Perko Portable Navigation Lights
Perko Portable Navigation Lights: A Century of Guiding Vessels Safely
Perko occupies a singular place in marine history: navigation lights were the very first products the company produced when it was founded in 1907, and over a century later the brand remains the benchmark that serious boaters measure all others against. When you browse portable navigation lights, Perko's catalog stands apart for its combination of regulatory compliance, modern LED technology, and genuine American manufacturing.
Built to Meet — and Exceed — the Rules
Compliance is non-negotiable on the water. Perko was the first domestic manufacturer to pass UL Standard 1104 , meaning its navigation lights are formally accepted by the U.S. Coast Guard for vessels of all sizes. A brass tag is permanently affixed to each light indicating the catalog number, voltage, and bulb type, and that the light is classified by UL in accordance with the '72 COLREGS. That tag is all the documentation a vessel needs to certify compliance — no separate certificate required. For boaters who venture offshore or into international waters, that peace of mind is invaluable.
Portable Light Lines That Deliver on the Water
Perko's portable navigation light lineup is designed for boats under 20 meters and covers every scenario a recreational or coastal boater will encounter. Key product families include:
- Stow-A-Way Pole Lights — these feature a plug-in pole design with a clear fluted globe, black polymer top and collars, and contemporary styling , making them easy to deploy and store between trips.
- Fold-In-Half Pole Lights — fold-in-half poles allow longer poles to be stored when not in use , a practical solution for trailered or smaller vessels with limited storage.
- Stealth Series — Stealth series universal replacement lights are designed to fit most other manufacturers' bases, featuring two collars (one threaded and one locking), two screw positions, and a wide 40° adjustable head. The reduced glare design helps preserve night vision by reducing the amount of light wasted outside of the visibility zone.
- All-Round Navigation Lights (Series 1460/1465) — Perko's all-round navigation light delivers 2 nautical miles of visibility out of a platform that is incredibly portable and easy to use.
LED Technology: Energy Savings Without Compromise
Navigation lights were the first products Perko produced when it was founded in 1907, and a century later Perko is still the leader in navigation lights, now illuminated by LEDs. The LED models in the portable lineup are engineered to use ultra-low-profile horizontal and vertical mount configurations that use just 10% of the energy draw of standard lights, with low heat output and long service life. The reduced-glare globe design also means less light scattered outside the required visibility arc — a practical bonus that also means the light does not attract as many insects.
Made in the USA
If the Perko name is on a product, that product was made right here in the USA. Perko is a fully vertically integrated facility , controlling manufacturing quality from raw materials through finished product. For boaters who prioritize domestic craftsmanship and long-term reliability, that heritage matters.
Whether you need a compact all-round anchor light for weekend cruising, a certified combination bow light for a cuddy cabin, or a universal Stealth replacement that retrofits your existing base, Perko's portable navigation light range has a solution. Explore the full selection below, or visit the Perko brand page to discover their complete marine hardware catalog.