Overview

The Hella Marine NaviLED Compact is a 2 nautical mile LED port navigation lamp for vessels that need a red sidelight with low power draw and consistent output. It runs on Multivolt 9-33V DC, so it fits typical 12V and 24V systems and keeps working through voltage swings and low-battery conditions.

The unit is fully sealed for life with an IP67 rating, which helps in wet bow areas where spray, washdowns, and vibration are normal. With no filaments to break, it avoids the common failure points of bulb-based sidelights and keeps maintenance simple.

This lamp includes onboard protection for electrical spikes up to +500V and reverse polarity to -700V. It is approved to IMO Col Reg 72 and recognized by USCG, ABYC A-16, RINA, and Maritime NZ.

Key features

• 2 NM minimum visible distance for a port (red) navigation position
• Multivolt 9-33V DC operation for common 12V and 24V DC systems
• Ultra-low current draw, using less than 10% of the power of a comparable bulb navigation lamp (port and starboard together consume less than 2W)
• Fully sealed, IP67-rated housing for long-term exposure to spray and washdowns
• LED construction with no filaments, helping it handle shock and vibration on planing hulls and in rough water
• Electrical protection: spike protected to +500V and reverse polarity protected to -700V
• Pre-wired marine cable options to match tight helm looms or longer cable runs

Variants

This light is offered in multiple configurations to match common rigging and mounting preferences without changing the basic function of the port navigation lamp.

Across the range, the housing color (black or white), lens option (clear or red), and cable length (120mm or 2.5m) are what vary. The core features such as the 2 NM rating, Multivolt 9-33V DC electronics, and sealed IP67 construction remain consistent.

Installation and setup

Mount the lamp on the port side where it has a clear line of sight and can meet the required navigation light sectors. Take a moment to confirm the lamp is positioned so the bow area, pulpit, rails, and fenders do not block visibility.

For wiring, route the pre-wired cable to the navigation light circuit and make splices with marine-grade connectors and adhesive-lined heat shrink. Support the cable so it does not flex at the lamp body, especially on boats that pound or slam in chop.

Electrical and system integration

With a 9-33V DC input range, this lamp fits mixed-voltage fleets and refits where battery voltage can sag under load. Standard good practice still applies: keep connections dry, protect the circuit with an appropriate fuse or breaker, and avoid sharing corroded return paths on older wiring.

The built-in protection for spikes and reverse polarity is useful on boats with noisy DC systems, long cable runs, or frequent switching, but it does not replace proper circuit protection and clean wiring.

Lens and housing notes

The lamp uses an impact-resistant acrylic lens with a high-impact shroud, which helps it hold up in bow areas that see spray, lines, and the occasional bump from dock gear. The sealed construction also means there are no bulbs to change and no gaskets to service as part of routine upkeep.

Use on board

This is a good match for coastalIBs, small powerboats, and cruising sailboats where electrical budget matters and the bow area sees constant spray. It also suits boats that run in lumpy conditions and want a navigation light that does not rely on fragile filaments.

Maintenance and care

Rinse salt off the lens and housing during normal washdowns and check that the mounting stays tight after hard runs. If the light ever stops working, the first checks are the fuse or breaker, the switch feed, and the splice integrity near the bow where corrosion usually starts.