Overview

The Hella Marine 980950081 is a deck and spreader LED floodlight with two light colors: a 5000K white work light and a 2700K warm white mode, in a black housing. It runs on 9 to 33V DC (12V and 24V systems) and throws a spread beam around 76 degrees for lighting up a cockpit, aft deck, dock, or work area.

In white mode it produces 750 lumens, which is the one you will reach for when you are docking, rigging lines, or working gear at night. Warm white is softer on the eyes for evenings on board, with 300 lumens at 2700K, so you can keep the area lit without the harsher look of cool white.

The unit is sealed to IP67 for exposed mounting and comes pre-wired with 2.5 m of three-core tinned marine cable, so installation is straightforward when you plan your cable run back to the switch panel.

Key features

• Multivolt input: 9 to 33V DC for 12V and 24V electrical systems
• Dual-colour output: 5000K white (750 lm) plus 2700K warm white (300 lm)
• Power draw: 12W in white mode; 6W in warm white mode
• IP67 sealing for wet, exposed mounting locations
• Pre-wired with 2.5 m three-core tinned marine cable for clean installations
• Grilamid lens that resists impact and UV exposure
• Thermally conductive, corrosion-proof polymer housing with a 316 stainless steel mounting bracket
• Approvals: CE, RCM, UKCA

Installation and wiring

This is a bracket-mount floodlight, so you can aim it where you need it and then set the swivel resistance once mounted. On a boat, it helps to mount it high enough to clear rails and gear, and to aim it down and out so it lights the deck without shining straight into the helm or cockpit seating.

The three-core cable supports switching between the two colours using a standard ON/OFF/ON style switch setup at the panel. Protect the circuit with a fuse rated at 5A maximum, and keep polarity correct since the LED modules will not light if wired backwards.

Compatibility and fit

Use this light on DC systems only. With a 9 to 33V DC operating range, it fits most 12V and 24V boats without needing external drivers or resistors. The included 2.5 m cable covers many nearby switch or junction locations, but longer runs should be extended using tinned marine wire and sealed connections.

If you are matching lighting across the boat, note that the white mode is 5000K (a neutral, work-focused white) and the warm white mode is 2700K for a softer look that blends better with many cabin and cockpit ambient lights.

Materials and sealing

The housing is non-metallic and thermally conductive, which helps with heat management while avoiding the corrosion issues that can show up around metal housings in saltwater environments. The Grilamid lens holds up well to sun exposure and knocks from gear, and the 316 stainless bracket suits exposed mounting on hardtops, arches, cockpit coamings, and work decks.

Use on board

This light is a good match for boats that want one deck light that can flip between a bright, neutral work light and a warmer mode for evenings at anchor or at the dock. It fits well on sportfishing boats, commercial vessels, and performance sailboats where you need dependable deck lighting that stays consistent across 12V and 24V systems.

Maintenance and care

Rinse the light with fresh water after saltwater runs, especially around the bracket and fasteners, and wipe the lens with a soft cloth to keep output clean. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh solvents on the lens and housing so the surface stays clear and easy to maintain over time.