Has anyone tried Marinebeam 32V-12V converter?

[Bill Root]

Searching history I see that there has been some recent discussion about the Marinebeam product. Has anyone tried it? Seems like it would be a good way to convert to LED's. Their web page actually mentions 32V Hatteras boats. There isn't a lot of 32V lighting on the 54MY, but with difficulty getting some 32V lights like the tubes and rope lights, this might be a cost effective way to convert.

 

[GJH]

I've tried one on the bench, works well, though likely will use at first to power a small fuel transfer pump. It is really designed for very light loads (3amps max) such as LEDs and i wouldn't use one in lieu of the more robust NewMars. I have found them a good company to deal with and you shouldn't hesitate to call the fellow with questions. He seems very aware of all things Hatteras, such as the 12 volt AC halogens used in later generations, and to which a PO had converted my boat, which I have been transitioning to his 12 volt AC product.

 

[caryboat]

I recently put some LEDs in place of some of 32V lights, not the overhead tubes but the forward domes and stairs work with a LEDs that have a 8-40v range, As u mentioned only a few 32 volt lights. Better to go with a step down if u want to change a specific fixture or Put everything on an Inverter. Just put in the Outback and it runs 90% of all lighting and fridge

Kevin

 

[Bill Root]

Thanks for the feedback. I do have a Trace 4000 inverter on board with it's own battery bank that operates the basic 110 stuff like refrigerator, television, MCWV and the 110 lights.

There are some things, like the valance rope lights in the master and guest staterooms, that operate only on 32V and are impossible to find in that voltage. The aft deck overhead lights are another example. They were designed to take 50 watt 32V tube bulbs, but those are no longer available. The largest round bulb that will fit in them is 15W, which doesn't provide much light. I was thinking it might be a simpler solution to change the circuit that operates those things to 12V
where rope lighting and higher wattage tube lights are readily available.

 

[GJH]

Bill if your aft deck lights are like mine, Norman Lamps sells a 30 watt 32-34 volt tube lamp. Sold as a marine navigation lamp. Might be worth a try if you don't convert to LED. Converting the DC lights to AC seems like a waste of time and money to me; I still curse the Prior-Prior Owner who converted way too many of the DC fixtures to AC. I like being able to spread loads between my house bank and inverter bank, and not having all my electrical eggs in one basket, so to speak, especially a critical system like lighting.

 

[Bill Root]

George:

Thanks for the tip about Norman's. I agree with you; I don't want everything on AC.