Collection: Masthead lights

Masthead lights: white 225° light for the forward sector

The masthead light is a white light visible over the forward sector of the boat, typically 225°. It allows other vessels to identify a power-driven vessel in motion and understand its orientation. Unlike a white 360° anchor light, it must not illuminate the entire horizon: its sector must remain oriented forward.

This collection includes masthead lights, mast lights, and combined mast/anchor lights available for navigation lights installations. It covers ranges of 2 NM, 3 NM, and 5 NM, horizontal or side mounts, racing models, lights with deck projectors, and combined solutions for mast or masthead.

What is a masthead light used for?

• Identify the forward sector: the white 225° light is visible from ahead to 22.5° abaft the beam on each side.
• Signal a power-driven vessel: it is part of the lights used by power-driven vessels in motion, depending on the boat's configuration.
• Complement side lights: it is read alongside the red port, green starboard, and stern light to understand the vessel's course.
• Avoid confusion: it does not replace an anchor light 360°, a tricolor light, or a deck projector.

Main product ranges

• Mantagua Navipro 5 NM masthead white 225°: professional LED light for boats under 50 m, with high range and robust housing.
• Navipro 5 NM side mount: side-mount variant when installation requires a different setup.
• Side-mount masthead light 3 NM and deck-mounted flat light 3 NM white 225°: intermediate solutions for 12/24 V installations with good range.
• Horizontal racing masthead/mast light 2 NM and side-mount racing light 2 NM white 225°: compact formats for racing setups or lightweight boats.
• Aqua Signal masthead light + deck projector and Mantagua 3 NM masthead + LED deck projector: combined solutions when the same housing also illuminates the deck.
• Navipro horizontal 5 NM masthead + 2 NM anchor light: combined light when the installation must manage both the forward sector and anchoring.

Range: 2 NM, 3 NM, or 5 NM

The range in nautical miles must match the boat's length and intended use. A lightweight coastal boat may accept a more compact light, while a larger vessel or offshore installation will require a higher range. 5 NM models are designed for larger boats or demanding installations where visibility must remain comfortable.

• 2 NM: often chosen for compact boats, regattas, or installations where weight and space are critical.
• 3 NM: a common compromise for enhanced visibility without resorting to a bulkier housing.
• 5 NM: suitable for larger boats, professional requirements, or installations seeking maximum range.

Mounting and orientation

A masthead light must be positioned to illuminate the correct sector without obstruction from rigging, radar, antenna, sail, pulpit, or support. On a sailboat, its placement on the mast must remain compatible with other lights, cable routing, and maintenance access. On a powerboat, the mount or signal mast must position the light at a readable and unobstructed height.

The critical factor is the 225° orientation. If the light is misaligned, tilted, or partially obscured, course reading becomes inaccurate. Before drilling, verify the boat's axis, the light's position relative to side lights, and the absence of glare on nearby surfaces.

Masthead, anchor, and tricolor lights: do not confuse them

A white 225° masthead light signals the forward sector. A white 360° anchor light signals a vessel at anchor. A tricolor light combines red, green, and white sectors at the masthead for specific configurations. Combined lights may integrate multiple functions, but each mode must be used in the correct context and wired clearly.

Common mistakes

• Choosing a 360° light instead of a 225° light or vice versa.
• Installing the light in an area obstructed by the mast, antenna, radar, or sail.
• Ignoring that the required range depends on the boat's size and applicable regulations.
• Wiring a combined light without clearly identifying masthead, anchor, or projector functions.
• Neglecting cable gland watertightness and electrical circuit protection.

Skysat advice

To choose a masthead light, start with three criteria: the actual required white 225° sector, the regulatory range suited to the boat, and the possible mounting type aboard. Once these points are validated, selecting between Navipro, flat, racing, or combined models becomes much simpler and avoids installation errors.