Underwater lights

[Split Decision]

I finallt decided to add some lights for chunkin at the canyon. I talked to the company and they suggested 1- 150 watt metal halide @ 22000 lumens in the bottom and 2- 75 watt halogen in the transom.

these things are a lot of ching so I want to make sure that I do it right.

Any comments from the offshore crew?

Here is a link to the ones that I am considering.
1- AL150MH
2- AL75H

http://aqualights.org/lights_page.htm

[CClassic28]

Tom,

You may want to consider the metal halide in the transom and the halogens pointing down. The only reason I say this is that the metal halide is much brighter and will pierce down much farther than the halogens, which will in turn keep the bait (squid) too deep and not catchable with a net. Also the metal halides in the transom will remove that "black hole" at the transom where you spreaders don't light. The halogens are not bright enough to do this.

I have found with my 4 50 watt halogens I attract plenty of bait, but they do not help very much in improving visibiltiy in the water.

If I keep the boat for another season I may upgrade the 2 transom lights to Xenons.

Good Luck,

Chris

[Split Decision]

Chris

Do you think I would be better off just putting the bright ones in the transom and nothing in the bottom?

I had'nt thought about keeping the bait down deep. Good point. The guy I spoke to said that halide would reach about 120-140 ft and would siloute the bait against the light for the tuna to see better. Makes sence but it might be counter productive at the same time by keeping the bait to low to net.

He also said that the down lights would light up any artificials that you might use and make them glitter.

And I thought this was going to be easy.

[CClassic28]

I think that the combo of downward facing & rear facing works great. The downward facing lights do a better job of attracting bait than the transom mounts.

My first trip this year with them I had bait balls swimming ALL NIGHT under the downward facing lights @ 20 ft down. I feel these are bright enough to attract the bait and the surface lights pull them close to the boat for netting.

I also used Aqualights and installed them myself. So far the are trouble free other than an occasional cleaning before each use.


Chris

[Split Decision]

Chris

that makes sence.

One more ?
Do you think that the 1 halide would work better than 2 xenons in the transom. I think the price is about the same either way.

One thing the salesman told me is if you put the lights on a timer and have them come on for 20 min a day, nothing will grow on them.

[CClassic28]

I think the 2 xenons will give you better coverage than the one metal halide. Keep in mind that you will need fairly good access to them for occasional inspection and maintenance.

I never thought about a timer but I did rig an aluminum handle which I bent 180 degrees on a bender to clean the lights in the bottom. A quick brushing before I shove for the canyon and we are good to go!!


Chris

[CClassic28]

Well, I'm at it already, just ordered 2-50 watt xenons for the transom of my new 32, only problem, the boat is in Mass. until March!! I'm psyched though.

Chris

[Split Decision]

Chris

Did you get the aqualights?
If so, did you order the junction box also.

Don't forget the circut panel for the breakers from paneltronics.

I like spending other peoples money.

By the way, when are you going to change you screen name?

[CClassic28]

Yes, I did but the Aqualights again, no junction box as I will home run the lights seperately. Didn't but the panel yet but I do have some time. Still thinking about my electronics options/choices.


Chris

[backman]

which b0at?

is it C-LOver in Falmouth?

[CClassic28]

Larry,

It is the 06 32 which Camautet had on Yachtworld, 425 QSB Cummins, tower, genny, refrigerated deck boxes... I'm psyched!!

Chris

[seas the day]

Follow-on Inquiry Regarding Underwater Lights

Chris: You've been helpful to me in the past, so am hoping I don't wear out my welcome...am very interested in installing underwater lights. You and Tom have been good about sharing the decision making process with regard to underwater lights. I think I understand that the best rig for the '32 is one that has two 35W halogens pointing down (installed in the bilge sump?) and two 50W xenons on the transom, approximately 4 feet apart. If I've this right, might I ask how you wired? Tom put in a separate breaker and I don't know how difficult this is to do. And to run the wires, do you need to remove one of the fishboxes? On my end, I will put up some clips of fiberglass steps (two) fitted/installed on the transom for swimming access; they work well and are unobtrusive for the most part. Am also in the process of having some teak cabinets built for the spaces over the port berth and the starboard seat. Once this is all done, I'll put up on the site (provided they come out as intended.). I suppose I could have drawings made so that they could be reproduced by those '32 owners who have an interest. Thanks for your feedback on the lights... John

[Split Decision]

John

The fish boxes can't be removed. There are 3 tubes slightly to port from center that run over the fuel tank for running the wires foward. Here are som pics of what I did.

[CClassic28]

John,

I also added an additional breaker panel for the lights & other DC equipment. I ran 4 "home runs" for each light back to the panel & am running the lights on 4 seperate breakers. I have 2-50W xenons facing aft & 2-35W xexnons facing down in the rear bilge. The aft facing lights require exact placement & a slight trim to one of the bronze tiller arms for steering clearance.

See attached pics...

If there is anything else, please feel free to ask.



Chris

[seas the day]

Chris/Tom: Thank you for sending along the pictures and the methodology, all very helpful to me. Here's to wishing you both a great Christmas, John