Low profile navigation lights for a boat are provided, wherein the navigation lights are inset or recessed within a mount, which may be positioned along or within a rubrail of a boat. Each mount is preferably made from a tough, rigid material, such as metal or hard plastic, and includes a hole for receiving the light bulb and protective cover. The navigation lights are recessed within the mount, so that the mount serves to protect the lights against bumps or collisions against docks, piers, other vessels, and the like.