Perko Hardware
About Perko: Over 100 Years of American Marine Craftsmanship
Few names in the marine industry carry as much history and credibility as Perko. What began in the early 1900s as a small family operation handcrafting marine lanterns has grown into one of the most respected marine hardware manufacturers in the world. Tracing its roots to Brooklyn, New York, and now headquartered in Miami, Florida, Perko has been a fifth-generation, family-owned American manufacturer for well over a century — an extraordinary achievement in today's marketplace.
The company formally incorporated as Perkins Marine Lamp Corporation in 1916 and published its very first product catalog that same year. By 1922, the now-iconic PERKO® trademark was established, a seal that came to represent the highest standard of excellence in marine hardware. In 1977, the company officially became PERKO® Inc., a name recognized today by boaters, shipyards, and OEM boat builders around the globe.
Built in America, Trusted Worldwide
What sets Perko apart from competitors is its commitment to nearly complete in-house manufacturing. From automated bronze and aluminum foundry work, to computerized CNC machining, decorative chrome plating, gold-plated electrical contacts, and plastic injection molding — nearly every step of the production process happens under one roof in Miami. Perko even sources the vast majority of its raw materials — sheet metal, aluminum, bronze, zinc, and plastics — from American suppliers. This vertical integration means consistent quality, tight tolerances, and long-term durability that professionals depend on.
Perko holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and actively participates in organizations such as the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), the U.S. Coast Guard compliance framework, UL standards, and the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Their product catalog spans well over 1,000 individual items, covering everything from battery switches and searchlights to underwater hardware, deck fills, fuel system components, and emissions-compliant carbon canisters.
Navigation Lights: Perko's Signature Product
Of all the product categories Perko excels in, portable navigation lights stand out as the brand's defining legacy. Perko has been manufacturing navigation lights since the earliest days of the company, and today offers one of the most comprehensive lineups in the industry — from compact, low-profile LED models designed for recreational vessels to heavy-duty cast bronze lights certified for commercial and military craft. Their navigation lights are engineered to meet current U.S. Coast Guard requirements and COLREGS standards, making them the go-to choice for both weekend boaters and seasoned mariners.
Perko was notably the first domestic manufacturer to pass UL Standard 1104, allowing their lights to be installed on vessels over 20 meters in length. Whether you're outfitting a small fishing boat or a large commercial vessel, Perko's navigation light lineup covers bow lights, stern lights, side lights, masthead lights, anchor lights, and all-around lights in both LED and incandescent configurations. Their LED models consume as little as 10% of the energy draw of traditional bulbs — a significant advantage on vessels where battery conservation matters.
Why Boaters Choose Perko
- Made in the USA — nearly all products manufactured at their Miami, Florida facility
- Century-plus legacy — continuous family ownership and craftsmanship since the early 1900s
- Regulatory compliance — products meet U.S. Coast Guard, ABYC, UL, and ISO standards
- Vertically integrated — in-house foundry, plating, machining, and injection molding ensure quality control
- Broad catalog — over 1,000 products for recreational, commercial, and emissions applications
From the docks of Miami to waterways worldwide, Perko continues to set the benchmark for reliability and innovation in marine hardware. Whether you're replacing a single navigation light or equipping an entire vessel, Perko delivers the quality and peace of mind that serious boaters demand.