Underwater lights

[CClassic28]

I purchased 4- 50 watt halogen underwater lights which I am planning to install when the weather breaks.

My plan was to drill 2 through the transom facing back about 4 feet apart and the other 2 in the running bottom about 2 feet from the stern.

I think this pattern will give me fairly good coverage around the cockpit.

Any thoughts?


Thanks,


Chris

[Split Decision]

I want to put those on my 32 when I get it. I didn't think about putting them in the bottom but sounds like a good idea. I think you should space them out a little more than 4'. Can you get 6' on the 28?

I was looking at several and can't make up my mind on the halogen or the zenon. What brand did you get?

[CClassic28]

I probably can space the lights on the transom 6' apart. I thought I would go 4' so the light pattern would overlap anf there would not be any dark spots. I guess I will light them up and play with the placement before I drill 2-1/2" holes in by boat.


I was looking at a few different manufacturers and purchased mine from Aqualights. They were extremely cheap (275 each) The design is fairly simple but they seem like they will work just fine.

One thing with these units is that if the halogens are not bright enough I can upgrade them to xenon without changing the thru hull.


Chris

[CClassic28]

Lights are working

Well, I finally completed all the wiring and nonsense for the underwater lights and fired them up last night.

I am real pleased with their output at the dock. The two in the transom throw an overlapping light pattern covering the stern and lit up my bulkhead 6 feet away. the two in the running bottom pierced the murky canal water and lit up the sandy bottom 6 feet down real clear.


I can't wait to light them in some clear blue canyon water!!


If anyone is interested the company I purchased from is Aqualights from Ft. Lauderdale FL. The units were about 1/2 the price (295) of most and built well.



Chris

[EricS]

Do you have generator to power them, or will you run them off the batteries. I noticed that the xenon units draw much less current than the halogens and put out more lumens. Of course they cost about 4 times as much.

[CClassic28]

Eric,

They are D.C. so they will run off the batteries. I do have a genny and it will be running so my battery charger will pick up the load that the lights draw.

Xenons were out of my reach for this boat.


Chris

[backman]

Eric's got a week

to get those bulbs in and installed before he launches the comfy canyon ride with 400 miles range.

We'll be needing those xenons for October!

[EricS]

At $925 each, its not going to happen this year Larry. I've already spent too much on my girl this winter. Got to save some loot for fuel ! I do think I'll go for the xenon units and install 2 on the transom angled slightly downward.

[Split Decision]

Chris

How are the lights working out?

I think I will go for the xenons next year.

[CClassic28]

Tom,

They are working great. The only issue I have run into is keeping them clean. The ones on the transom are no problem as I can see them and hit them with the deck brush. The ones on the running bottom, well I am going to bend an aluminum brush handle 90 degrees so I can reach them on the running bottom.

Chris