Overview

The TACO Marine F38-6800D is a rub rail mounted LED navigation light set for boats up to 30 feet, made to fit popular 3/4-inch rub rail insert profiles. The set places the red port light and green starboard light into the rub rail area, which helps keep the bow deck clear and reduces the chance of hardware blocking sightlines or getting in the way during anchoring, docking, or fishing.

This 2-1/2-inch set includes one 3-watt red port light and one 2-watt green starboard light. The housing measures 3/4 inch high, 2-1/2 inches wide, and 5/16 inch deep, with a 12-14 VDC operating range and a 0.6 amp draw at 12V. The lights give a 120-degree unobstructed view and are rated IP68 for water resistance, which is important for a bow location that sees spray, rain, and washdowns.

The polished stainless steel joiner cover gives the installation a clean finished look at the rub rail, while the anodized aluminum heat sink helps manage heat from the LEDs. This is a practical upgrade for bay boats, center consoles, and other small powerboats where deck space and clean bow hardware matter.

Key features

• Rub rail mounted LED navigation light set that helps keep the bow deck open and uncluttered.
• Fits popular 3/4-inch insert profiles and suits boats up to 30 feet in length.
• Includes one 3-watt red port light and one 2-watt green starboard light.
• 2-1/2-inch width with a low 5/16-inch depth for a clean rub rail installation.
• 120-degree unobstructed view with reduced glare for proper side-light visibility.
• IP68 water-resistant rating for exposure to spray, rain, and routine washdowns.
• 12-14 VDC operation with a 0.6 amp draw at 12V and raw wire leads for hardwiring.
• LED brightness comparable to a 10-watt incandescent light while using lower power.
• Heavy gauge polished stainless steel joiner cover with an anodized aluminum heat sink.
• Meets ABYC and USCG requirements for sailboat and powerboat navigation light designation.

Installation and fit

The F38-6800D is intended for rub rail installations using compatible 3/4-inch insert profiles. Before cutting or drilling, the bow shape and rub rail path should be checked so each side light sits where it can show the correct arc without being hidden by the hull shape, rail hardware, trolling motor gear, or other bow equipment.

Each light is hardwired using the raw leads and runs on the boat's 12V DC system. A 1-inch #8 stainless steel fastener is required for installation and is not included, so matching stainless hardware should be prepared before starting the job.

Electrical and marine use

This set is a good match for boats where standard deck-mounted bow lights take up space or create glare near the casting deck. The low profile rub rail position works especially well on bay boats and center consoles that see regular night runs, early departures, dockside maneuvering, and fishing use in wet conditions.

The IP68 rating, polished stainless joiner cover, and heat-sink construction make the unit suitable for normal marine exposure, but the wiring connections still need proper marine crimping, sealing, and strain relief. As with any navigation light, final placement should be checked at the dock and on the water to confirm clean visibility from the required angles.

What's included

• One red port LED navigation light.
• One green starboard LED navigation light.
• Polished stainless steel joiner cover.
• Raw wire leads.
• Installation instructions.