Do Dock Pilings and Piling Caps Need Lighting?

When thinking about boating and water safety, people always think about the incidences of falling off the boat or losing control, but there are very few that think about the safety issues that come up when standing on the dock. Dock piling and piling caps can be hard to see, but they are necessary for any docking situation. Let’s take a look at whether or not dock pilings and piling caps need lighting and what you can do to make your docking experience considerably safer.

Do Dock Pilings Need Lighting?

Dock piling needs lighting. The dock is an area where accidents and injuries can happen, and one of the main reasons that these incidents occur is the lack of visibility. There are thousands of boating accidents each year, many of which happen when getting on and off a boat, especially one that may not be sitting exactly still.

In most docking situations, there is a gap between the boat and the dock that requires a large step. In addition, there could be a bit of a reach in the height of this step depending on the tide or the time of day.

Without the proper lighting, even those that are pretty sure on their feet can struggle and take a pretty nasty fall.

Three Reasons Dock Piling Caps With Lights are So Important

Investing in great piling lights takes a little understanding of why you should keep your dock lit up. Here are the three main reasons we would recommend getting more lights on your dock pilings and piling caps.

Staying Safe While Getting On And Off The Boat

Depending on the boat you own and how it is positioned after some time on the water, getting on and off the boat can be a problem. Proper lighting makes it easier to have an awareness of where your feet are and where they are headed.

Lower Risk While On The Dock

Walking around the dock at night is all fun and games until someone ends up in the water. When you are on the dock, it’s much safer for all involved to have the proper dock piling and piling cap lighting.

Decreased Crime Rates

If your dock is lit up, it is actually less appealing to a criminal. Those who want to steal or damage your boat will choose areas with very low lighting. They want to make it difficult to see them and decrease the risks of getting caught. Don’t even give them this chance; keep things lit up.

Are Lighted Piling Caps Worth It?

One of the easiest options for increasing light in and around your dock is to go with lighted piling caps. In fact, if you want to make things even easier on yourself, solar power lighted piling caps are the best overall choice.

With solar power caps, you won't have to worry about the installation; this is an excellent choice for those that have raised pilings and are worried about running electricity. If you have a drill, you can mount your new dock light fixtures in minutes.

In addition, there will be no extra charges on your next electricity bill as the lights work solely on solar power. Of course, there are times when the solar power lights don’t charge enough on cloudy days, and it impacts your lighting at night.

Hardwired piling cap lights are another great solution. In addition, there is surface mount piling lights that shine a little more on the dock itself.

Do Piling Lights Last?

As you may have guessed, piling lights are exposed to the elements, which can deteriorate quickly if they are not of good quality. At Apex Lighting, we only work with marine-grade materials that will hold up in harsh environments.

In addition, it's essential to look for piling lights that have a warranty and a finish that will not rust or corrode as it spends time outside.

Regardless of the type of dock pilings you have, their height, or their location, there are lighting solutions to make your dock safer.

Final Thoughts

Dock piling and piling caps need lighting. If you are not smart about the way your dock is lit up, you will end up with injuries and accidents that could have been avoided. Save yourself the headache, frustration, and pain by purchasing the proper dock piling and piling cap lights. The minimal investment will have a big impact on the functionality of your dock.