Cockpit floodlight upgrade (to LED)

[Megabyte]

This was another of my lightweight 'project of the day' activities... :lol:

I bought this Hella LED cockpit floodlight this past winter from Jim at BOE Marine, and finally got around to installing it today. Though it wasn't a difficult upgrade, I did have to overcome a few issues pertaining to the routing of the wiring.
No big deal... with the aid of a ponder beer, the situation was rectified.

Here is the old incandescent flood light.

And this is the new replacement.

The new one isn't exactly a handsome design, but I'm hoping that once it gets dark tonight, that butt-ugly light puts out a good spread of bright white light while drawing minimal amperage from the electrical system.

 

[Bryan 2530]

With pics of course!!!!

Nice job.....

 

[Megabyte]

With pics of course!!!!

Nice job.....

Of course!
Thank you. 8)

 

[Megabyte]

Went down to the boat last evening to test the light in the dark of night...
Holy smoke this thing is bright for only having 4 LED's in it! The 'color' is bright white too. :wink:

I like it! 8)

 

[TopShot25]

Capt. Kevin,

How do you think it compares to the lights you had. I have the same lights on my boat and I've been waiting for LED's to get to the point where it's worth it to change. Really looking for some first hand info here.

Thanks,

 

[Megabyte]

How do you think it compares to the lights you had. I have the same lights on my boat and I've been waiting for LED's to get to the point where it's worth it to change. Really looking for some first hand info here.

The output is 'whiter' for the LED light and the amount of light is equal to, if not a little better than the light I took off. In that respect, I believe that LED technology has finally gotten to the point where LED replacements for incandescent deck lighting is finally here.

The downside? Cost. This light is not cheap and was in the $170 range when I bought it over the winter from BOE Marine.
http://www.byownerelectronics.com/store ... 490&page=1

If the cost doesn't shock you, and you like the much lower power drain on your batteries while fishing at night (7w), this might be the light you have been waiting for.

If your present light is still working, and the power draw of an incandescent light is not an issue for you, you might want to wait until the prices drop to a more reasonable level as the marine LED lighting industry matures.

Hope this helps.

 

[96TL]

It looks awesome Kevin. I really wanted those too, but they are pricey. Any night pics?

 

[Megabyte]

Any night pics?

Not yet. I'll try to do that the next time I'm on the boat at night.

 

[TheOtherLine]

I just had the two halogen spreader lights converted to LED's.

There is a guy in my neck of the woods who will convert your existing halogens to LED's. Price varies by size and manufacturer. Mine cost $70 a piece to convert.

Haven't hooked them up yet but I'll let you know how bright they are.

He swears that his lights will be whiter and at least 2x brighter than the stock ones. :shock: The stock ones were pretty bright.

 

[96TL]

Those will definitely be brighter than stock. Chris converted my stock spreaders last year, and with much less LEDs, and they are very bright and white.

 

[Parker23]

Ponder beer, I like that. i do a lot of pondering come to think/ponder that!

 

[TheOtherLine]

Finally got a chance to install the new lights. I think they do a great job. The lights throw off a cool, white light and illuminate the entire cockpit without blinding you.

Best of all they only draw 1 amp each as opposed to the old bulbs which draw 4-5 amps each.

 

[96TL]

Told ya! 8)

 

[MaxOut]

This was another of my lightweight 'project of the day' activities... :lol:

I bought this Hella LED cockpit floodlight this past winter from Jim at BOE Marine, and finally got around to installing it today. Though it wasn't a difficult upgrade, I did have to overcome a few issues pertaining to the routing of the wiring.
No big deal... with the aid of a ponder beer, the situation was rectified.

Here is the old incandescent flood light.

And this is the new replacement.

The new one isn't exactly a handsome design, but I'm hoping that once it gets dark tonight, that butt-ugly light puts out a good spread of bright white light while drawing minimal amperage from the electrical system.

Holy Smokes :shock: No Sealant on the wire entering the cabin? Im shocked Tell me it aint so....

 

[Megabyte]

Actually, it was sealed by the time I was done for the day, but I'm not really sure why.
If you'll notice, those canvas drop curtains aren't exactly sealed either.

 

[Gotofish]

Hi Guys, first post here. TheOtherLine, can you give contact info for the guy that did your lights? Thanks

Oh, and this is me....

 

[TheOtherLine]

Hi Guys, first post here. TheOtherLine, can you give contact info for the guy that did your lights? Thanks

Oh, and this is me....

I have the link to his website!

His name is Chris. Good Luck!

http://www.coastalnightlights.com/pics.html

 

[ppem45]

Hi Kevin, how expensive were the new LED lights?

 

[Megabyte]

Hi Kevin, how expensive were the new LED lights?

They are a little pricey...

http://www.byownerelectronics.com/store ... t=0&page=1