Onboard Lighting... Amber or white

[Dave M.]

I want to put lights inside the boat for those night fishing trips. What is best, amber or white or a combination of both. I have a head lamp but there are times I would like to light up the place.

[Jeff S]

Years ago it was thought that red (amber) lighting would save your night vision so all the airplanes had their instruments lit in red. I guess it was in the mid 70's or so I got to fly new fighters with white lighting and noticed no loss of night vision - as long as it is not TOO bright. I think you can see better with the low level white light.

[Craig]

I would go with a bright red light. The previous post was right, you can use white light as long as it isn't too bright, but you will lose some night vision, not much maybe, but some.

[TerryMac]

Amber lights are used so as not attract bugs..........honest.

[Dave M]

Thanks guys. I think I will go with the amber while fishing and maybe have just one white one when I need a bunch of light.

This is such a great site.

[WestCoaster]

You didn't mention if you used the light for reading or knot tying or what? I use an ultraviolet light (black light) for knot tying. Monofilament glows under UV stimulation. If you use a superline, then all bets are off. The UV light makes the line stand out, while preserving your night vision. Otherwise, for standard purposes, my boat uses low candlepower white incandescent lamps. Good luck.