I’ll admit it — I’m a little paranoid about being seen on the water at night. Navigation lights help a lot, but I wanted an extra layer of visibility. That’s when I decided to add reflective tape to my jon boat.
I bought a roll of marine-grade reflective tape (the same type used on trailers and safety gear). It’s super durable, sticks well, and shines like a spotlight when a beam hits it.
I placed strips along the sides of my boat, the corners of the transom, and even a small section near the bow. The trick is not to overdo it — you want to increase visibility without making your boat look like a disco ball.
The first time another boat’s spotlight hit mine, I saw just how well it worked. The reflective strips lit up instantly, making me stand out clearly. It gave me peace of mind, especially when heading back to the ramp after dark.
It’s a cheap, simple project, but it’s one of those safety upgrades I’ll never skip. Now I feel more comfortable fishing at night, knowing I’ve got that extra layer of visibility.