DeckCurrent

Red-Green Bow Light vs 12V-24V Stern Pole Lamp: Which LED Nav Light Is Right For You?

Need a forward bow light or a stern/anchor light for your boat? This head-to-head compares the QLOOASEA LED bow light and the NSIoutlet 12V-24V pole lamp to help you decide.

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

When you're choosing lights in the marine electrical batteries lighting category, the first decision is where the light will work, not just how bright it is. A bow light marks your front and sides for night running, while a white stern and anchor light covers the rear or marks a stationary boat. These two LED options-the QLOOASEA bow light and the NSIoutlet 12V-24V stern anchor pole lamp-handle opposite ends of the boat, so the right pick depends on your boating style.

Quick verdict

If you need to be seen while moving forward on the water, pick the QLOOASEA bow light. If you spend time anchored or want a stern light visible from behind, pick the NSIoutlet stern anchor pole lamp. Each one solves a different part of the navigation-light puzzle.

Side-by-side comparison

ProductPositionCoverageVisibilityWaterproofingListed PricePrice Bar
QLOOASEA Red/Green LED Bow LightFront, red port, green starboard225°3 nautical milesIP67$14.99
NSIoutlet 12V-24V Stern/Anchor Pole LampStern or anchor360° all-around2 nautical milesWaterproof, moisture-proof$19.98

Where each product wins

The QLOOASEA wins for forward navigation. It matches the standard running-light color scheme, and its 3-nautical-mile visibility gives you more distance in low-light conditions. The listed price is also the lower of the two.

The NSIoutlet wins when you're anchoring or need a rear marker. It's built around the stern or anchor position, with an all-around beam that keeps your boat visible from any direction while stopped. The 11-inch pole design and quick-connect plug-in make it a straightforward pick for that rear spot.

Individual product breakdown

QLOOASEA LED Bow Light

Boat Navigation Lights LED, Red and Green Marine Navigation Lights for Boats LED

This front-position light uses 28 LEDs-16 red and 12 green-to produce the correct running-light colors in one housing. It runs on DC 12-24V at 2.3W and comes with 20AWG wire, which gives you a solid wiring connection. The PC lens and ABS housing are meant to resist rust, saltwater, and abrasion, and the light is described as meeting USCG requirements for its visibility class.

Choose it if you want the traditional running-light display up front without needing a separate side light. The limitation is positional: this is a bow light only, so it won't give you the stern light or anchor coverage you need behind the boat.

NSIoutlet 12V-24V Stern/Anchor Pole Lamp

12V-24V Waterproof Marine Boat Yacht LED Navigation Light Stern Anchor Pole Lamp

This white stern light is built for the opposite end. The 11-inch pole raises the lamp, the quick-connect plug-in simplifies the wiring hookup, and the dual-contact design and included dust cover point to a complete package. It uses a 4000-4500K color temperature for a clean white output, and the housing is sturdy and durable.

Go with this one if your main concern is being seen from behind or while anchored. The tradeoff: it doesn't offer directional running-light colors, so boats approaching from ahead still need a separate bow light to read your course.

Final choice by use case

  • For night running on open water: choose the QLOOASEA bow light for its forward-facing port/starboard visibility.
  • For anchoring or moored visibility: choose the NSIoutlet stern anchor pole lamp for its all-around light.
  • For a complete setup: use the QLOOASEA up front and the NSIoutlet at the stern to cover both directions.
Products in this article
Boat Navigation Lights LED, Red and Green Marine Navigation LightsUSD 14.99View on eBay12V-24V Waterproof Marine Boat Yacht LED Navigation Light Stern Anchor Pole LampUSD 19.98View on eBay
Boat Navigation Lights LED, Red and Green Marine Navigation LightsUSD 14.99View on eBay12V-24V Waterproof Marine Boat Yacht LED Navigation Light Stern Anchor Pole LampUSD 19.98View on eBay

You may also like

Finding more guides for you…