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Post by grizzly1648 on Jan 13, 2015 22:30:27 GMT -5
I am wondering if anyone has used this brand to light up rod storage and live well or storage hatches? Looking at maybe trying them out. Not looking to bling the outside of the boat. I seem to remember reading a thread last year about how some don't care for that , and that's understandable. But I'm looking for interior lighting for those early mornings and late nights
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Post by mwardncsu on Jan 13, 2015 23:11:04 GMT -5
If it is the flexible LED tape strips, then as long as they are the waterproof type, they are likely all about the same. There are a two different sizes of LEDs - and there are the RBG LEDs which allow you to connect a controller and change the colors, cycle through, fade, etc, etc. I bought mine from a dealer on TheHullTruth that has since disappeared. You can find them all over eBay, WalMart and such. I'd usually say buy local, but its all from China anyway and the margin is not much on this stuff. They are easy to install - cut the strip at one of the cut-points, trim the silicon coating off the end of the strip, solder a 18-22 gauge wire to the end and stick it on and run the wire. I stuck the strips to some 3M outdoor tape that has a much stronger adhesive, and they are hanging strong. If you are looking for ones that are shorter strips in hard-plastic, then that's a little different story..... but the install is even easier. LED strips 30' think...  Soldered wires to end... I used 18 ga  Attached to the underside of my gunnel inserts...  Bling!    I did install some 1' white LED strips in my bilges & t-top e-box. One day I am going to add some to my console & rod-lockers.  |
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Post by getlinewet on Jan 14, 2015 11:57:32 GMT -5
Mike:
Sorry for the stupid question, but how did you rig these lights to your 12 volt battery? Did you buy a separate battery and dedicate it to the LEDS? And how about the switching?
Thanks,
Jim
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Post by mwardncsu on Jan 14, 2015 12:18:45 GMT -5
These things draw VERY little current.
I wired them to a switch on my console that is connected to my "house" battery (my battery that all my electronics, pumps, etc are run from) - the only thing on my cranking battery is the motor and bilge pump.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2015 12:44:43 GMT -5
I used five 6 foot strands on my boat. Two stands below the cushions in the front. 2 strands for my rod holder area. And 1 strand in my livewell/holding tank/glorified trash can.  Unfortunately, I was not aware of the changing color options! PROJECT TIME!  Hey Mward, do you notice that any particular color is easier on your eyes at night in terms of adjusting to on and off? One important note to emphasize. Use the 3m tape. The 10 pound is perfect. You will have to cut the tape to make it thinner. Originally, my boat was wired with small stands and the manufacturer used 4200. It didn't work well. Another thing to consider is having separate switches to control various strands. When I turn my lights on at night, you enter another world. Sometimes, I really only need one strand to do the job. But my son loves the ALL ON option!  Oh yeah, I forgot to mention...you don't need to get all crazy with the connectors. Just use any 14-18 guage wire and buy some connectors from Lowes that have the rubber stuff that you can put a lighter to. |
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Post by striperjohn on Jan 14, 2015 12:53:12 GMT -5
Red is best color at night to maintain your night vision.
Sent from my SM-G900R4 using proboards
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Post by mwardncsu on Jan 14, 2015 13:07:52 GMT -5
Agree with StriperJohn. The blue is blinding (but cool ). The red is not as bad and I'll use it sometimes when catching bait, filling the bait tank, etc. At the time the RBG versions were a fair bit more than two separate strands, and you also have to get a "controller box" - many of which have a little remote control to change colors, fade, run color-changing programs, etc. I went with a DPST switch (ON-OFF-ON) so I can have red or blue on from one switch on the console. |
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Post by jon on Jan 14, 2015 20:34:21 GMT -5
I've had the Bluewater LED's on my boat for a few years with no problems. Even the one I mounted below the water line in my bait tank is showing no signs of corrosion and is still working.
Jon
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Post by grizzly1648 on Jan 15, 2015 18:14:27 GMT -5
Hey guys I just want to say thank you. You guys are over the top as always. (In a good way) always come through with great ideas and helpful tips.
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Post by primetime on Jul 25, 2015 10:41:06 GMT -5
I like those gunnel inserts MWARD. Did they come with the boat? Your lights look GREAT! Also, I know its been a few months with this posting, but I have blue water LEDS on my boat. One strip went out and bluewater was quick to exchange the strip without me paying for postage. I don't know why it went out, maybe the saltwater from the bay had something to do with it.
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Post by mwardncsu on Jul 25, 2015 11:07:16 GMT -5
Yep - the gunnel inserts are factory.
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Hey Mward, do you notice that any particular color is easier on your eyes at night in terms of adjusting to on and off?
