Underwater LED's

[OBXTucker]

I'm getting ready to do a haul out in the next few weeks and thinking about adding a few underwater LED's while she's on the hard.

Seems there are some old threads - but I don't see anything current.

Anyone have any new technology/recommendations they'd like to comment on?

Thanks!

 

[SeaEric]

I installed one of these last season: http://www.tojoseabelow.com/ I liked the idea of not drilling a useless hole in the boat. This thing screws into a drain plug fitting on the stern, which I did not previously have, but installed. It works OK but its not really very bright. I see on their site that they have a newer version that looks like it's brighter. If you want it to light up the night with a big show, you may want three of them. Bearing in mind that they stick out, these only work on the transom.

 

[OBXTucker]

That's an interesting idea. Of course, it would mean installing a drain plug, but I'm going to be putting new holes in the boat anyway....

The obvious concern is the 32v system. I'll need to run the LED cable to under the pilothouse, where there's already a 32 to 12v converter - unless anyone else has a better recommendation (not a short run!).

 

[Robby]

I'm getting ready to do a haul out in the next few weeks and thinking about adding a few underwater LED's while she's on the hard.

Seems there are some old threads - but I don't see anything current.

Anyone have any new technology/recommendations they'd like to comment on?

Thanks!

There are several options.We had a rep from a company at the last Hatt class.Ask Roger W or maybe someone here can help you that was in the class. Seems like there are two ways to do this.Option One is to run the wiring thru the holes for the tabs or to drill.I like the tabs option.You run the wire thru the wiring holes for the tabs and mount the lights to the tabs.Corse if you have the money go Full Monty so they can be seen from space!!!!Robby

 

[SeaEric]

LED's are pretty tolerant of a various range of DC voltage. These may work fine on 32v. It would be worth an e-mail to the supplier with that question.

 

[jmencel]

Hurley has underwater lights that attach to the topside of your trim tabs. By adjusting your tabs you can direct the lights, and there are no holes in your hull to bore below the waterline. Definately not cheap though ....

http://www.hurleymarine.com/Underwater_Lights.html

 

[George]

I have Ocean LED's a little more expensive. There are lots of options. check out www.yachtlights.com

Good luck

 

[Dan Mapes]

We have Ocean 2010 LEDs on our 1985 43 MY and love them. I have heard of some folks that regret going with the cheaper screw in versions. Could be a brand issue.
Ours are over 3 years old and fine (knock knock). Simple installation and DC power is convenient and quiet.

 

[MV Mystery]

I installed the Hurley's on my Trim Tabs in November 2009. They work great, I have 24 volt versions and they are power hungry, but once the battery charger is on, its not a big deal.

 

[captpl]

We used a product from S&S marine in Saybrook, CT (ssmarinect.com). They have a lot of different sizes/color options. Fairly inexpensive, if I recall around 250.00 per light (the largest available) as compared to thousands for Ocean Led. We put in 7 lights- 5 across the transom and 2 down lights (outside the rudders) on the bottom. These lights also protrude about an inch and are attached with a few screws, 5200 & one hole for the low voltage wire (3/16"). We manufactured some fairing blocks for the 2 bottom lights & 30 degree "wedges" for 2 of the 5 transom lights, the other 3 were flat mounted. Took 2 hours to install all lights and another 2 hours to complete the wiring and mounting of the power supplies and switches. They run on 12vdc and "Meanwell" makes a ton of power supplies for any application (120vac-12vdc,32vdc-12vdc etc...) we used three 60w 120vac primary 12vdc secondary power supplies. There are a few pics of them in my folder, too computer stupid to know how to attach them.

 

[OBXTucker]

Thanks everyone. I'll take a look at Ocean and S&S. Being a trawler, I don't have trim tabs or drain plugs, so it's going to call for at least one new hole. Oh well....

I'll also make a couple of calls to a few manufacturers. Sounds like a pretty straight forward install, except for the power converter.

 

[Dan Mapes]

Thanks everyone. I'll take a look at Ocean and S&S. Being a trawler, I don't have trim tabs or drain plugs, so it's going to call for at least one new hole. Oh well....

I'll also make a couple of calls to a few manufacturers. Sounds like a pretty straight forward install, except for the power converter.

If you are talking about the power converter for the Oceans, it's not a big deal at all. Just run 12v to them, and the cable to the LEDs is all included and a snap to hook up. All you have to do is mount the converter with a couple of screws.

 

[Scotte28516]

We have the Aqualuma underwater lights http://www.aqualuma.com/, Gen II, 3 Series. In my opinion, these are the absolute best! They are unbreakable, 100% corrosion proof, have virtually no power draw, very bright, and user servicable, should the need ever arise.

 

[OBXTucker]

Ended up going with Abyss Lights. They arrived Friday and look great. Solid bronze housing heavily polished and built. They go on in two weeks during her haul out. Picks to follow.
Thanks everyone.

 

[SeaEric]

Hi Jeff, I just looked at their site. They look very nice. I like the ones where you can change the color. Which model and size, and how many did you go with?

 

[OBXTucker]

I went with the S1515 in Blue.
They have almost a 6" diameter casing and put out about 800 lumens, if I recall correctly.

I read somewhere that a guy on another forum had a bad experience with Abyss on his 74' yacht, but I have to say, these appear to be exceptional quality. Conversely, other reviews I've read here and elsewhere are all positive.

I went with three of them, but may add one more. Not quite sure yet.....I think 3 will be plenty.

 

[captddis]

I guess I am too late, but I have had bad luck with the abyss lights. One had lights out right out of the box. Then within a few months of minimul use they both are dropping out lights. A year later half are out.


I have Aqualuma triple lights on my boat for three years with no issues.

 

[OBXTucker]

Did they not replace them under warranty?
How long ago was this?

I guess I could do a little more resesrch and return them, should it be detdrmined that the product is in fact faulty/ inferior.

Thanks for chiming in.

 

[captddis]

Did they not replace them under warranty?
How long ago was this?

I guess I could do a little more resesrch and return them, should it be detdrmined that the product is in fact faulty/ inferior.

Thanks for chiming in.

Fortunately the first light did not work upon installation and they replaced it after saying it was overvoltage, reversed polarity etc. The current problems have not been addressed as the boat has not been hauled yet. It is due for a bottom job in May.

I have not heard of problems with any of the others I have installed.

AS stated I have had my Aqualuma lights for three years and no issues. They do require a 2 inch hole though, and of course you need to dig the balsa out and back fill it.