New helm light installed

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Megabyte

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This wasn't a major upgrade, but two years ago I replaced the OEM light with an LED light that had both red and white lights.

Problem was... neither the red or white was bright enough to be able to see in the dark of night.

This is the old light...

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This is the replacement. It is the same size as the OEM that I removed previously.

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The replacement light.

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I know... not a big deal, but it is what I did today. :D
 
Its all in the details. How much was that fixture?

Also I notice you have covers over your wiper motors. Did you install them? Mine are exposed and the covers would clean up the looks of things.
 
Bryan A.":3449jv9u said:
Its all in the details. How much was that fixture?

I wish I could tell you, but I bought it at Boaters World last season, and just now got around to installing it. :oops:

Bryan A.":3449jv9u said:
Also I notice you have covers over your wiper motors. Did you install them? Mine are exposed and the covers would clean up the looks of things.

Nope. Those motors (from AFI) came with the boat. The two motors don't match, so one or both of them were replaced at some point before I bought the boat.
 
Kevin....

This project was on my list for next year, but you may have inspired me to bump it up a year. Two questions.... 1.) does this newer model also have a red light option like the first replacement? 2.) What are all the vent slits for in the body of the light? Does it heat up?

....John
 
cbigma":3rz3q4yr said:
This project was on my list for next year, but you may have inspired me to bump it up a year. Two questions.... 1.) does this newer model also have a red light option like the first replacement? 2.) What are all the vent slits for in the body of the light? Does it heat up?

Good questions John.

This particular light only has the white LED's in it.
After using the red/white light for two years I've come to the conclusion that the only time I ever use that dome light in the dark is if I really need to see something in the pilothouse.

That is... I've never had an occasion to use the red LED's in the 2 years I've had the other fixture (other than while at the dock at 0'dark thirty). That is why I opted for a brighter LED fixture in white.

My personal opinion of the vents...? I think the manufacturer used the same fixture for their LED lights as they did for their incandescents. That's why the vents are there. There is no heat whatsoever with the LED fixture, so those vents are meaningless.
 
I added a light at the console in 1999 to use at night sometimes when I don't like the glare from the instrument lights. I know some put their lights on a dimmer.

I put in this halogen light near the throttle and sometimes at night I shut off the instrument lights and glow them with red. It is on a gooseneck, with a dimmer, and the lens cover slides to go between red or white.

Was from Wheems & Path, 3/4 amp fused. Is all black above the shifter in the photo.

Dana
 

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I think the OEM fixture (ca. 2004) is too bright when on the red bulb. I am on the lookout for a lower wattage red bulb or I might paint it with some red stuff from the auto parts store. When operating at night I want the red light to be just enough light to barely distinguish what you're looking into/at in the cabin. Night vision is valuable when operating out at the mouth of the Chesapeake. Those big ships creep up on you quick and can catch you with your pants down. Seems like the bigger they are the fewer lights they display.

The white light needs to be bright and it is. I would prefer the lower current draw of the LED's though. When the Admiral is doing her crosswords before bed I worry about the battery draw. I would like to convert the mast head lamp to LED for the same reason. When on all night at anchor it competes with the GPS (anchor drag alarm) for juice. Never had a problem yet but there will come a day....
 
Interesting.

I almost never use the white light...preferring to use the red one. Maybe I'll look for a red LED light when it comes time to replace mine.

Dave
 
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