Selecting the Correct Dock Lights

Lights for your dock and boat lift are essential for the security of your family and guests. Proper dock lights can prevent a serious accident.

Lighting also serves as a guide when you return to your pier at night.

PWS will help you select the proper lighting for your particular needs.

Here are some suggestions to enhance the security, safety, and appearance of your dock.

Are Solar-Powered Lights better than AC Lights?

Solar cells can control both systems. AC-powered lights can also operate with a timer. Solar lights turn on and off when the light level dims. You don’t have to be present, and they need no AC power to operate.

Solar-powered lights cost nothing to use and are safer to operate, with no risk of shock. They charge even when it’s cloudy.

Reminder: You don’t have to remove a solar powered lights if your dock requires removal each year. Solar lights are self-contained and have no exposed wires. Solar lighting does not need power boxes at the shore with safety circuits in the house.

To answer your question – YES – solar lighting is the preferred method.

Where can you mount dock lights?

The preferred location for dock lighting is on the deck surface or on the leg posts. The deck-mounted style mounts along the edge of the dock, where you are not likely to step on it. You have a choice:

- A hole placed in the decking with the lights placed almost flush with the deck surface.
- Lights can mount on the side of the dock.
- Mounted on the top of the decking at the edge of the pier. OR
- Mounted on the boat lift uprights.
- Surface Dock Light
  
  Surface mounted Dot Lights

Use this link for more information.

What about post lights?

A post-mounted light fixture mounts on a leg post above the decking. This is a simple mounting, but the heights may vary depending on the water depths from year to year.

Post lights

For Visual Drama and Safety, Illuminate the Water’s Edge

Add a set of lights that shine into the water and reflect off the edges of the dock. This adds both visual impact and a second safety factor. The pier is more visible as you bring the boat into your lift.

Choose Colors that Help Identify Your Dock for Visitors

At night, it can be difficult to distinguish which dock is yours. This is especially true if you cannot see any of the landscaping or tree outlines. If neighboring piers use the same colored lights, it can be challenging to pick the correct one.

Consider adding red and green lights at the end of your dock to help you steer your boat to the correct side at night. You can use any available color scheme at the end.

Light for Safety When Leaving the Dock Area

Place a light on a high pole or tree, shining down at the entrance to your path or stairway. This will provide visibility at the entrance to your dock. Avoid lights that cast a bright light in a wide pattern. Let your guests and neighbors sleep.

Think safety first, visual drama second.

Who can help you make your selections? Pier & Waterfront Solutions!!!

Where can I find Pier & Waterfront Solutions?

Pier & Waterfront Solutions, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is located 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay. Go 1 mile PAST the intersection with County MM (heading north). Look on the right at the next corner – Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.

PWS is

Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.

The Covid-19 virus continues to spread and affects many people. We are conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.

Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines when possible.

PWS display yard – OPEN 24-7

Red Tag

PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.

PWS provides estimates by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.

Call, message, or email Jerry with any questions.

Jerry Englebert

How to Select the Correct Dock Lights