Collection: Stern lights

Stern lights: white navigation light at the rear

The stern light is the white light visible at the rear of the boat. It complements the red and green side lights to help other vessels determine the boat's orientation and course at night or in reduced visibility. In standard installations, the stern light covers the rear sector with a 135° beam angle.

This collection includes Mantagua stern lights for motorboats and sailboats: dedicated white 135° models, compact versions, black-masked models, solutions for boats under 12 m, and kits including port, starboard, and stern lights. The correct choice depends on the boat's length, mounting location, available space, and consistency with other navigation lights aboard.

Dedicated stern light or complete kit?

A dedicated stern light is suitable when side lights are already installed or when only the rear light needs replacing. The Mantagua 2MN double side light – stern white 135° meets this need with a compact design tailored for the stern function. The Mantagua 2MN white 135° stern light with black mask is ideal when a visually protected or better-integrated mounting on a dark support is desired.

If the entire installation needs updating, a kit may be more appropriate. The Mantagua Navislim vertical black 2MN port + starboard + stern kit and the Mantagua Navislim vertical white 2MN port + starboard + stern kit ensure a consistent aesthetic and matching ranges across all functions.

For small boats, space constraints may favor a compact or combined solution. The Mantagua Tiny lateral stern 2MN and port 1MN light for boats under 12 m suits installations where discreet mounting and limited space are key.

What to check before choosing

The primary criterion is the visibility sector. A stern light must illuminate rearward without obstruction from an outboard motor, swim platform, dinghy, locker, arch, or equipment mounted on the transom. Mounting position matters as much as light output: a high-quality light partially obscured fails to perform its role.

The advertised range in nautical miles must align with the boat size and applicable regulations. 2MN models cover many recreational boat uses, but it is essential to verify regulations based on boat length, flag, and intended cruising program. The stern light works with other navigation lights: it cannot be selected in isolation.

Mounting must respect the manufacturer's intended orientation. A vertical light, flat-mounted model, black-masked version, or a light designed for a specific sector must not be tilted or rotated to compensate for mounting constraints. Incorrect orientation can create a visible white sector in the wrong direction or leave the rear area inadequately covered.

Wiring and onboard integration

The stern light must be controlled alongside appropriate navigation lights based on the boat's operating mode. Plan for protected power, watertight connections, appropriately sized cables, and cable runs that prevent water ingress. On a transom exposed to spray, the watertightness of the connection is often as critical as the housing's watertightness.

When installing a port + starboard + stern kit, maintain a clear wiring logic between functions. Side lights and the stern light should form a cohesive set visible from outside. If replacing only the rear light, ensure the color, range, and mounting height remain consistent with existing lights.

Related collections

To complement or compare your installation, see the navigation lights, side lights, masthead lights, anchor lights, and combination lights collections. The stern light is part of a signaling system and should be considered alongside other lights, not as an isolated accessory.

Skysat advice

Before ordering, identify the exact mounting location and view the boat from astern. Ensure nothing obstructs the white sector, that the support accommodates the chosen model's orientation, and that the cable run can remain clean and watertight. If updating the entire signaling system, prioritize a cohesive set over mixing lights with different ranges, shapes, and beam angles.