Upgrade your lighting to LED
Good lighting is one of those upgrades you’ll appreciate every time you step aboard. Whether you’re cruising home after sunset, cooking in the galley, or anchoring for the night, the difference with LEDs is instant, brighter, cooler, and dramatically more efficient than the old incandescent or halogen fittings.
Modern marine LEDs draw a fraction of the power and generate almost no heat, which makes them ideal for boats operating on limited battery reserves. They can also last tens of thousands of hours, a true fit-and-forget upgrade. Burnsco’s range of LED Opal Lights and LED Exterior Lights offers a great example of what’s possible: compact, low-draw fittings that handle the rigours of marine life while keeping your boat looking sharp inside and out.
When upgrading navigation lights, look for marine-certified fittings that meet COLREGS standards. Burnsco’s LED Tri Colour Navigation Light and LED Compact Navigation Lights ensure full compliance, offering consistent visibility and the correct light arcs for safe passage. Inside, choose warm white (2700–3000K) lighting for a soft, inviting glow, or cool white (4000–5000K) for a bright, practical workspace. The same principle applies to cockpit and deck areas, though here waterproofing is key. Lights with IP66 or higher ratings will stand up to rain, spray, and the odd green wave over the bow.
Most LEDs operate on 12V DC, but polarity matters because many are sensitive to reversed wiring. If you’re upgrading from halogen bulbs, check each connection and consider adding a dedicated fuse or breaker, especially if installing dimmers or RGB colour-changing systems. Burnsco’s LED accessories range makes this simple, with marine-grade wiring kits, junction boxes, and waterproof switches that make tidy, secure installations achievable for the average boatie.
Lighting that transforms life onboard
The right lighting does more than illuminate, it changes how a boat feels. Burnsco’s interior options include Hella Euro Touch lights with red and white switching for night vision, LED Round Dome Lights for saloons, and compact Fine Tube Reading Lights for cabins. Exterior solutions range from Narva Compact Work Lamps to Hella White Step Lamps and underwater RGBW twin-pack LEDs that add a splash of colour beneath the waterline.
These lights don’t just look good, they enhance safety and practicality. Courtesy and step lights improve movement around decks at night, while floodlights and strip lamps boost visibility during anchoring or tender operations. Add in Railblaza’s portable navigation kits, and your boat can switch seamlessly from practical cruising to evening ambience.
Every LED in Burnsco’s marine lineup is designed for reliability, efficiency, and endurance, three traits that define good seamanship. From soft interior lighting to high-output work lamps, the result is a vessel that feels newer, safer, and far more enjoyable to use.
Polish and protect your brightwork
If LEDs modernise your boat, brightwork preserves its soul. The gleam of varnished timber, whether teak, mahogany, or a simple bit of trim, is pure nautical charm. But in our harsh New Zealand sun, UV rays and salt soon take their toll. Keeping that deep, warm lustre requires a little discipline and the right tools.
Start with a clean surface. Burnsco’s Teak Wonder Cleaner and Yachticon Teak Super Cleaner lift grime, oil, and salt without damaging the timber. Once the surface is clean, rinse with freshwater and allow it to dry completely. If the varnish is flaking or the grain looks grey and weathered, lightly sand with 150–220 grit paper until smooth and free of loose finish. For oily timbers such as teak, wipe down with solvent before applying any new treatment.
You’ve got two main paths from here, oil or varnish.
Oils such as Yachticon Teak Oil Clear and Star brite Premium Golden Teak Oil soak deep into the grain, enhancing colour and repelling moisture while maintaining a natural, satin finish. They’re easy to apply and recoat through the season. A quick wipe-down every few months keeps the wood nourished and glowing.
Varnish, on the other hand, delivers that deep, mirror-like finish that turns heads at the marina but demands patience. Products such as Sikkens Cetol Natural Teak, Teak Wonder Sealer, and Awlwood Varnish from Burnsco’s range offer professional-grade UV protection and long-lasting durability. Apply multiple thin coats with a high-quality brush, sanding lightly between layers for adhesion. Keep your brushes clean, your workspace dust-free, and your strokes even. As one old shipwright once said, “The secret isn’t in the product, it’s in the patience.”
For exposed areas, a final wax coat or a protective cover when moored will double the lifespan of your finish. Supporting products like Bostik Simson Deck Caulking and linseed oil are also available at Burnsco, making it easy to complete the job from start to finish.
Small upgrades, lasting impact
LED lighting and teak maintenance might seem worlds apart, one technical and the other traditional, but both improve safety, efficiency, and pride of ownership. Modern LEDs keep you visible, conserve energy, and create a comfortable atmosphere below deck. Well-kept timber adds warmth, beauty, and a sense of timeless craftsmanship that defines quality boating.
Together, these two upgrades encapsulate what Kiwi boating is all about, self-reliance, respect for the sea, and the satisfaction of doing things properly. Whether you’re wiring a Burnsco LED Exterior Light or brushing on Teak Wonder Sealer, every small act of maintenance builds toward something greater, a vessel that reflects care, knowledge, and love for life afloat.
So next time you flick on the cabin lights and see their glow dance across a freshly varnished rail, take a moment to appreciate what you’ve achieved. Your boat looks brighter, feels warmer, and runs smarter, ready for the season ahead and for many to come.
