Chartlights/Cigarette Lighters

What Are Marine Chartlights and Cigarette Lighters?

A marine chartlight and cigarette lighter combo is one of the most practical dual-function accessories you can install at a boat's helm station. At first glance the name sounds old-fashioned, but these compact 12V units serve two very useful purposes aboard a vessel: the chartlight provides a soft, low-level illumination ideal for reading nautical charts and instrument panels at night without destroying your night vision, while the cigarette lighter socket doubles as a 12-volt accessory receptacle for powering spotlights, phone chargers, GPS units, fish finders, and other onboard electronics.

These combination units are typically flush-mounted directly into the helm dash or console panel, keeping a compact footprint ideal for helm stations where space is at a premium . Because they live permanently on the water, quality construction is non-negotiable — look for units rated for marine environments with corrosion-resistant hardware and reliable wiring connections.

Why Chartlights Matter on the Water

Night boating introduces unique challenges that land-based drivers rarely face. Running lights, GPS screens, and radar displays all compete for your attention in low-light conditions. A dedicated chartlight lets you illuminate a paper chart or log book with just enough warm light to read clearly, without the harsh glare that would temporarily blind you to the darkness ahead. These accessories provide a dependable power source for mobile devices, spotlights, or navigational aids, ensuring you have the power you need while on the water.

The 12V socket portion of these combo units is equally important. Modern boaters carry a growing arsenal of rechargeable devices — VHF radios, action cameras, handheld chartplotters, and more. Having a dedicated 12V outlet at the helm means you don't need to run extension cords back to a battery panel.

What to Look for When Shopping

• Socket material: Chrome steel sockets should only be used on fresh water boats , while stainless steel sockets are the better choice for saltwater environments.
• Mounting plate: A stamped 304 stainless mounting plate offers superior corrosion resistance for long-term durability.
• Amperage rating: Most standard units are rated at 10A–16A at 12 volts — confirm the rating matches the accessories you plan to power.
• Wiring connection: Units featuring quick connect wires simplify the wiring process and make installation faster at the helm.
• Switch design: Some units include a dedicated on/off switch for the chartlight independent of the lighter function, giving you more control over cabin lighting.

Top Brands in Marine Chartlights & Cigarette Lighters

Seachoice is a widely trusted name in marine electrical accessories, offering well-priced 12V chartlight and cigarette lighter combos engineered for reliable helm-station use. Their units enhance a boat's dashboard functionality and are engineered for reliability in marine environments.

Sea-Dog Line brings decades of marine hardware expertise to this category, producing combination chartlight and cigarette lighter units built around a stainless steel socket with a 304 stainless steel mounting plate for lasting corrosion resistance. Their dual-function design lets you slide the switch forward, push the cigarette lighter slightly to activate the chart light, or push it all the way in to engage the heating element with the light still activated.