What Is Strip Lighting?
Strip lighting is a type of flexible LED lighting that mounts along linear surfaces to provide accent or task illumination. In marine applications, strip lighting typically consists of small LED chips arranged on a bendable circuit board, encased in waterproof material that protects against moisture, salt spray, and UV exposure.
Boaters install strip lighting along gunwales, under hardtops, inside storage compartments, around engine hatches, beneath helm consoles, and throughout cabin spaces. The flexibility of strip lighting allows it to follow curves and fit into tight spaces where rigid fixtures won't work.
DRSA carries marine-grade strip lighting from trusted manufacturers, including Lumitec, Lumishore, and Scandvik. These products are built for the demanding conditions of saltwater boating, with IP-rated protection and corrosion-resistant construction.
How Strip Lighting Works
LED strip lighting uses surface-mount diodes (SMDs) arranged at regular intervals along a flexible circuit board. When connected to 12V DC power, all diodes illuminate simultaneously. The circuit board bends to follow contours while maintaining electrical connections between LEDs.
Common LED chip types include:
SMD3528 delivers moderate brightness suitable for accent applications and subtle effects.
SMD5050 provides higher output and supports RGB color mixing for color-changing installations.
SMD2835 offers improved efficiency, producing more light per watt than older chip designs.
Marine-grade strip lighting features protective encapsulation that shields electronics from water and salt. Silicone coatings or extruded jackets achieve different IP ratings depending on the level of water resistance required. Quality marine strips use tinned copper conductors that resist corrosion in saltwater environments.
Types of Strip Lighting
Flexible LED Strip Lights
The most versatile option for marine applications. Flexible strips bend to follow curves, fit into channels, and cut to precise lengths at marked intervals. Adhesive backing simplifies initial mounting, though marine installations benefit from additional mechanical fastening for long-term durability.
DRSA carries premium flexible strips including the Lumitec Moray Flex Lighting Strip Spectrum RGBW 7.5" and the Lumitec Moray Flex Strip Spectrum RGBW 10.5". Both offer full RGBW color capability with Lumitec's proven marine-grade construction.
Scan Strip and Linear LED Lights
Scan strips provide rigid or semi-rigid linear illumination in defined lengths. These fixtures deliver clean lines and consistent light output, well-suited for under-gunwale mounting and compartment lighting where a structured appearance works better than fully flexible alternatives.
The Scandvik 8" Scan Strip Light White delivers reliable single-color illumination in a compact format. For color-changing capability, the Scandvik 20" Scan Strip 4-Color RGBW Light provides full spectrum control in a longer format.
LED Rope Lights
LED Rope Light encase LEDs within flexible, round tubing that provides 360-degree illumination. The cylindrical profile bends in any direction, unlike flat strips that only flex along one axis. This makes rope lights effective for wrapping around rails and curved structures.
DRSA offers the standard LED Rope Light for versatile accent illumination and the LED Rope Light 3/8" (10mm) for tighter spaces and more subtle accent effects.
Premium Strip Light Systems
High-end strip lighting from premium marine brands delivers superior build quality and advanced features for demanding offshore conditions. These products feature robust waterproofing, quality LED chips, and compatibility with sophisticated lighting control systems.
The Lumishore Eclipse SL100 Blue/White Strip Light 5M provides professional-grade performance in an extended 5-meter length, ideal for continuous runs from bow to stern. The Lumishore Eclipse SL100 Blue Strip Light 1M offers the same quality in a compact format for targeted installations.
Common Applications for Strip Lighting
Gunwale and Rail Illumination
Strip lighting mounted along gunwales defines the boat's profile and provides safety illumination. Installations typically run beneath gunwale caps or along rubrail interiors, casting light downward onto deck surfaces while remaining hidden from direct view.
Engine Compartment Lighting
Strip lighting installed around engine hatch openings provides visibility for maintenance and inspection. LED strips mounted along hatch lips illuminate engine installations, making fluid checks and general maintenance easier than working with handheld flashlights.
Storage Compartments and Livewells
Strip lights inside storage lockers and livewells illuminate contents when hatches open. Waterproof ratings of IP67 or higher protect strips exposed to spray and drainage.
Under Hardtop and T-Top Mounting
Strip lighting beneath hardtops provides downward illumination for cockpit and helm areas without glare. Color-changing strips allow switching between bright white for tasks and colored modes for nighttime ambiance.
Helm Console and Dashboard Accent
Strip lighting beneath helm console edges provides accent illumination that enhances appearance while improving visibility of switches and controls.
Cockpit and Deck Perimeter
Strip lighting around cockpit perimeters and beneath seating creates visual effects while serving safety functions. Illuminated deck boundaries help passengers move safely at night.
Strip Lighting Specifications
Understanding these specifications helps match products to applications:
Indicates water and dust resistance. IP65 handles splash and spray. IP67 withstands temporary immersion. IP68 is rated for permanent underwater use.
LEDs Per Meter
Affects brightness and light continuity. 30 LEDs/m creates accent effects with visible spacing. 60 LEDs/m is standard density for most applications. 120 LEDs/m produces bright, continuous illumination without gaps.
Color Options
Single-color strips (white, blue, red, green) provide consistent illumination for specific purposes. RGB strips mix colors but produce impure white. RGBW strips add a dedicated white channel for pure white output alongside full color mixing.
Most marine strip lighting runs on 12V DC. Some strips accept a 10-30V range. Verify compatibility with your vessel's electrical system before purchasing.
Power Consumption
Typically 4-14 watts per meter depending on LED density and brightness. Calculate total draw across all strips to size power supplies and verify electrical capacity.
Cut Intervals
Strips cut at marked intervals, typically every 2-4 inches. Cutting between marks damages the circuit. Shorter intervals allow more precise length customization.
Installation Considerations
Surface Preparation
Clean mounting surfaces with isopropyl alcohol or marine degreaser to remove wax, oils, and salt residue. Contaminants prevent adhesive bonding. Allow surfaces to dry completely before applying strip lighting.
Mounting Methods
Adhesive backing provides initial mounting, but marine installations benefit from supplemental fastening. Aluminum extrusion channels accept strips and screw-mount permanently to surfaces. Plastic clips secure strips at intervals along runs. Silicone sealant along strip edges adds hold and waterproofs connection points.
Electrical Connections
Use tinned copper wire for all connections. Marine-grade heat-shrink tubing with adhesive lining seals joints against moisture. Solder connections in exposed locations rather than relying on crimp connectors. Install inline fuses near the power source.
Voltage Drop Management
Long runs experience voltage drop that causes LEDs at the far end to appear dimmer. For runs exceeding 15-20 feet, inject power at both ends or at intermediate points. Use heavier gauge wire for long runs from the power source.
Benefits of Strip Lighting
Flexible Installation
Conforms to curves, fits into tight spaces, and cuts to exact lengths. Strip lighting installs where rigid fixtures cannot.
Low Power Consumption
LED strip lighting draws minimal current compared to incandescent alternatives. Extended operation is practical even on battery power.
Customizable Effects
Choose single colors for specific applications or RGBW strips for unlimited color options. Dimmers and controllers provide additional adjustment.
Safety Enhancement
Illuminated deck edges and walkways prevent trips and falls in darkness. Clearly defined boundaries improve nighttime safety aboard.
Practical Illumination
Light engine compartments, storage areas, and work surfaces for easier maintenance and gear access after dark.
Related Marine Lighting Terms
Accent Lighting: Decorative illumination that highlights boat features and creates atmosphere.
Color Changing Light: RGBW fixtures offering customizable color selection through controllers.
Courtesy Lights: Low-profile step and walkway illumination for passenger safety.
Underwater Lights: Submersible fixtures for below-waterline illumination effects.
Engine Room Lights: High-output fixtures designed for machinery space maintenance.
Spreader Lights: Overhead deck illumination mounted on masts or hardtops.
IP Rating: Ingress Protection rating indicating resistance to dust and water intrusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is strip lighting?
Strip lighting is flexible LED lighting that mounts along linear surfaces on boats. It consists of small LED chips on a bendable circuit board, protected by waterproof encapsulation. Boaters use strip lighting for accent effects, task illumination, and safety lighting along gunwales, compartments, and cabin spaces.
What's the difference between strip lights and rope lights?
Strip lights mount flat against surfaces and project light in one direction. They bend lengthwise but resist bending across their width. Rope lights are round and bend in any direction, emitting light 360 degrees around the tube. Choose strip lights for flat surface mounting. Choose rope lights for wrapping around rails and curved structures.
Can I cut LED strip lights to custom lengths?
Yes. Most strip lighting cuts at marked intervals, typically indicated by a scissor icon or cut line. Cutting between marks damages the circuit. After cutting, seal the exposed end with waterproof end caps or silicone to prevent moisture intrusion.
What IP rating do I need for boat strip lighting?
IP65 provides minimum protection for above-deck installations exposed to spray. IP67 protects against temporary immersion and works better in bow areas and other exposed locations. IP68 is required for underwater or constant water contact. Connections need separate waterproofing regardless of strip rating.
How much power does strip lighting draw?
Power consumption varies by LED density and brightness. Typical marine strips draw 4-14 watts per meter. A 5-meter run at 10 W/m consumes 50 W, about 4 A at 12V. Calculate total amperage for all planned strip lighting to verify your electrical system supports the load.
Should I choose single-color or RGBW strip lighting?
Single-color strips cost less and require simpler wiring. They work well for consistent illumination, like white engine compartment lighting or blue accent effects. RGBW strips provide color flexibility for different occasions but require controllers. If you might want color options later, install RGBW from the start.
Will adhesive backing hold up on boats?
3M VHB adhesive provides strong initial bonding, but marine conditions can degrade the adhesive over time. Salt, UV exposure, temperature changes, and vibration cause failures. Supplement adhesive with mechanical fasteners, mounting channels, or clips for permanent installations.
How do I prevent dim spots in long strip lighting runs?
Voltage drop causes LEDs far from the power connection to appear dimmer. For runs over 15-20 feet, inject power at both ends or at intermediate points. Use heavier gauge supply wire for long runs from the battery or distribution panel.
Is strip lighting hard to install?
Basic installations are DIY-friendly for boaters comfortable with electrical work. Cut strips to length, connect to 12V power with proper marine wiring practices, and mount with adhesive plus supplemental fasteners. Complex RGBW systems with controllers require more planning. For permanent installations, consider professional help from a marine electrician.
Where can I buy marine strip lighting?
DRSA carries marine-grade strip lighting from Lumitec, Lumishore, Scandvik, and other trusted brands. Browse our strip lighting collection online or contact our team at 561-842-5704 for product recommendations. Local pickup is available at our North Palm Beach, Florida location.