Let’s Talk About TACO Marine Boats Up To 30ft #39 Rub Rail Mounted Navigation Lights w/ Port / Starboard
For years, I’ve navigated the waters, both as a recreational boater and in more tactical scenarios. Ensuring safety through reliable equipment is paramount, especially when visibility is limited. That’s why I was particularly interested in the TACO Marine Boats Up To 30ft #39 Rub Rail Mounted Navigation Lights w/ Port / Starboard, a product promising improved vision at night and safer docking for smaller vessels.
My aging navigation lights on my 22-foot center console were starting to flicker, a concerning issue, and they were a pain to replace due to their awkward mounting location. I needed a robust, easy-to-install solution that wouldn’t compromise deck space. These TACO Marine lights seemed to offer just that.
Upon unboxing, the immediate impression was one of quality. The anodized aluminum housings felt solid, and the stainless-steel joiner covers added a touch of class. They felt heavier and more substantial than the plastic lights I was replacing, a positive sign for longevity.
I considered several alternatives, including similar rub rail mounted lights from Perko and Attwood. However, the TACO Marine lights stood out due to their IP68 water-resistant rating and the promise of meeting both ABYC and USCG requirements. The detailed installation instructions also swayed my decision, as ease of installation was a key priority.
My first impression was excitement. The TACO Marine lights looked like a well-engineered and durable solution to a critical safety need. I was eager to get them installed and see how they performed on the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting TACO Marine Boats Up To 30ft #39 Rub Rail Mounted Navigation Lights w/ Port / Starboard to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the TACO Marine Boats Up To 30ft #39 Rub Rail Mounted Navigation Lights w/ Port / Starboard on a nighttime fishing trip in the Chesapeake Bay. The bay can get choppy, and the weather can change quickly, making good visibility essential. Installation took about an hour, and the included instructions were clear and easy to follow.
The lights performed admirably in slightly choppy conditions. The red and green were distinct and easily visible from a distance, cutting through the slight haze. They were significantly brighter and clearer than my old incandescent lights, providing a much-improved sense of security.
The lights were incredibly easy to use. Once wired up, they simply worked. No fuss, no adjustments needed.
There were no major issues, but I did notice that the stainless-steel joiner covers got quite warm to the touch after being on for a few hours. It didn’t seem to affect performance, but it was something I kept an eye on.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the TACO Marine Boats Up To 30ft #39 Rub Rail Mounted Navigation Lights w/ Port / Starboard have held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of corrosion or fading, and the lights are as bright as the day I installed them.
The lights have proven to be very durable. They have withstood numerous splashes, several days of heavy rain, and even a minor bump against a dock without any damage. The anodized aluminum housings are clearly doing their job.
Maintenance has been minimal. I occasionally wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove salt spray, but that’s about it.
These lights significantly outperform my previous navigation lights in terms of brightness, durability, and ease of installation. I feel much safer navigating at night with them.
Breaking Down the Features of TACO Marine Boats Up To 30ft #39 Rub Rail Mounted Navigation Lights w/ Port / Starboard
Specifications
- Manufacturer: TACO Marine is a well-respected name in the marine industry, known for producing quality boat hardware and accessories. This reputation instilled confidence in the product’s reliability.
- Light Type: Navigation lights are a critical safety component on any boat, providing visibility to other vessels, especially at night or in low visibility conditions. Their intended function is to signal your boat’s presence and direction.
- Color: Silver finish provides a sleek and modern look. It also offers some corrosion resistance.
- Housing/Frame Material: Stainless Steel construction is ideal for marine environments. It is highly resistant to rust and corrosion.
- Lens Color: Red/Green lens colors are the international standard for port and starboard navigation lights. They provide clear and unambiguous indication of a vessel’s heading.
- Length: Designed for boats up to 30 feet in length, ensuring they meet visibility requirements for this size range. Choosing the correct size of lights is crucial for regulatory compliance and safety.
- Pair: Includes one 3-watt port (red) light and one 2-watt starboard (green) light. The different wattages balance the light output for optimal visibility.
- Brightness: Compares to 10-watt incandescent light. This provides a significant improvement in brightness while using less power.
- View: Provides a 112.5-degree unobstructed view with less glare, meeting the required visibility angle for navigation lights. This ensures that other vessels can see your lights from a wide range of angles.
- Requirements: Meets ABYC/USCG requirements for both sail and powerboat designation, ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Meeting these standards means the lights have been tested and certified for marine use.
- Voltage: Low-voltage 12-14VDC makes them compatible with most boat electrical systems. This eliminates the need for additional converters or modifications.
- Heat Sink: Anodized aluminum heat sink for maximum heat dissipation extends the lifespan of the LEDs. This prevents overheating and ensures consistent performance.
- Fastener: Requires a 1-inch #8 stainless steel fastener (not included). This allows for easy installation and secure mounting.
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty. This provides peace of mind and protection against manufacturing defects.
These specifications translate directly into the product’s real-world performance. The stainless-steel construction means the lights will withstand the harsh marine environment. The LED technology provides bright, efficient light output. The ABYC/USCG compliance ensures they meet safety standards.
Performance & Functionality
The TACO Marine Boats Up To 30ft #39 Rub Rail Mounted Navigation Lights w/ Port / Starboard perform their job flawlessly. They provide bright, clear navigation lights that significantly enhance visibility at night.
The lights are extremely reliable and easy to use. Once installed, they require no further attention.
The only minor weakness is the heat generated by the stainless-steel joiner covers, but this doesn’t seem to affect performance. They meet and exceed my expectations for navigation lights.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The materials are high-quality, and the lights feel solid and well-constructed.
They are user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive design. There is no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
These lights are built to last. The stainless-steel and anodized aluminum construction should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning. Replacing the lights is also extremely easy due to their rub rail mounting design.
Accessories and Customization Options
The TACO Marine Boats Up To 30ft #39 Rub Rail Mounted Navigation Lights w/ Port / Starboard come as a complete set with port and starboard lights, along with detailed installation instructions. There are no other included accessories or listed customization options.
However, the standard 12-14VDC power requirement makes them compatible with most boat wiring systems. You may want to also invest in marine-grade wiring and connectors for a secure and long-lasting installation.
Pros and Cons of TACO Marine Boats Up To 30ft #39 Rub Rail Mounted Navigation Lights w/ Port / Starboard
Pros
- Bright and clear illumination provides excellent visibility at night.
- Durable stainless-steel construction withstands harsh marine environments.
- Easy installation saves time and effort.
- Meets ABYC/USCG requirements ensures compliance with safety regulations.
- Low power consumption extends battery life.
Cons
- The stainless-steel joiner covers can get quite warm to the touch.
- The lights are slightly more expensive than some other options.
Who Should Buy TACO Marine Boats Up To 30ft #39 Rub Rail Mounted Navigation Lights w/ Port / Starboard?
These navigation lights are perfect for boat owners with vessels up to 30 feet who prioritize safety and reliability. This includes recreational boaters, anglers, and anyone who frequently navigates at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Anyone looking for the absolute cheapest option should skip this product. While the price is reasonable for the quality, there are less expensive alternatives available.
A must-have accessory would be high-quality, marine-grade wiring and connectors to ensure a secure and long-lasting installation.
Conclusion on TACO Marine Boats Up To 30ft #39 Rub Rail Mounted Navigation Lights w/ Port / Starboard
The TACO Marine Boats Up To 30ft #39 Rub Rail Mounted Navigation Lights w/ Port / Starboard are an excellent choice for anyone seeking reliable and durable navigation lights for their boat. The brightness, ease of installation, and robust construction make them a worthwhile investment.
The price is justified by the quality of the materials and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have dependable navigation lights. I would wholeheartedly recommend these lights to any boat owner.
If you value safety and reliability, the TACO Marine Boats Up To 30ft #39 Rub Rail Mounted Navigation Lights w/ Port / Starboard are a must-have. Upgrade your boat’s lighting today and experience the difference!