Outdoor boat dock lighting presents unique challenges that must be considered when designing the lighting system. These challenges include the harsh environment, the need for safety and visibility, and the desire to create a visually pleasing atmosphere. Proper planning and careful selection of lighting fixtures can help to overcome these challenges and create a beautiful and functional lighting system for your boat dock.
As you might imagine, boat dock lighting in Jacksonville, FL where Pro Lighting Outdoors is based is very popular. Northeast Florida’s year-round mild weather and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, St. Johns River, and numerous lakes and tributaries make boating, fishing or just hanging out on the dock a beloved activity, including at night! As a result, we have become boat dock lighting experts over our years in business.
One of the biggest challenges of boat dock lighting design is the rugged environment. The lighting fixtures must be able to withstand the sun, wind, and moisture of the coastal environment. When the boat dock extends over the Intracoastal or river water, then salt and corrosion add to these problems.
Often, marine-grade stainless steel and brass fixtures are the best choices as they do not corrode or rust and are able to withstand the most demanding elements. LED lights are also a great option as they are energy-efficient and have a long lifespan.
Safety and visibility are also important considerations when designing boat dock or deck lighting. The lighting system should provide enough light for people to safely navigate the dock and board their boats at night. This can be achieved by installing lights along the edges of the dock, in walkway areas, by stairs, under the roof of the boat lift and other covered areas, and in seating/gathering spaces, such as oversized decks.
Of course, it is also very important to have enough light at the end of the dock to help boats navigate in and out of the boat slip or lift.
Another important aspect to consider is the atmosphere you want to create. Boat dock lighting can be purely functional in nature, but it can also be used to create a relaxing and inviting ambiance for your visitors and guests and look great for those passing by in the water or on land, as well. You can use different colors and types of lighting to create a unique atmosphere. For example, using warm white lights can create a cozy and inviting feel, while cool white lights can create a crisp and modern look.
Using discreet recessed lighting fixtures or those that are carefully flat mounted into “hidden” spaces below hand railings, stairs, walls, and other areas provide a nice, clean look, focusing attention on the lighted areas vs. the fixtures, themselves. If you are creating a gathering area on your dock, then you may want to consider using downlighting or spots to illuminate where seating such as couches, chairs or other furniture may sit.
In conclusion, outdoor boat dock lighting presents unique challenges that must be considered when designing the lighting system. By taking into account the harsh marine environment, safety and visibility, and the desired atmosphere, you can create a beautiful and functional lighting system for your boat dock. With the use of features like recessed lights, underwater lights, and stair lighting, you can add a touch of creativity to your lighting design, creating a stunning visual effect for your visitors and guests to enjoy.
If you live in Jacksonville, Mandarin, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, or another area on the water and would like to light your boat dock, deck, marina, or another residential or commercial outdoor environment, then contact Pro Lighting Outdoors. We are exterior lighting specialists in Northeast Florida who serve customers across Duval County, St. Johns County, and Clay County. Let us help you light up the boat dock. After all, it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere!