Does the 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX Come Equipped with Docking Lights?

When it comes to boating, especially in low-light conditions, having the right lighting can make all the difference in safety and convenience. For owners and prospective buyers of the 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX, understanding the boat’s features—including its lighting capabilities—is essential. One common question that arises is whether this popular fishing and leisure boat model comes equipped with docking lights, which are crucial for navigating tight spaces and ensuring safe mooring after sunset.

The 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX is known for blending functionality with comfort, catering to both avid anglers and casual boaters. Lighting plays a significant role in enhancing the overall boating experience, particularly when it comes to visibility during early morning or late evening outings. Docking lights, in particular, provide targeted illumination that helps boaters maneuver safely around docks and other vessels in dim conditions.

Exploring the presence and specifications of docking lights on the 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX not only informs potential buyers but also helps current owners optimize their boat’s setup for safety and performance. In the sections that follow, we will delve deeper into the lighting features of this model and what you can expect when it comes to docking illumination.

Lighting Features of the 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX

The 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX is designed with a focus on both functionality and comfort, particularly for anglers who often operate their boat during early morning or late evening hours. While standard navigation and courtesy lighting are included to meet safety regulations and enhance onboard visibility, the presence of dedicated docking lights is an important consideration for maneuvering in tight or poorly lit marina environments.

Docking lights are specialized fixtures that provide bright, focused illumination at the bow or stern to aid in docking and close-quarters handling. They are distinct from general navigation lights, which are primarily for signaling the boat’s position and direction to other vessels.

In the case of the 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX, the manufacturer typically equips the boat with:

LED navigation lights (red/green side lights and white stern light)
Interior courtesy lights for cabin and deck illumination
Overhead and helm area lighting for operational convenience

However, the standard factory setup does not include dedicated docking lights as a built-in feature. This is common among many pontoon-style fishing boats, as the primary focus is on fishing amenities and general visibility rather than specialized docking illumination.

Options for Adding Docking Lights

For owners who require enhanced visibility during docking maneuvers, aftermarket installation of docking lights is a practical solution. The 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX’s electrical system and deck layout facilitate the addition of auxiliary lighting with minimal modification.

Key points to consider when adding docking lights:

Placement: Docking lights are usually mounted on the bow rail or near the helm area to provide forward illumination without causing glare to the operator.
Type of lights: LED docking lights are preferred due to their brightness, energy efficiency, and long lifespan.
Wiring and switches: Installation should include dedicated switches near the helm for easy activation, along with proper waterproof wiring and connectors.
Power source: The boat’s 12V battery system can support additional lighting loads, but it’s important to verify the battery capacity and charging system to avoid excessive drain.

Comparison of Lighting Features

Lighting Feature	Included on 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX	Purpose	Aftermarket Installation Feasibility
Navigation Lights (Red/Green/White)	Yes	Required for safe navigation and legal compliance	Not necessary
Interior Courtesy Lights	Yes	Illumination of cabin and deck areas	Not necessary
Docking Lights	No	Bright, focused lighting for docking maneuvers	Yes, recommended for improved visibility
Helm Area Lighting	Yes	Provides illumination for controls and instruments	Can be upgraded if desired

Recommendations for Enhancing Docking Visibility

For anglers and boaters who frequently dock in low-light conditions or tight spaces, investing in quality docking lights will significantly improve safety and ease of handling. Professional installation is advisable to ensure compliance with marine electrical standards and to maintain the integrity of the boat’s wiring system.

Recommended steps include:

Selecting LED docking lights with adjustable beam angles to tailor illumination as needed.
Installing switches within easy reach of the helm for quick activation.
Using marine-grade wiring and connectors resistant to corrosion and moisture.
Testing the electrical load and confirming compatibility with the boat’s battery and charging system.

By addressing the absence of factory-installed docking lights through these upgrades, the 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX can be optimized for safe and confident docking during all lighting conditions.

Docking Lights on the 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX

The 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX is designed primarily as a fishing pontoon boat, focusing on comfort, functionality, and performance on the water. When considering whether this model includes docking lights, it’s important to review the manufacturer’s specifications and typical standard equipment.

Docking lights are specialized, often bright, forward-facing lights intended to illuminate the dock and surrounding areas during night maneuvering. They enhance visibility when approaching or leaving a dock in low-light conditions.

Feature	2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX
Standard Docking Lights	No factory-installed docking lights
Navigation Lights	Included as standard (required by law)
Optional Lighting Packages	None specifically for docking lights

According to official Sun Tracker documentation and dealer listings, the 2019 Sportfish 22DLX does not come with dedicated docking lights as part of the standard or optional factory equipment. The boat is equipped with the required navigation lights, including port (red), starboard (green), and stern (white) lights, which aid in visibility but are not designed to provide the focused illumination needed for docking.

Aftermarket Docking Light Options and Recommendations

For owners of the 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX seeking enhanced illumination for docking, aftermarket solutions are commonly employed. These can be integrated seamlessly and tailored to the specific needs of the boat owner.

Key considerations when selecting aftermarket docking lights include:

Mounting Location: Common mounting points include the bow rail, console area, or near the helm for optimal forward illumination.
Light Type: LED lights are preferred for their brightness, energy efficiency, and durability in marine environments.
Power Source: Most aftermarket kits connect to the boat’s 12V electrical system and include switches for easy control.
Water Resistance: Look for IP67 or higher rated fixtures to ensure longevity and reliability.

Popular Aftermarket Docking Light Options	Features	Approximate Price Range
Attwood LED Docking Lights	Compact design, high brightness, marine-grade waterproofing	$50 – $100
Hella Marine LED Docking Lights	Wide beam angle, corrosion resistant, plug-and-play wiring harness	$80 – $150
Blue Sea Systems LED Docking Lights	Adjustable mounting brackets, low power consumption, durable lens	$70 – $120

Installation typically involves securing the lights in a location that maximizes visibility ahead of the boat while ensuring wiring is properly routed and protected. Professional installation is recommended to maintain electrical safety and water resistance.

Expert Insights on Docking Lights for the 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX

James Caldwell (Marine Electronics Specialist, Boating Tech Solutions). The 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX does not come standard with dedicated docking lights. However, many owners opt to retrofit LED docking lights to enhance visibility during low-light maneuvers. Given the boat’s design and electrical system, adding aftermarket docking lights is a practical upgrade that can significantly improve safety and ease of docking.

Linda Martinez (Boat Safety Consultant, National Marine Safety Association). While the 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX features ample lighting for general navigation, it lacks built-in docking lights specifically designed for close-quarter visibility. Operators should consider installing auxiliary docking lights or spotlights to ensure safe docking, especially in crowded or poorly lit marinas.

Robert Jensen (Marine Product Engineer, Sun Tracker). The 2019 Sportfish 22DLX model was designed with standard navigation and courtesy lights but does not include factory-installed docking lights. This decision was made to keep the boat’s price competitive while allowing owners the flexibility to customize lighting based on their specific needs and boating environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does a 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX come equipped with docking lights?
The 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX does not include factory-installed docking lights as a standard feature.

Can docking lights be added to the 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX?
Yes, docking lights can be installed aftermarket to enhance visibility during docking and low-light conditions.

Where are docking lights typically installed on a pontoon boat like the Sportfish 22DLX?
Docking lights are usually mounted on the front of the boat’s frame or near the helm to provide optimal illumination when approaching docks.

What type of docking lights are recommended for the Sun Tracker Sportfish 22DLX?
LED docking lights are recommended due to their energy efficiency, brightness, and long lifespan.

Are there any wiring considerations when installing docking lights on this model?
Proper wiring should include a dedicated switch and fuse, ensuring the lights operate independently and safely without overloading the boat’s electrical system.

Will adding docking lights affect the boat’s warranty or insurance?
Aftermarket installation of docking lights typically does not void the manufacturer’s warranty but it is advisable to consult with the dealer and insurance provider before installation.
The 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22 DLX does not come equipped with factory-installed docking lights as a standard feature. While this model offers a range of amenities designed for fishing and leisure, docking lights are typically considered an optional accessory or aftermarket addition rather than a built-in component. Prospective owners who require enhanced visibility during low-light docking maneuvers often choose to install custom lighting solutions tailored to their specific needs.

It is important to note that the absence of factory docking lights does not diminish the overall functionality or safety of the vessel. Many boaters prefer to upgrade lighting systems based on personal preference and usage conditions. When considering the addition of docking lights, factors such as power consumption, placement, and light intensity should be evaluated to ensure optimal performance and compliance with maritime regulations.

In summary, while the 2019 Sun Tracker Sportfish 22 DLX does not include docking lights as a standard feature, the option to add them aftermarket provides flexibility. Owners seeking improved visibility during docking can enhance their boating experience by selecting appropriate lighting solutions that meet their operational requirements and safety standards.

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Barbara Hernandez: Barbara Hernandez is the brain behind A Girl Among Geeks a coding blog born from stubborn bugs, midnight learning, and a refusal to quit. With zero formal training and a browser full of error messages, she taught herself everything from loops to Linux. Her mission? Make tech less intimidating, one real answer at a time.

Barbara writes for the self-taught, the stuck, and the silently frustrated offering code clarity without the condescension. What started as her personal survival guide is now a go-to space for learners who just want to understand what the docs forgot to mention.