DURANAV® INSTALLATION & WIRING GUIDE
Choosing between the DURANAV® Duck Boat Light Bar Short Kit and Long Kit comes down to two important questions: Where is your boat's power source located, and where do you want your lighting controls?
Both kits provide the same three-light LED system, adjustable 2000K–6000K color temperature, dimming capabilities, and flexible bow mounting. The primary difference is the length of the included Building Block Wire Harness.
Both kits also come standard with a manual control dial, allowing you to adjust the lighting without using a smartphone. For hunters who prefer wireless control, DURANAV® is also compatible with an optional OutriggerGO® Bluetooth Controller and the OutriggerGO® mobile app.
In this guide, we'll explain what comes with each kit, which configuration makes the most sense for your duck boat, how the controls work, and how to avoid ordering unnecessary wiring or accessories.
Want to learn more about the lighting system itself? Read our complete guide to choosing the best duck boat light bar, including adjustable color temperature, beam coverage, dimming, and mounting flexibility.
1. DURANAV® Short Kit vs. Long Kit: What's the Difference?
The most important thing to understand is that both DURANAV® kits include the same three LED light bars. Choosing the Short Kit does not mean sacrificing brightness, beam coverage, color temperature adjustment, dimming capabilities, or control functionality.
Both configurations use the Outrigger Outdoors Building Block Wire Harness, a purpose-built plug-and-play wiring system designed to simplify duck boat lighting installation.
The primary difference is the length of the included harness and the electrical layout each kit is designed to accommodate.
| Feature | DURANAV® Short Kit | DURANAV® Long Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Harness Length | 9 feet | 29 feet |
| Number of LED Light Bars | 3 | 3 |
| Lighting Performance | Same DURANAV® lights | Same DURANAV® lights |
| Color Temperature | 2000K–6000K adjustable | 2000K–6000K adjustable |
| Brightness Control | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Manual Control Dial | Included standard | Included standard |
| Bluetooth App Control | Optional compatible controller | Optional compatible controller |
| Plug-and-Play Connections | Yes | Yes |
| Electrical Compatibility | 12/24V DC | 12/24V DC |
| Best Application | Boats with existing bow power | Boats needing a longer power run |
| Rear Manual Control Placement | Compatible control extensions | Extended harness layout |
| Our Recommendation | Existing wired boats | Most complete new installations |
2. When Should You Choose the DURANAV® Short Kit?
DURANAV® Short Kit — 9-Foot Wiring Harness
The Short Kit is designed for duck boats that already have a suitable 12V or 24V DC power source available near the bow.
For example, you may already have properly sized wiring running from the battery to the front of your boat because of a previous lighting installation or an existing electrical distribution system.
In that situation, there's no reason to purchase a much longer main power harness if the shorter wiring configuration meets your needs.
What's Included?
- 3 DURANAV® Duck Boat LED Light Bars
- 9-foot Building Block Wire Harness
- Plug-and-play waterproof connections
- Standard manual control dial
- ON/OFF control
- Adjustable 2000K–6000K color temperature
- Adjustable brightness
- Compatibility with an optional OutriggerGO® Bluetooth controller
The Short Kit Is Ideal If:
- Your boat already has adequately sized power wiring near the bow.
- You are replacing an existing bow-mounted lighting system.
- You have an appropriately protected electrical distribution point at the front of your boat.
- You want to avoid purchasing unnecessary main power wiring.
- You plan to use compatible control-dial extension leads for a custom manual control location.
What If My Battery Is at the Rear but I Already Have Bow Power?
Your battery does not have to be physically located near the bow to use the Short Kit.
If your boat already has suitable power wiring running from the rear battery to the bow, you may be able to connect the Short Kit to that existing electrical supply.
The existing wiring must be compatible with the DURANAV® system's electrical requirements, including conductor size, voltage, current capacity, and circuit protection.
Bottom line: What matters is whether suitable power is already available at the front of the boat—not simply where the battery is mounted.
3. When Should You Choose the DURANAV® Long Kit?
DURANAV® Long Kit — 29-Foot Wiring Harness
The Long Kit is our recommended configuration for most complete new duck boat light bar installations.
It includes a 29-foot Building Block Wire Harness designed to run from the bow of the boat toward the battery at the rear.
This is especially useful for surface-drive mud boats, tiller-operated duck boats, and other hunting boats where the battery and operator are positioned near the stern.
What's Included?
- 3 DURANAV® Duck Boat LED Light Bars
- 29-foot Building Block Wire Harness
- Plug-and-play waterproof connections
- Standard manual control dial
- ON/OFF control
- Adjustable 2000K–6000K color temperature
- Adjustable brightness
- Extended wiring for a typical bow-to-battery installation
- Compatibility with an optional OutriggerGO® Bluetooth controller
The Long Kit Is Ideal If:
- Your boat does not already have suitable power wiring at the bow.
- Your battery is located near the stern.
- You are installing DURANAV® on a new or previously unwired boat.
- You want a complete main wiring run without building a custom harness.
- You operate a surface-drive tiller motor and want convenient access to the manual lighting controls.
Why We Recommend the Long Kit for Most New Installations
Many duck hunting boats have batteries located toward the rear of the hull.
Without an existing power supply at the bow, installing a lighting system generally requires running appropriately sized wiring from the battery to the lights.
The DURANAV® Long Kit simplifies this process by providing the extended main harness as part of the lighting system.
Rather than sourcing and assembling multiple wiring components, you can use the purpose-built Building Block Wire Harness and its compatible connectors.
For a typical installation, the Long Kit provides the main bow-to-battery wiring solution without requiring an additional custom main power run.
Actual fit still depends on the length of your boat and the route used to secure the harness.
4. Every DURANAV® Kit Includes a Manual Control Dial
One important feature of the DURANAV® Duck Boat Light Bar is that both the Short Kit and Long Kit come standard with a manual control dial.
You do not need to purchase an additional controller, download an app, or connect your smartphone to operate the lights.
The included manual control system provides direct control over the lighting system, including:
- ON/OFF operation: Turn the lighting system on or off.
- Adjustable brightness: Increase or decrease light output to suit changing conditions.
- Adjustable color temperature: Select warm amber lighting around 2000K, cool white lighting around 6000K, or intermediate settings.
- Convenient operation: Position the control dial where it is accessible from your preferred operating location, using the appropriate harness and compatible extensions.
Why Manual Controls Are Useful on Duck Hunting Boats
When navigating dark waterways, many hunters prefer having a physical control dial that can be operated without opening a smartphone application.
This is especially useful for hunters operating tiller-steered surface-drive boats, where the driver may need to make lighting adjustments while maintaining attention on the water ahead.
The standard manual dial makes DURANAV® a complete, functional lighting system right out of the box.
Rear Manual Controls for Surface-Drive Mud Boats
If you operate a surface-drive mud motor from the rear of the boat, having the manual lighting controls near your operating position can be particularly convenient.
The Long Kit's extended wiring configuration supports positioning the controls toward the rear, allowing you to adjust the lighting without moving to the bow.
What If You Want the Short Kit but Need Rear Controls?
You may not need to purchase the Long Kit just to position your manual control dial near the stern.
If your boat already has suitable power available near the bow, you can consider the Short Kit along with compatible DURANAV® Control Dial Extension Leads.
These extensions allow you to separate control placement from the main power wiring decision.
5. Optional Bluetooth Control With the OutriggerGO® App
Although every DURANAV® kit comes standard with a manual control dial, hunters who prefer smartphone-based lighting control can upgrade their system with the OutriggerGO® Bluetooth Controller for compatible LED lights.
The optional Bluetooth controller integrates with the Outrigger Outdoors Building Block Wire Harness system and allows compatible lighting systems to be controlled through the OutriggerGO® mobile app.
This provides another level of flexibility for duck hunters who want to customize lighting settings, organize compatible lighting banks, or control their lighting through a mobile device.
How Does the OutriggerGO® Bluetooth Controller Connect?
The OutriggerGO® Bluetooth Controller uses a plug-and-play connection and replaces the standard manual control dial when installed.
The manual dial is included with the DURANAV® kit, while the Bluetooth controller is an optional accessory purchased separately.
You can choose the control method that best suits your preferences without changing the three-light DURANAV® system itself.
For connector information and accessory details, visit the OutriggerGO® Bluetooth Controller product page.
What Can You Control With the OutriggerGO® App?
With a compatible Bluetooth controller, the OutriggerGO® app provides advanced lighting functionality for supported DURANAV® Duck Boat Lights.
- Wireless ON/OFF Control: Turn compatible lighting banks on or off through the app.
- Adjustable Brightness: Fine-tune lighting intensity using the app's calibrated 0–100% brightness control.
- Adjustable White Color Temperature: Select warmer or cooler white output to match your preferred lighting conditions.
- Multiple Lighting Banks: Organize compatible lights into separately controlled banks when using the appropriate controller and wiring configuration.
- Quick Selections: Save frequently used lighting configurations and recall them conveniently.
- Music Sync: Supported DURANAV® lights can pulse their brightness in response to music while maintaining their selected white balance.
Available controls depend on the connected lighting system, controller, and app version.
What's New in the October 2026 OutriggerGO® Update?
Outrigger Outdoors introduced improvements to the OutriggerGO® app in October 2026, including updated lighting controls, a calibrated brightness scale, saved Quick Selections, and additional functionality for supported lighting systems.
For DURANAV® Duck Boat Lights, the updated app provides power, brightness, and white-output controls matched to the lighting hardware.
The updated brightness interface allows users to make more precise adjustments, while Quick Selections help simplify switching between commonly used settings.
For a detailed explanation of these features, read our October 2026 OutriggerGO® App Update: New Features and Lighting Controls.
Manual Control Dial vs. OutriggerGO® Bluetooth Control
| Feature | Standard Manual Dial | Optional OutriggerGO® Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|
| Included With DURANAV® Kit | Yes | No — optional accessory |
| ON/OFF Control | Yes | Yes |
| Brightness Adjustment | Yes | Yes |
| Color Temperature Adjustment | Yes | Yes |
| Requires Smartphone | No | Yes, for app control |
| Physical Control Dial | Yes | Replaced by Bluetooth controller |
| Saved Quick Selections | No | Yes, through app |
| Multiple Lighting Banks | Dependent on installed hardware | Supported with compatible controllers and wiring |
| Music Sync | No | Supported for compatible DURANAV® lights |
Should You Upgrade to Bluetooth Control?
If you prefer a simple physical control interface, the included manual dial is an excellent choice.
If you want smartphone control, saved lighting presets, and advanced app functionality, the optional Bluetooth controller provides additional flexibility.
Both options allow you to take advantage of the DURANAV® system's adjustable brightness and color temperature.
Shop the OutriggerGO® Bluetooth Controller or learn more about the latest OutriggerGO® app features.
Music Sync and other dynamic effects should only be used when safe and appropriate. Avoid distracting other boaters or interfering with required navigation lighting.
6. Common Duck Boat Wiring Scenarios
Not every duck boat is wired the same way. The following examples can help you decide which DURANAV® kit best fits your installation.
Scenario 1: Surface-Drive Mud Boat With Rear Battery
Your battery is near the mud motor, and you do not have existing power wiring at the bow.
Recommended: DURANAV® Long Kit. The 29-foot harness is designed for this type of bow-to-rear wiring installation, provided the measured route fits.
Scenario 2: Jon Boat With Existing Bow Power
Your jon boat already has a suitable electrical supply near the bow from a previous lighting system.
Recommended: DURANAV® Short Kit. The 9-foot harness allows you to connect the lights to your existing power supply without purchasing an unnecessary longer main harness.
Scenario 3: Existing Bow Power but Rear Tiller Controls
Your boat already has properly sized power wiring at the bow, but you want to adjust the lights while operating the tiller near the stern.
Recommended: DURANAV® Short Kit with compatible Control Dial Extension Leads. This allows you to use existing bow power while extending manual control placement toward the rear.
Scenario 4: New Duck Boat With No Existing Lighting Wiring
You're outfitting a new duck hunting boat and want a straightforward installation without building a custom main wiring harness.
Recommended: DURANAV® Long Kit. For most typical new installations, the longer harness provides the more complete wiring solution.
Scenario 5: Hunter Who Prefers Smartphone Lighting Control
You want to adjust your duck boat lights through your smartphone rather than relying exclusively on a physical control dial.
Recommended: Either DURANAV® kit with the optional OutriggerGO® Bluetooth Controller. Choose the Short Kit or Long Kit based on your boat's power wiring, then select the compatible Bluetooth controller for app-based operation.
Scenario 6: Larger Boat With a Long Wiring Route
Your boat has a longer hull or requires routing wiring around multiple compartments.
Recommended: Measure before ordering. The Long Kit may be appropriate, but verify that its 29-foot harness is sufficient for the actual routing distance.
7. How to Measure Your Boat Before Choosing a Wiring Kit
One of the most common installation mistakes is choosing a harness based only on the boat's overall length.
A 17-foot boat does not necessarily require exactly 17 feet of wiring.
Electrical wiring usually follows the inside of the hull, runs beneath gunwales, passes around compartments, and follows protected mounting locations.
Step 1: Identify the Light Mounting Locations
Determine where the three DURANAV® lights will be installed on the bow.
Step 2: Locate Your Power Source
Identify whether you have suitable 12/24V DC power available near the bow or need to run wiring toward the battery.
Step 3: Choose Your Control Method and Location
Decide whether you prefer the included manual control dial or the optional OutriggerGO® Bluetooth Controller.
If using the manual dial, choose a location that is accessible from your operating position. If using Bluetooth, plan a suitable location for the controller and verify the connection requirements.
Step 4: Measure the Actual Cable Route
Use a flexible measuring tape or a length of string to follow the intended wiring path through the boat.
Include bends, compartment routing, and enough service allowance for proper installation.
Step 5: Compare the Measurement With the Available Kits
| Your Wiring Situation | Recommended Starting Kit |
|---|---|
| Suitable power already near bow | Short Kit — 9 ft |
| No bow power; battery near stern | Long Kit — 29 ft |
| Bow power available; manual controls needed at rear | Short Kit + compatible control extensions |
| New installation with no existing power run | Long Kit — 29 ft |
| Smartphone lighting control preferred | Either kit + compatible Bluetooth controller |
| Wiring route exceeds available harness length | Contact Outrigger Outdoors for compatible options |
8. Plug-and-Play Installation With the DURANAV® Building Block Wire Harness
The DURANAV® wiring system is designed to reduce the complexity commonly associated with installing multiple LED lights on a duck hunting boat.
Instead of building an entire lighting harness from individual wires and connectors, the Building Block Wire Harness provides compatible plug-and-play connections for the lighting system.
General Installation Process
- Position and securely mount the three DURANAV® light housings.
- Route the appropriate Building Block Wire Harness through protected areas of the boat.
- Connect the lights using the compatible plug-and-play connectors.
- Install the included manual control dial or compatible optional Bluetooth controller.
- Position the control system according to your preferred installation layout.
- Connect the harness to a compatible power source using appropriate circuit protection.
- Test ON/OFF operation, color temperature adjustment, and dimming.
- Secure the wiring and inspect all connectors before operating the boat.
Do I Need to Cut or Splice Wires?
The DURANAV® plug-and-play system is designed to eliminate unnecessary cutting, soldering, or splicing between the lights and their compatible harness connections.
The standard manual control dial and compatible Bluetooth controller also use plug-and-play connections.
However, the connection to your boat's power source must still be completed according to the installation instructions and appropriate marine electrical practices.
Should I Use Dielectric Grease on the Connectors?
For added protection against moisture and corrosion, a small amount of connector-compatible dielectric grease can help improve long-term reliability in wet marine environments.
Apply it according to the connector manufacturer's recommendations, and make sure each connector is fully seated and secured.
Dielectric grease is an additional protective measure, not a replacement for properly connected and sealed waterproof connectors.
Important Electrical Considerations
DURANAV® operates on compatible 12V and 24V DC systems. Before connecting the lights, confirm the power source, voltage range, wiring capacity, polarity, and required circuit protection.
If you're using lithium batteries, verify that the battery and charging system remain within the lighting system's specified operating voltage limits.
9. Which DURANAV® Kit Should You Buy?
For most customers, choosing between the Short Kit and Long Kit is straightforward.
Choose the Short Kit if:
- Your boat already has suitable power wiring near the bow.
- You are replacing an existing bow lighting system.
- You want the shorter, more economical wiring configuration.
- You can use compatible control extensions if you need rear manual control placement.
Choose the Long Kit if:
- Your battery is toward the rear and you do not have existing bow power.
- You are outfitting a new duck boat.
- You want the extended plug-and-play main harness.
- You operate from the rear and want conveniently positioned manual controls.
Choosing Your DURANAV® Control System
Regardless of which wiring kit you choose, your DURANAV® system includes a standard manual control dial.
If you prefer advanced smartphone-based control, you can also add the optional OutriggerGO® Bluetooth Controller for app-controlled duck boat lights.
For more information about app-based dimming, color adjustment, Quick Selections, and compatible lighting features, explore our guide to the October 2026 OutriggerGO® app improvements.
Remember, the lights themselves are identical in both kits. You're simply choosing the wiring configuration that best matches your boat.
Ready to Choose Your DURANAV® Kit?
Both kits include the same adjustable three-light duck boat lighting system and standard manual control dial. Select the Short Wiring Kit or Long Wiring Kit based on your boat's existing power wiring and preferred control location.
Shop DURANAV® Duck Boat Light Bars10. Frequently Asked Questions About DURANAV® Wiring Kits and Controls
What is the difference between the DURANAV® Short Kit and Long Kit?
The Short Kit includes a 9-foot Building Block Wire Harness, while the Long Kit includes a 29-foot harness. Both kits include the same three DURANAV® lights, adjustable color temperature, dimming, and standard manual control dial. The primary difference is the wiring length and intended installation layout.
Is the DURANAV® Long Kit brighter than the Short Kit?
No. Both kits include the same three DURANAV® LED light bars and provide the same lighting functionality. The Long Kit simply includes a longer wiring harness.
Does the DURANAV® Duck Boat Light Bar include a control dial?
Yes. Both the Short Kit and Long Kit come standard with a manual control dial that allows you to turn the lights on and off, adjust brightness, and change color temperature without using a smartphone.
Can I control my DURANAV® Duck Boat Light Bar with my phone?
Yes. DURANAV® Duck Boat Lights are compatible with an optional OutriggerGO® Bluetooth Controller, which allows you to control compatible lighting functions through the OutriggerGO® mobile app.
Is the OutriggerGO® Bluetooth Controller included with the kit?
No. Every DURANAV® kit includes the standard manual control dial. The OutriggerGO® Bluetooth Controller is an optional accessory purchased separately.
Can I use the manual dial and Bluetooth controller at the same time?
The optional OutriggerGO® Bluetooth Controller connects in place of the standard manual control dial. It is designed as an alternative control method rather than an additional control dial operating simultaneously on the same connection.
What features does the OutriggerGO® app provide for DURANAV® Duck Boat Lights?
With a compatible Bluetooth controller, the OutriggerGO® app provides ON/OFF control, adjustable brightness, and white-output adjustment. The October 2026 app update also introduced features including calibrated brightness control, saved Quick Selections, and Music Sync for supported DURANAV® Duck Boat Lights.
Read the October 2026 OutriggerGO® app update and feature guide for more information.
Which DURANAV® kit is best for a surface-drive mud boat?
The Long Kit is generally recommended for surface-drive mud boats with a rear battery and no existing bow power wiring. If your mud boat already has suitable power available near the bow, the Short Kit may be a better fit.
Which DURANAV® kit is best for a jon boat?
The best choice depends on the boat's electrical layout rather than the boat type. Choose the Short Kit if you have suitable bow power. Choose the Long Kit if you need a longer wiring run from the bow toward the rear battery.
Can I use the Short Kit if my battery is in the rear?
Yes, provided your boat already has appropriately sized and protected 12/24V DC power wiring available near the bow. The Short Kit does not require the battery itself to be mounted at the front.
Can I mount the DURANAV® manual control dial near my tiller?
Yes. The Long Kit supports manual control placement toward the rear of the boat. For boats with existing bow power, compatible Control Dial Extension Leads may allow you to use the Short Kit while positioning the controls closer to the tiller.
Do I need to purchase additional wiring with the Long Kit?
For a typical installation where the 29-foot harness reaches the battery location, the Long Kit provides the main bow-to-battery wiring run. Additional components may be needed for unusual layouts, longer routes, or specific electrical configurations.
Can I extend the DURANAV® wiring harness?
Compatible building block wire harness extensions and control leads are available through Outrigger Outdoors to fit a variety of installations. Use components designed for your specific DURANAV® harness and connector configuration.
Can I install DURANAV® without cutting or splicing wires?
The Building Block Wire Harness uses plug-and-play connectors designed to simplify connecting the lights without unnecessary splicing. The manual control dial and compatible optional Bluetooth controller also use plug-and-play connections. The power connection must still be completed according to the supplied installation instructions.
Will both kits work with 12V and 24V batteries?
Yes. Both configurations use the same DURANAV® lighting system designed for compatible 12/24V DC electrical systems. Verify the actual operating voltage and charging characteristics of your battery system before installation.
What if I'm unsure which DURANAV® kit to order?
Determine whether suitable power wiring is already available at the bow, measure your intended wiring route, and decide where you want the manual controls. If you are still unsure, contact Outrigger Outdoors before ordering so you can select the appropriate harness configuration. The DURANAV® Long Kit is going to be the safest order that is most flexible with different boats and wiring configurations.
