Boat House and Dock Lighting

I am very fortunate to live in a beautiful area of Central Texas with several lakes just a stone’s throw away. From my back porch, I am blessed with the view of a lot of people enjoying boating and other water activities. The activity frequently extends after sundown, and I see all kinds of things done to add lighting to these areas: from flood lights mounted in very strange places to simple rope light. Of greatest concern are the docks and ramps with no lighting at all, just waiting for a tired boater or adventurous skier to strike them at night - which could not only cause damage to the dock and boat, but may also cause some very serious injuries.
As a lighting guy, and lake-enthusiast, I know there many options for lighting in these areas to ensure safe passage for everyone relishing moonlit water fun.
For boat houses, a simple light fixture could be mounted in the ceiling to illuminate the entire area. These lights can be controlled on a simple switch in an easy to reach place. However, the big drawback with the switch option is that you must manually turn it on. If you forget to turn it on before leaving the dock, and don’t get back till after dark, it will be just that - DARK.
My least favorite light ‘solution’ is the ever-present photo cell controlled flood lights that are generally mounted on the top of the boat house shining out into the eyes of anyone on the water. As I try to teach all my clients, brighter is not usually better. Besides being very ugly and the glare very annoying, when these lights are left on every night, they burn out pretty fast and have to be replaced. They also use and waste a lot of energy on light not actually necessary much of the time.
So, what are some better ways to illuminate these areas that you want be fun, safe and worry free?

One great option is a low profile fixture that is mounted to the dock or boathouse. These fixtures shine light out in a 360 degree pattern, and are dark-sky friendly as well as boater friendly. Here in the more rural Texas hill country, this can be important to many who love the see the starlight. These fixtures do not throw light upward, only down and outward. They have a very small footprint to keep them out of the way of foot traffic and won’t become a trip hazard.
Another of my favorites is the lighted dock cleat fixture – I love a good multi-tasker! Not only do they illuminate the dock or boat house, they also allow you to tie off your boat or personal watercraft. How cool is that?
Both of these better options use LED lighting which will last many years even when operated every night. They also use very little energy, not enough for you to even notice, and far less than even one of those glare bomb flood light bulbs. These low voltage options are also much safer around the water.
If you have a boat house or dock - or know someone who does, take a moment and see if the best options are being utilized. Help educate your water-loving friends and neighbors on the best ways to keep everyone safer on the water, and on docks and boathouses, after dark.
For more options visit us at www.night-scenes.com or www.facebook.com/nightscenes