Upgrade your lighting to LED
Good lighting is one of those upgrades you’ll notice every time you step aboard. Whether you’re cruising after sunset, cooking in the galley, or anchoring for the night, LEDs make a world of difference; brighter, cooler, and dramatically more efficient than the old incandescent or halogen setups.
Modern marine LEDs use a fraction of the power, produce less heat, and can last for tens of thousands of hours. For boaties running on limited battery reserves, that’s reason enough to change. But there’s more to the switch than swapping bulbs.
When upgrading navigation lights, look for marine-certified LEDs (meeting COLREGs standards) that match your vessel’s requirements for visibility and arc of light. For cabin lighting, choose between warm white (around 2700–3000K) for a soft, inviting glow, or cool white (4000–5000K) for a crisp, bright workspace. The same principle applies to cockpit and deck lighting – but here, waterproof ratings matter. Look for fittings rated IP66 or higher, meaning they can withstand rain and spray.
Most LEDs run on 12V DC, but check polarity before connecting; many are sensitive to reversed wiring. If you’re upgrading from older halogen lights, consider installing a dedicated fuse or breaker to protect your new circuits, especially if adding dimmers or colour-changing features.
It’s an easy job that rewards instantly. Your boat will feel brighter, safer, and just that bit more modern.
You’re in good hands with Burnsco with their range of LED marine products
Burnsco’s marine LED lighting range covers every onboard need, from interior ambience to offshore visibility. Cabin and reading lights deliver efficient, warm illumination ideal for galleys and saloons. Downlights, dome lamps, and touch-switch fittings modernise interiors. For exterior use, waterproof floodlights, strip lights, and underwater LEDs enhance safety and style, while navigation and anchor lights meet COLREGS standards for reliability at sea. Courtesy and step lights improve movement around decks, and RGB options add custom colour for night cruising. From compact Hella downlights to Railblaza portable nav kits, these LEDs combine low power draw with long service life for safer, smarter boating.
Burnsco’s marine LED accessories range supports both installation and customisation. Options include waterproof push-button and touch switches for interior and deck lighting, RGB controllers and remotes for multi-colour setups, and robust stainless-steel mounting brackets. Protective covers, junction boxes, and wiring kits ensure secure, long-lasting connections, even in saltwater conditions.
Polish and protect your brightwork
If LEDs modernise a boat, brightwork keeps its soul alive. The gleam of varnished timber; whether teak, mahogany, or a simple bit of trim, is pure nautical charm. But without regular care, UV and salt quickly dull the sheen.
Start with a clean surface. Use mild detergent and a soft brush to remove grime, followed by a freshwater rinse. If the surface is weathered or peeling, sand lightly with 180–220 grit paper until smooth and free of loose varnish. For oily timbers like teak, wipe down with solvent to remove natural oils before applying finishes.
You’ve got two main paths: oil or varnish.
- Teak oil or synthetic sealants soak into the grain, offering a quick, natural look that’s easy to reapply through the season.
- Varnish, on the other hand, gives that deep, mirror-like finish we all love but it takes more effort. Use a high-quality marine varnish with UV inhibitors, apply multiple thin coats, and sand lightly between layers for adhesion.
For exposed areas, a final wax coat adds protection and sheen. Covering brightwork when moored – even with a light cloth or custom cover – can double its lifespan. As one old shipwright once put it:
“The secret isn’t in the product, it’s in the patience. Thin coats, clean brushes, and time.”
Keep your brushes clean, your workspace dust-free, and you’ll get that deep, rich glow that turns heads at the marina.
Burnsco has a range of teak cleaning and maintenance products
Burnsco’s teak care range covers everything from deep cleaning to long-term protection. Teak Wonder, Yachticon, and Star brite offer cleaners that lift grime and restore natural colour, while brighteners renew sun-faded timber. Oils such as Yachticon Clear, Star brite Premium Golden, and Deks Olje No.1 nourish and seal the wood, maintaining its warm tone. For higher-gloss finishes, Teak Wonder Sealer, Sikkens Cetol, and Awlwood varnishes provide durable UV-resistant coatings. Supporting products like linseed oil, caulking compounds, and non-skid additives complete the toolkit for full teak maintenance — ideal for decks, trim, and interior woodwork on Kiwi boats
The goal? Safety, efficiency, and the all-important efficiency
These two upgrades, modern LEDs and revived timberwork, sit at opposite ends of the aesthetic spectrum: one clean and technical, the other warm and traditional. But both make your boat safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable. They’re small, achievable projects that leave a big impression.
Next time you flick the cabin lights on and see that golden reflection dancing across the varnish, you’ll know you’ve given your boat a bit of love, and it shows.
