Military-grade marine LED lighting engineered for boaters who demand reliability. Our Pro Series 3.0 marine spreader lights, deck lights, and flood lights deliver superior illumination with IP69K waterproof protection, veteran-operated quality, and lifetime warranty coverage.
Whether you call them spreader lights, deck lights, or flood lights, these wide-beam LED fixtures provide comprehensive illumination for center console fishing boats, cruising sailboats, and professional vessels. From prepping bait at 3 AM to docking in challenging conditions, Black Oak LED's marine lighting transforms darkness into confidence.
Understanding Marine Lighting Terminology
Spreader Lights, Deck Lights, and Flood Lights: What's the Difference?
They're the same thing. Marine lighting manufacturers and boaters use different terms for wide-angle LED fixtures that illuminate deck areas, but the function remains identical.
"Spreader lights" originated from sailboat terminology, referring to lights mounted on mast spreaders. The name stuck as powerboats adopted the technology for T-tops and radar arches.
"Deck lights" describes the application: illuminating deck surfaces for work, fishing, and safety.
"Flood lights" references the wide beam pattern that floods an area with light, distinguishing these fixtures from narrow spotlights.
All three terms describe the same Pro Series 3.0 technology: wide-angle LED fixtures (120-180 degree beam patterns) providing uniform deck illumination. At Black Oak LED, we use all three terms because we understand boaters search using different terminology.
Marine Spreader, Deck & Flood Light Buying Guide
Size Selection: 2-Inch vs 4-Inch Marine Deck Lights
| Consideration |
2-Inch Spreader/Deck Lights |
4-Inch Spreader/Flood Lights |
| Best for Boat Size |
18-25 feet |
25-40+ feet |
| Deck Coverage |
15-20 feet diameter |
25-35 feet diameter |
| Power Draw |
20W (1.6A @ 12V) |
40W (3.3A @ 12V) |
| Typical Applications |
Supplemental lighting, cockpit areas |
Primary deck lighting, fishing boats |
| Mounting Height |
6-10 feet optimal |
8-15 feet optimal |
Professional tip: Multiple 2-inch marine spreader lights positioned strategically often provide better coverage than a single 4-inch light on boats with complex deck layouts.
Flush Mount vs Bracket Mount Marine Lighting
| Feature |
Flush Mount Deck/Spreader Lights |
Bracket Mount Flood/Spreader Lights |
| Appearance |
Clean, integrated look |
Traditional, adjustable positioning |
| Installation |
Permanent, requires cutting |
Surface mounts with screws |
| Adjustability |
Fixed angle |
Adjustable angle for optimization |
| Best Applications |
Hardtops, T-tops with solid surfaces |
T-tops, radar arches, any surface |
Our 4-inch flush mount marine spreader lights create seamless appearance while bracket-mount LED deck lights allow angle adjustment after installation.
Scene Optics Technology Explained
Standard flood lights use simple reflectors creating uneven distribution with bright spots and dim edges. Our Pro Series 3.0 marine deck lights employ precision-engineered scene optics delivering 40% more usable light compared to generic reflector designs.
Scene optics benefits:
- Consistent illumination across entire coverage area
- No harsh shadows when working on deck
- Reduced eye strain during extended operations
- Better color rendering for bait identification
Professional Marine Lighting Applications
Night Fishing Operations
Tournament anglers and serious fishermen trust Black Oak LED marine deck lights for nighttime operations. Our LED spreader lights provide consistent illumination essential for safe, productive fishing.
Fishing advantages:
-
Bait prep visibility: Clear views while cutting bait and rigging tackle
-
Line management: Prevent tangles, quickly identify which rod is active
-
Fish processing: Safe cleaning and filleting with proper visibility
-
Safety enhancement: Clear sight lines prevent trips over equipment
Professional anglers typically install 4-inch LED deck lights on T-tops supplemented with 2-inch marine spreader lights in cockpits.
Safe Docking with Marine Spreader Lights
Nighttime docking creates stress. Black Oak LED marine deck lights and spreader lights transform docking from anxiety-inducing to confident.
Docking benefits:
- Clear cleat identification for line management
- Verify fender positioning before contact
- Better depth perception for approach
- Passenger safety during docking procedures
Position marine spreader lights to illuminate both sides and forward deck. Low Pro flush mount deck lights provide excellent coverage without interfering with hardtop headroom.
Deck Work & Maintenance
Boat maintenance continues after sunset. Whether troubleshooting engines or preparing gear, marine LED deck lights provide necessary working illumination.
Pro Series 3.0 marine spreader lights draw minimal power. Our 40W LED flood lights consume only 3.3 amps, allowing extended use without battery concerns. With marine lithium batteries, run multiple marine LED deck lights all night without impacting starting capacity.
Complete Marine Lighting System Recommendations
Small Boat Essential Package (18-25 Feet)
What's Included:
Best for: Center console boats, bay boats needing basic LED deck lighting for fishing and docking.
Medium Boat Complete Deck Lighting (25-35 Feet)
What's Included:
Best for: Walkaround boats, larger center consoles requiring T-top marine spreader lights plus supplemental cockpit illumination.
Large Boat Professional Setup (35+ Feet)
What's Included:
Best for: Sport fishing boats, cruising yachts, commercial vessels requiring comprehensive LED deck lighting for 360-degree coverage.
Portable Marine Lighting Solution
What's Included:
Best for: Temporary LED deck lights, supplemental work area marine flood lights, or versatile illumination for rental boats.
T-Top and Hardtop Mounting for Marine Deck Lights
T-Top Installation for Marine Spreader Lights
T-tops and hardtops provide ideal mounting for marine LED deck lights. Elevated positions maximize coverage while protecting lights from deck-level damage.
T-top mounting strategies:
-
Forward position: Illuminate forward deck and bow area
-
Center position: Maximum side-to-side coverage
-
Aft position: Light cockpit and stern for fishing
-
Corner positions: Complete deck coverage with minimal shadows
Hardtop considerations:
Optimal mounting heights:
- 8-10 feet for 2-inch LED deck lights (boats up to 25 feet)
- 10-15 feet for 4-inch marine spreader lights (medium to large boats)
Radar Arch Mounting for LED Spreader Lights
Radar arches provide excellent mounting for marine LED deck lights, especially on sport fishing boats without hardtops.
Installation advantages:
- Height advantage provides excellent coverage
- Structural strength handles marine flood light weight
- Adjustable bracket-mount boat spreader lights
- Space for multiple LED deck lights covering different zones
Use bracket-mount LED spreader lights on tubular structures for easy installation. Our mounting brackets accommodate 1.25" to 2" tube diameters.
Sailboat Spreader Lights & Mast Mounting
Marine Deck Lights for Sailing Vessels
Sailboat spreaders and masts offer unique mounting opportunities for LED deck illumination. Sailboat spreader lights serve double duty: providing deck lighting while mounted on traditional spreaders.
Spreader mounting for sailboat deck lights:
- Mount sailboat spreader lights on outboard ends for wide coverage
- Inboard positioning for focused cockpit illumination
- Dual-side installation for complete coverage
- Adjust angle downward to illuminate deck
Mast mounting strategies:
- Install LED spreader lights on mast steps for maintenance access
- Custom brackets may be required for round sections
- Ensure sailboat deck lights don't interfere with sail trim
- Higher mounting provides more coverage
Electrical considerations:
- Run wiring inside mast when possible
- Plan waterproof connections at deck level
- Place controls at helm or companionway
- Ensure battery capacity supports extended night lighting
Why Choose Black Oak LED Marine Spreader, Deck & Flood Lights
Pro Series 3.0 Marine Lighting Built for Real Conditions
Black Oak LED's Pro Series 3.0 marine spreader lights, LED deck lights, and boat flood lights are engineered to military standards. This veteran-operated commitment ensures equipment performs when conditions get difficult.
What sets Pro Series 3.0 apart:
-
IP69K waterproof rating: Highest international standard, exceeding IP67 ratings competitors advertise
-
Scene optics technology: 40% more usable light than generic marine deck lights
-
Marine-grade aluminum: Cast housings with corrosion-resistant anodizing
-
OSRAM and CREE LEDs: Top-bin LEDs from Austrian and American manufacturers
-
50,000+ hour lifespan: 25+ years of typical boating use with lifetime warranty
Pro Series 3.0 marine spreader lights installed on Alaskan commercial fishing vessels continue performing after 5+ years of daily use in harsh conditions.
Marine Lighting Advantages Over Standard Products
| Feature |
Black Oak LED Pro Series 3.0 |
Typical Competitors |
| Waterproof Rating |
IP69K (highest standard) |
IP67 (adequate) |
| LED Source |
OSRAM/CREE top-bin |
Generic LEDs |
| Warranty |
Lifetime limited |
1-2 years typical |
| Housing |
Marine-grade cast aluminum |
Extruded aluminum/plastic |
| Optics |
Precision scene optics |
Standard reflectors |
| Hardware |
Stainless steel marine-grade |
Zinc-plated (corrodes) |
Our marine LED deck lights cost 15-25% more than budget alternatives but deliver 5-10x the lifespan. Over 10 years, Pro Series 3.0 costs less per year while providing superior performance.
Veteran-Operated Quality in Marine Lighting
Black Oak LED is veteran-operated and understands mission-critical requirements. When lives depend on equipment performing in harsh conditions, there's no room for shortcuts.
Veteran-operated difference:
- Testing protocols derived from military equipment standards
- Every Pro Series 3.0 marine spreader light individually inspected
- Support from people who actually use boat deck lights
- Lifetime warranty confidence from building products right
When you're 30 miles offshore processing fish at 3 AM, you need marine deck lights that work. No excuses, no compromises. Just reliable illumination when it matters most.
Technical Specifications & Marine Engineering
Advanced LED Technology for Marine Environments
Marine environments destroy inferior LEDs. Black Oak LED's Pro Series 3.0 uses LED technology specifically selected and tested for marine service.
LED specifications:
-
Top-bin OSRAM and CREE LEDs: Highest efficiency grade only
-
5000K color temperature: Crisp white light for natural color rendering
-
CRI 80+: True colors instead of washed-out images
-
Thermal management: Oversized heat sinks extend lifespan
Performance by model:
| Model |
LED Power |
Lumens |
Beam Angle |
Coverage at 10ft |
Current Draw |
| 2-inch Scene Optics |
20W |
1,800 |
120° |
18-foot circle |
1.6A @ 12V |
| 4-inch Scene Optics |
40W |
3,600 |
120° |
25-foot circle |
3.3A @ 12V |
| Low Pro Design |
48W |
4,300 |
110° |
22-foot circle |
4.0A @ 12V |
Our specifications reflect actual measured output at operating temperature after thermal stabilization. Not laboratory conditions you'll never experience.
Military-Grade Marine Construction
Black Oak LED applies military qualification standards to civilian marine products.
Construction specifications:
-
IP69K waterproof: Survives 1,450 PSI high-pressure washdown and 3-meter submersion
-
MIL-STD-810 environmental testing: Shock, vibration, temperature cycling, humidity, salt fog
-
Corrosion resistance: Marine-grade aluminum with anodized finish plus stainless hardware
-
Temperature performance: Operates -40°F to +140°F
Electrical Excellence for Marine Systems
Marine electrical systems present unique challenges. Our spreader lights include protection circuits surviving conditions failing competitors' products.
Electrical protection:
-
10-30V DC operation: Works with 12V and 24V systems
-
Reverse polarity protection: Prevents wiring damage
-
Transient voltage suppression: Survives alternator spikes
-
EMI/RFI shielding: Won't interfere with VHF, GPS, radar
A 4-inch LED deck light drawing 3.3 amps runs 30 hours on a typical 100Ah marine battery. Running four 4-inch marine spreader lights (13.2 amps total) plus two 2-inch lights (3.2 amps) draws 16.4 amps total.
Marine Deck & Spreader Light Selection Guide
Quick Decision Matrix
Choose your marine lighting based on three factors:
-
Boat length?
-
Primary use?
- Fishing: Maximum lumen output marine deck lights
- Cruising: Balanced LED spreader lighting
- Professional: Multi-zone marine LED deck lighting
-
Installation preference?
Lumen Recommendations by Activity
| Activity |
Recommended Lumens |
Configuration |
Coverage Priority |
| Recreational cruising |
3,000-5,000 |
2x 2-inch or 1x 4-inch |
Ambient lighting |
| Casual fishing |
5,000-8,000 |
2x 4-inch |
Task lighting |
| Serious fishing |
8,000-12,000+ |
3-4x 4-inch |
Professional work area |
| Docking operations |
3,000-6,000 |
2x 2-inch focused |
Critical areas |
| Commercial operations |
12,000+ |
4+ 4-inch |
360-degree coverage |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are spreader lights on a boat?
Spreader lights (also called marine deck lights or boat flood lights) are wide-angle LED fixtures providing even deck illumination from elevated mounting. Unlike spotlights creating focused beams, spreader lights use 120-180 degree beam angles distributing light uniformly across large deck areas.
The name originated from sailboat terminology where marine LED deck lights were mounted on mast spreaders. Powerboats adopted the technology for T-tops and hardtops, keeping the name.
Black Oak LED's Pro Series 3.0 uses precision scene optics delivering 40% more usable light compared to generic marine flood lights.
How do I choose between 2-inch and 4-inch marine deck lights?
Choose 2-inch LED spreader lights if:
- Boat is 18-25 feet
- Need supplemental lighting in specific areas
- Mounting height is 6-10 feet
- Want lower power consumption (20W)
Choose 4-inch marine spreader lights if:
- Boat is 25+ feet
- Need primary deck illumination
- Mounting height is 10-15 feet
- Conduct regular night fishing operations
Many boaters use combinations: 4-inch LED marine deck lights for primary coverage supplemented with 2-inch spreader lights for work areas.
Should I choose flush mount or bracket mount?
Flush mount marine deck lights offer clean appearance, protected installation, and professional look. Requires cutting mounting surface and access to both sides.
Bracket mount LED spreader lights provide adjustable angles, easier DIY installation, and simple removal. Surface mounts with screws, works on any surface.
Choose flush mount for premium hardtops. Choose bracket-mount for adjustability and easier installation.
How many marine deck lights do I need?
Minimum by boat size:
- 18-22 feet: 1-2 LED deck lights
- 23-28 feet: 2-3 marine spreader lights
- 29-35 feet: 3-4 boat flood lights
- 36+ feet: 4-6+ marine LED deck lights
Add lights based on activities. Fishing requires more than casual cruising. Strategic positioning matters more than quantity.
Start with primary 4-inch marine spreader lights on T-tops, then add 2-inch supplemental LED deck lights for work areas after evaluating coverage.
Are Black Oak LED marine spreader lights waterproof for saltwater?
Pro Series 3.0 marine spreader lights, LED deck lights, and boat flood lights exceed saltwater requirements.
IP69K waterproof rating (highest international standard) means our lights survive:
- Complete 3-meter submersion
- 1,450 PSI high-pressure washdown
- 176°F hot water spray
- Close-range pressure washing
Marine construction:
- Cast aluminum with marine-grade anodizing
- Stainless steel hardware (won't rust)
- Custom neoprene gaskets
- Ceramic lens coatings
- Multiple O-ring cable seals
Pro Series 3.0 marine LED deck lights on Alaskan commercial vessels continue performing after 5+ years of daily saltwater exposure.
What's the difference between scene optics and standard optics?
Standard optics (reflector design) create uneven distribution with bright centers and dim edges. Significant light wasted as spill.
Scene optics (precision lens design) employ engineered lenses precisely controlling LED output. Distribute light uniformly, minimize spill, maximize useful lumens.
A 40W standard boat flood light delivers 2,500 usable lumens with 1,100 wasted. A 40W scene optics LED spreader light delivers 3,600 usable lumens by eliminating spill.
Scene optics matter for fishing (no shadows), fish processing (consistent light), docking (no dark spots), and battery efficiency (more useful light per amp).
Can I install marine spreader lights myself?
Most boat owners with basic electrical skills can install Pro Series 3.0 marine LED deck lights.
DIY-friendly: Bracket-mount marine spreader lights surface mount with screws, simple two-wire connection. 2-3 hours for two lights.
More complex: Flush-mount LED boat deck lights require cutting holes and access to both sides. 4-6 hours for two lights.
Black Oak LED marine spreader lights include comprehensive instructions. Two-wire connection to boat's 12V system with inline fuses recommended. Most boats have suitable circuit capacity.
Our veteran-operated support team (1-800-348-1287) provides technical guidance during installation.
How long do marine spreader lights last?
Pro Series 3.0 marine LED deck lights are engineered for 50,000+ hours. That's 25+ years of typical recreational use, or 5-10 years of intensive commercial operations.
Lifespan factors:
- Top-bin OSRAM and CREE LEDs (highest grade)
- Oversized aluminum heat sinks (low junction temperatures)
- Quality driver circuits (commercial-grade)
- IP69K waterproofing (prevents moisture intrusion)
Commercial fishing boats operating 200+ days yearly report 5+ years with zero failures. Our lifetime warranty covers the entire useful life.
Black Oak LED marine spreader lights maintain 90% brightness after 30,000 hours and 80% after 50,000 hours.
The Black Oak LED Marine Lighting Advantage
When safety and success depend on seeing clearly at night, trust the veteran-operated company building marine spreader lights, LED deck lights, and boat flood lights to military standards. Our Pro Series 3.0 marine LED deck lights aren't just brighter. They're engineered for boaters understanding that reliable marine lighting equipment isn't luxury, it's necessity.
Need specialized lighting? Explore our marine LED light bars for long-distance visibility, underwater LED lights for fish attraction, or marine lithium batteries to power electrical upgrades.
Ready to upgrade marine deck lighting? Call 1-800-348-1287 to speak with our marine lighting specialists, or explore our complete selection of Pro Series 3.0 marine spreader lights, LED deck lights, and boat flood lights below.
From weekend fishing trips to professional offshore operations, Black Oak LED lights the way forward.
