability, and ease of installation. There are no obvious weaknesses. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a stern light.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The chrome-plated housing feels solid and well-made, providing confidence in its long-term durability. The Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing isn’t heavy, but it has a substantial feel that suggests quality.
The design is user-friendly. Installation is simple, and no maintenance is required beyond occasional cleaning. There’s no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing is built to last. Its chrome-plated housing provides excellent corrosion resistance, and the LED technology ensures a long lifespan. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning.
The sealed LED unit minimizes the risk of water intrusion and corrosion. With proper care, this stern light should last for many years.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing doesn’t come with many accessories. It’s a complete unit designed to be a direct replacement for existing stern lights. There are no readily available customization options.
The standard mounting configuration should fit most boats. No specific accessories or modifications are typically needed, though some users might choose to add a backing plate for extra support on thinner transoms.
Pros and Cons of Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing
Pros
- Bright and reliable LED light output. Provides excellent visibility for safe nighttime boating.
- Durable chrome-plated housing. Offers excellent corrosion resistance and a stylish look.
- Easy to install. Directly replaces most existing stern lights without modification.
- Low power consumption. Extends battery life compared to traditional incandescent lights.
- Long LED lifespan. Reduces the need for frequent bulb replacements.
Cons
- Price is relatively high compared to some alternatives. Budget-conscious boaters may seek less expensive options.
- Limited customization options. It’s a fixed unit with no user-serviceable parts or adjustable features.
Who Should Buy Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing?
The Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing is perfect for boat owners who prioritize safety, reliability, and a touch of style. It’s ideal for those who frequently boat at night or in low-visibility conditions. It’s also a good choice for boaters who want to upgrade from older, less efficient stern lights.
This product may not be the best choice for boaters on a tight budget or those who are only occasional nighttime users. Simpler, less expensive options may suffice for those with minimal needs.
A dab of marine-grade sealant during installation is recommended to ensure a watertight seal around the mounting holes. This will further protect the transom from water intrusion.
Conclusion on Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing
The Perko LED Stern Light w/ Housing is a well-built and reliable stern light that offers excellent performance and durability. Its bright LED light ensures visibility and safety, while its chrome-plated housing adds a touch of style to any boat. The price is higher than some alternatives, but the quality and longevity justify the investment.
I would personally recommend this stern light to any boater who values safety and reliability. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference on the water.
Upgrade your boat’s stern light today and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are clearly visible!