One of the most popular things I’ve written about has been using a string of 12v Christmas lights on inside of the bimini (cable tying to the stainless) to provide just a bit of light in the cockpit. Whether you’re having dinner, enjoying a glass of wine, or just sitting and talking, it’s nice to have a bit of light to see the faces of those around you . . . not to mention trying to walk or actually eat something. Thanks, Brittany for sharing your idea (read Windtraveler’s blog).
But when I recently re-posted that article on Facebook, I got inquiries from two people about “what can I use on a charter boat?” and, interestingly enough, a comment from one other about what they do use when they charter. Yeah, counting on a convenient 12v outlet and then bringing a light string and a bunch of cable ties on vacation isn’t too practical.
Luckily, there are several things that work well. All use LEDs so will go a long time on a charge or set of batteries, and none require an outlet. Oh yeah, and they’re all under $15!
- SoLite — EDIT: I no longer recommend these. Check out the Luci light instead — buy on Amazon or read my review.
- LED Candle — don’t use a real candle because of the risk of fire and due to the heat it puts out. But a battery-operated candle puts out just a nice amount of light with no risk of fire. Just be sure to take enough batteries with you so that you don’t have to spend part of your vacation looking for extras. See on Amazon or read my full article on them.
- Dorcy Hanging LED Flashlight/Tent Light — several companies make similar units, this is one that I’ve seen at campgrounds and like. It’s about the size of an apple, making it perfect for carrying with you. What you can’t see in that picture is that the light has a flip up hanger on the top (shown in the photo at right) that you can use to hang it from the bimini or a boom bail with a piece of line, carabiner or cable tie. Puts out more light than the SoLite or most of the LED candles, and cheaper to boot. Operates on 3 AA batteries. Again, take spares with you. (NOTE that the product description talks of a magnetic hanger as well but it is no longer included. Doesn’t matter for using as I’ve described.) See it at Amazon and on Dorcy’s web site (also can be found at some outdoor and big box stores, but not always).
- And Marjorie Karlsen had this to say when I wrote about the 12v lights: We don’t own a boat – hopefully someday – so we charter. To light up the cockpit at night we use Coleman micro lanterns that we hang up with a bit of string. They are waterproof, easy to pack and combine torch and lantern all in one. [There are several styles of Coleman micro lanterns — see one example here.]
And the nice thing about all these is that since they are easily portable, you can use them at the table for happy hour, then by the grill while cooking dinner, then back to the table for eating.
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Kathy Haslam says
We have 2 So-Lites for our cockpit. Love them! If we BBQ after dark Captain hangs them over the grill. Also serves as an extra position light while at anchor.
Chris Glenney Lozyniak says
One of the best solar lights I have found is called Luci, it is an inflatable solar lantern (easy to pack!) and has two different brightness levels, and also blinks.
The Boat Galley says
Chris — I’ll have to take a look at those! Thanks for telling me (and everyone else) about them!
Tami says
Love our Luci! We use it as an all-round white for the dink primarily but Luci goes anywhere
Steve Charlebois says
Hi Carolyn,
I want to let folks know about the Firefly Silicone Solar Lantern which would make a great light for bringing along on a CHARTER> The light is available at Sea Dog Boating Solutions, LLC – https://seadogboatingsolutions.com/new-product-firefly-solar-lantern.html
This light has a solar panel to recharge the light and can also be charged with the included USB charging cable. The light has 4 different lighting modes, including a flashing mode. The light also has a Photo sensitive mode so the:
– Light will come on automatically when it gets dark
– Turns off again when it gets light out
The BEST feature of all is the light is WATERPROOF and it FLOATS.
The light silicone bulb can be compressed to take up less room for storage which is great for packing in it your suitcase when chartering a boat.
Please check it out.
All the best,
Steve Charlebois – owner Sea Dog Boating Solutions, LLC
Dorothy says
Luci lights!
Carolyn Shearlock says
Yep, that’s another good option: the regular Luci and my new favorite the Luci string lights