Marine LED Strip Lights: Waterproof 12V Boat Lighting | West Palm Beach & South Florida

Marine LED strip lights (also called LED tape lights or flexible LED strips) are thin, flexible circuit boards populated with surface-mounted LEDs, encased in waterproof silicone for marine applications. Operating on 12V or 24V DC power, these cuttable strips provide continuous linear illumination for boats, yachts, and docks ideal for accent lighting, task illumination, and creating ambient effects in cabins, cockpits, under gunwales, and storage compartments.

DRSA, based in North Palm Beach, Florida, has supplied marine-grade LED strip lights to South Florida boaters since 1988. As a U.S. manufacturer and authorized dealer for Lumitec and Lumishore, DRSA offers IP68-rated strip lighting engineered to withstand Florida's intense UV exposure, saltwater spray, and humidity. Local pickup is available at our North Palm Beach showroom, with fast shipping to West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and the Florida Keys.

Types of Marine LED Strip Lights

Marine LED strip lights come in several configurations to suit different applications and aesthetic preferences:

•       SMD5050 LED Tape – Industry-standard strips using 5050-size SMD LEDs. Available in single-color (white, blue, red, green) and RGB/RGBW color-changing versions. 60 LEDs per meter, 14.4W/m output.

•       COB LED Tape – Chip-on-board technology creates a seamless, dot-free light line by packing smaller LEDs closer together. Eliminates visible hotspots, ideal for reflective surfaces and display applications.

•       LED Rope Lights – Cylindrical 1/2" or 3/8" diameter tubing with LEDs inside. More durable than flat tape for high-traffic areas; available in 12V/24V with cool white, warm white, blue, and red options.

•       Tunable White Strips – Adjustable color temperature from warm (2700K) to cool (6500K) white. Allows matching cabin ambiance or switching between task and mood lighting.

•       RGBW/RGB+CCT Strips – Full color-changing capability plus dedicated white channel for both vibrant accent colors and clean white task lighting from a single strip.

Where to Use LED Strip Lights on Your Boat

Marine LED strip lights offer versatile installation options throughout your vessel. Popular applications include:

•       Under-gunwale lighting – Illuminate deck edges for safety and visual appeal during night fishing and docking

•       Cockpit & seating areas – Create ambient glow for evening entertaining and late-night cruising

•       Storage compartments & lockers – Improve visibility in tackle boxes, gear lockers, and under-seat storage

•       Cabin cove lighting – Indirect illumination under cabinets, crown moldings, and overheads

•       T-tops & hardtops – Downward-facing strips illuminate helm and deck areas

•       Livewells & baitwells – Blue or white IP68-rated strips for underwater visibility

•       Toe kicks & step edges – Low-profile safety lighting for walkways and stairs

•       Console & dash backlighting – Accent lighting behind gauges and electronics

Why Choose Marine-Grade LED Strip Lights?

Standard LED strips from hardware stores fail quickly in marine environments. Here's why marine-grade strips are essential for Florida boaters:

•       IP68 waterproof rating – Fully submersible construction survives bilge flooding, washdowns, and constant spray

•       UV-stable silicone encapsulation – Won't yellow, crack, or degrade under Florida's intense sun

•       Saltwater corrosion resistance – Sealed connections and marine-grade materials handle salt air and spray

•       Vibration tolerance – Flexible construction and solid-state LEDs withstand engine vibration and offshore pounding

•       3M VHB adhesive backing – Industrial-strength bond to fiberglass, aluminum, and gelcoat that won't peel in heat

•       50,000+ hour lifespan – Dramatically outlasts incandescent and halogen alternatives

Marine LED Strip Light Specifications

Specification	What to Look For
IP Rating	IP67 for splash-prone areas; IP68 for bilges, livewells, and submersible applications. IP68 strips are solid-core silicone encased.
Voltage	12V DC (standard boats) or 24V DC (larger yachts). Use a step-down converter if your boat has 24V but you're using 12V strips.
LED Density	60 LEDs/meter (standard), 120 LEDs/meter (high-density). Higher density = smoother light with fewer visible dots.
Wattage	12–19W per meter typical. COB strips range 12–19W/m. Calculate total wattage to size your power supply correctly.
Color Options	Single color: warm white, cool white, blue, red, green. Multi-color: RGB, RGBW, RGB+CCT (tunable white + colors).
Cut Points	12V strips: cut every 2" (3 LEDs). 24V strips: cut every 4" (6 LEDs). Always seal cut ends with silicone to maintain waterproof rating.
Color Temperature	Warm white (2700K–3000K) for cabin ambiance; cool white (6500K) for task areas; tunable (2700K–6500K) for flexibility.

DRSA Marine LED Strip Light Products

DRSA stocks over 74 LED strip lighting products, from our own marine-grade tape lights to premium options from Lumitec and Lumishore. All products ship from our North Palm Beach warehouse with same-day pickup available.

COB LED Tape Light – IP67 Flexible Strip

DRSA's chip-on-board (COB) LED tape creates a seamless, dot-free line of light using flip-chip technology. The tightly packed LEDs eliminate visible hotspots, making COB strips ideal for cove lighting, display cases, and surfaces with reflective materials like granite or polished stainless. Available in warm white (2700K, 3000K), cool white (6500K), and tunable white (2700K–6500K). IP67 rated, 12V/24V compatible.

•       Seamless light output – no visible LED dots

•       12–19W per meter depending on color temp

•       Improved thermal management and flexibility

•       Starting from $140.00 per 5m reel

Shop COB LED Tape: drsa.com/products/led-tape-light-warm-white

SMD5050 LED Tape Light – IP68 Marine Grade

The industry-standard marine LED strip featuring 5050-size SMD LEDs in solid-core silicone encapsulation. IP68-rated for full submersion, UV-protected to prevent yellowing, and thin enough for tight installations. Available in warm white, cool white, natural white (4000K), blue, red, green, RGB, and RGBW. 14.4W/m, 60 LEDs per meter.

•       IP68 waterproof – fully submersible

•       UV-protected silicone won't yellow or crack

•       Cut points every 2" (12V) or 4" (24V)

•       Starting from $125.00 per 5m reel

Shop SMD5050 LED Tape: drsa.com/products/led-tape-light-smd5050-leds

LED Rope Light – 1/2" Heavy-Duty Marine

Round 13mm diameter LED rope light for applications requiring more durability than flat tape. The cylindrical design resists kinks and handles high-traffic areas better than tape strips. Available in cool white, warm white, blue, and red. 12V/24V DC compatible. Sold by the foot with mounting track available separately.

•       1/2" (13mm) round profile

•       Heavy-duty construction for high-traffic areas

•       4-foot mounting track available ($10.75)

•       Starting from $127.50

Shop LED Rope Lights: drsa.com/collections/marine-led-strip-lights

LED Controllers, Dimmers & Power Supplies

Complete your LED strip installation with DRSA's range of controllers and accessories. RGB+CCT wireless controllers offer full color and white temperature control. Non-dimmable AC-to-DC drivers convert shore power to 12V/24V DC. Mounting track secures tape strips to surfaces where adhesive alone isn't sufficient.

•       RGB+CCT LED Controller – 2.4GHz wireless control

•       LED Driver/Power Supply – from $10.00

•       Tape Light Mounting Track – 2×2ft lengths, $12.00

•       Waterproof connectors and end caps

Shop Accessories: drsa.com/collections/marine-led-strip-lights

LED Strip Light Color Selection Guide

Color	Best Applications
Warm White	Cabin cove lighting, salon ambiance, under-cabinet illumination. Creates cozy, inviting atmosphere for evening entertaining.
Cool White	Task lighting in galleys, engine rooms, storage lockers. High-visibility illumination for maintenance and work areas.
Blue	Under-gunwale accent lighting, cockpit ambiance, livewell illumination. Easier on eyes at night, attracts fewer insects than white.
Red	Helm stations, chart tables, navigation areas. Preserves night vision for safe nighttime operation.
RGB/RGBW	Multi-purpose areas where you want both accent colors and functional white light. Switch between party mode and task lighting with one strip.

How to Install Marine LED Strip Lights

Most boaters can install LED strip lights as a DIY project. Follow these steps for a professional, long-lasting installation:

1.    Plan your layout – Measure the installation area and calculate total strip length needed. Account for power supply location and any connectors required.

2.    Clean the surface – Use acetone or isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt, grease, and wax. The 3M VHB adhesive requires a clean, dry surface for permanent bond.

3.    Cut to length – Cut only at marked cut points (every 2" for 12V, every 4" for 24V). Use sharp scissors for a clean cut.

4.    Apply the strip – Peel adhesive backing and press firmly onto the surface. For areas where adhesive isn't sufficient, use mounting track.

5.    Seal cut ends – Apply marine silicone sealant to any cut points to maintain waterproof rating. Use waterproof connectors for joins.

6.    Connect to power – Match positive (+) and negative (−) wires correctly. Install an inline switch or connect to your boat's 12V system with appropriate fusing.

💡 Pro Tip: For silicone-cased IP68 strips, the adhesive backing alone may not hold permanently. DRSA recommends using 12mm tape mounting track ($12.00 for 2×2ft lengths) for secure, long-term installation on fiberglass and aluminum surfaces.

Marine LED Strip Lights in South Florida

DRSA has been South Florida's trusted source for marine LED lighting since 1988. Our North Palm Beach showroom stocks a complete selection of strip lights, controllers, and accessories—with expert staff ready to help you plan your lighting project.

📍 DRSA Showroom & Warehouse: 420 US Highway 1, Suite 8, North Palm Beach, FL 33408 | 📞 561-842-5704

Service Areas

•       West Palm Beach & Palm Beach Gardens – Full showroom access, same-day pickup, installation support

•       Jupiter & Stuart – Serving marinas from Jupiter Inlet to the St. Lucie River

•       Boca Raton & Delray Beach – Easy I-95 access; local delivery available

•       Fort Lauderdale – Partner dealers including BOW South Broward (311 W. SR 84)

•       Miami & Key Biscayne – Serving yacht owners throughout Miami-Dade County

•       Florida Keys – Fast shipping to Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West

Related Lighting Categories

•       Dome & Down Lights – Fixed overhead fixtures for cabins and cockpits

•       Courtesy & Accent Lights – Step lights and accent fixtures

•       Underwater Lights – Submersible fixtures for transom and hull

•       Interior Lights – Complete cabin lighting solutions

•       Digital Lighting Control – Smart controllers for color-changing systems

Shop LED Strip Lights at DRSA

•       Marine LED Strip Lights Collection

•       Indirect LED Lighting

•       Digital Lighting Control

•       Lumitec LED Lighting

•       Lumishore Lighting Systems

•       Lighting Accessories

Need Help Choosing LED Strip Lights?

DRSA's marine lighting specialists can help you select the right strips, calculate power requirements, and plan your installation. Contact us for product recommendations, bulk pricing for larger projects, or OEM/wholesale inquiries.

📞 Call: 561-842-5704 | 📧 Email: sales@drsa.com | Contact DRSA