Bi-Color, Tri-Color Bow & Steaming Lights

What Are Bi-Color, Tri-Color Bow & Steaming Lights?

When the sun sets and your vessel is underway, navigation lights are no longer optional — they are the law. Bi-color, tri-color, and steaming lights are a family of marine navigation lights designed to communicate your vessel's position, heading, and status to other mariners on the water. A bi-color light combines the port (red) and starboard (green) aspects into a single forward-facing fixture, making it a compact solution popular on sailboats and smaller powerboats. A tri-color light adds a white stern light to that same housing, ideal for sailboats under sail where a single masthead-mounted unit covers all three required arcs of visibility. A steaming light, sometimes called a masthead light, projects a white light over a 225-degree arc forward and is required on power-driven vessels while underway.

Navigation lights in this category must comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and U.S. Inland Navigation Rules, which together govern all vessels on U.S. and international waters. Non-compliance can result in Coast Guard citations — but more importantly, improper or failed lighting is a genuine collision hazard at night and in restricted visibility. Choosing the right combination light for your vessel type and length is essential for both legal compliance and on-water safety.

What to Consider When Shopping

• Vessel size and type: COLREGS specify different requirements for vessels under 12 meters, 12–20 meters, and over 20 meters. Always match the light to your vessel's length and whether it is sail- or power-driven.
• Light source: LED navigation lights draw significantly less power than incandescent bulbs, reducing battery drain on longer passages — an important consideration for sailboats and liveaboards.
• USCG / COLREGS certification: Look for lights that are UL-classified or otherwise certified for compliance with the '72 COLREGS and U.S. Inland Navigation Rules.
• Mounting configuration: Bi-color lights are typically bow-mounted, while tri-color lights are designed for masthead or pulpit installation. Confirm the mounting style suits your deck or rig layout.
• Material and corrosion resistance: Saltwater environments demand housings made from UV-stabilized polymers, chrome-plated brass, or other corrosion-resistant materials.

Top Brands in Bi-Color, Tri-Color Bow & Steaming Lights

Perko is the dominant name in this category and in marine navigation lighting broadly. Perko has been producing navigation lights since its founding in 1907, with its original product line consisting of hand-formed and soldered navigation lights fabricated from brass, copper, and galvanized steel. Today, as a vertically integrated U.S. manufacturer, Perko designs and builds its lights entirely in-house — from die casting and injection molding to chrome plating — and backs every product with outstanding warranties. Their bow and combination lights are designed to meet current U.S. Coast Guard requirements and are widely regarded as a benchmark for quality in the recreational boating market.

Aqua Signal is a globally recognized marine lighting brand with roots going back to 1868. Aqua Signal navigation lights are trusted by mariners worldwide for their reliability, energy efficiency, and compliance with international standards. Their product range covers vessels of all sizes and includes compact Series lights purpose-built for smaller recreational craft — making them a strong choice when COLREGS compliance and long-term durability are the priority.

Seachoice is a well-known supplier of marine accessories offering practical, accessible navigation lighting options for budget-conscious boaters. Their LED bow and combination lights deliver a solid feature set at a competitive price point, making them a popular pick for everyday recreational use.

SeaSense rounds out the category with straightforward, easy-to-install navigation lighting solutions aimed at casual and weekend boaters who need reliable compliance without complexity.

Attwood Marine is a respected industry name with a broad catalog of marine hardware and electrical accessories. Their navigation lights, including portable LED options, are designed with practical installation and durability in mind, making them a versatile choice across a range of vessel types.