Collection: Anchor lights

Anchor lights: clearly signal a boat at anchor

An anchor light is used to make a boat visible when it is anchored. Its function is simple: emit a white light visible over 360°, so that other vessels can quickly identify the presence of the boat, including at night or in reduced visibility. It is a position light, distinct from side lights, stern lights, or masthead lights used during navigation.

This collection includes dedicated anchor lights and combined lights that integrate an anchor function. The choice depends on the type of boat, available mounting space, required range, existing wiring, and how the lighting functions are controlled at the electrical panel.

Dedicated light or integrated anchor function?

A dedicated light is the most straightforward choice when you want a clearly separated anchor function. The Mantagua horizontal 2MN white anchor light 360° top-up Competition meets this need with a housing specifically designed for this signaling. This type of light simplifies troubleshooting: one circuit, one function, one identified switch.

On a sailboat, the anchor light can also be integrated into a masthead light or a combined light. The Mantagua Tiny tri 2MN masthead anchor light white 360° IP67 targets compact installations at height. To combine anchor and tricolour functions in a single unit, consider the Mantagua horizontal 2MN tricolour + anchor with base or the Navipro 2MN tricolour + anchor masthead light.

Some setups combine the anchor function with a masthead light or other signaling functions. The Mantagua Navipro horizontal 5MN masthead + 2MN anchor light IP67 is suitable when both functions must share the same mounting location. The Mantagua horizontal 2MN tricolour + strobe + anchor + day/night goes further by grouping multiple uses in a single housing, with more complex wiring requirements.

Key criteria before choosing

The first check concerns the actual visibility of the light. A white 360° light must be positioned so it is not obscured by the mast, boom, solar panel, antenna, arch, or deck equipment. A clean installation on paper can lose much of its effectiveness if the light is blocked in one or more sectors.

The stated range, often expressed in nautical miles, must be appropriate for the boat and its intended cruising area. 2MN models suit many common applications, but always verify the requirements applicable to the boat’s length, flag, and navigation zone. The presence of a low-power LED is an advantage at anchor, as the light can remain on for long periods without unduly draining the battery bank.

The mounting must also respect the orientation specified by the manufacturer. A horizontal light, top-up light, or masthead light must not be inverted or tilted arbitrarily. Orientation affects light distribution and correct reading by other users.

Wiring and control at the panel

On a dedicated anchor light, wiring is usually straightforward: protected power supply, identified switch, watertight connections, and cable cross-section matched to the run length. On a combined light, more care is required. Each function must be controlled separately unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise, to avoid simultaneously activating incompatible signals.

Clearly label the anchor light control at the electrical panel. A common mistake is confusing anchor, masthead, tricolour, or strobe functions because they share the same housing. This point is especially important at night, when the crew must act quickly and without ambiguity.

Complementary collections

If you are looking to build a complete installation, also see the navigation lights, combined lights, masthead lights, and side lights collections. An anchor light does not replace these functions: it supplements the lighting equipment when the boat is at anchor.

Skysat advice

Choose the anchor light based on the available mounting space, not just the product datasheet. A good model poorly placed will be less useful than a simpler light that is clearly visible over 360°, correctly oriented, and controlled by a clear circuit. Before finalizing, verify range, waterproofing, supply voltage, mounting position, and the number of wires available in the mast or support.