Underwater lights install

[alan ber]

Wanting too install underwater lights too be used mostly
at dock too see fish

Boat Has a large swim platform
Options I am considering
mounting on trim tabs ?
Prefer Mounting under swim platform ?
Will not be submerged just above water
under water lights on swim us not underwater ?
Will it not effect the look I am trying too achieve

I have seen on boating shows mounting is basic but
installer made a thru whole in transom for electrical wiring
Then 4 screw wholes
Done on port & starboard filled in with 5200
Not a fan adding additional wholes anyplace on transom especially for a non important item
I mounted a cheap o single light and attached too one of
the transducers . Used transducer whole for electrical wiring which went up transom . whole was above water line
when in water one small light was not bright and deep
light on never new it was on .
There is a fellow boater that has a don’t give a damn
okder Sea Ray sport cruiser . He mounted two
lights on a bracket on trim tabs with wiring exposed
At dock bright but when he pulls this 34 footer into yard
lights & wiring looks crappy
Some thoughts and wattage I should consider
Deeper it goes the more watts needed ?
Boat is a Regal 2860 Commodore and don’t want it
looking like Sanford & Son

 

[dingbat]

Where ever you put them make sure they are readily accessible for repair and or replacement.

This is definitely a case where you get what you pay for. Inexpensive lights don't last long...

 

[alan ber]

I am at a in/out marina
sleep aboard when slip available when I go home marina
hauls and boat placed into a outdoor cradle here in Fl
abke too maintain entire boat
I really wanted too know if my idea is ok installing under
swim avoiding water intrusion
will it be bright or lights must be in water ?

 

[dingbat]

Mounted above water, most of the light will be reflected off the surface of the water. Dirty or stained water will compound the problem.

Green and white works best as attractants. Blue is a nice effect but but doesn't have the penetrating power of green and white.

 

[StingrayMike]

the swim platform will hide a lot of the light. Most lights go by lumens vice watts. there are a lot of different models, brands, mounting types. It really is up to you. There is nothing wrong with putting holes in the transom for lights, just need to prep properly. there does seam to be some decent looking lights that mount to the trim tabs. Yes, you would have an external cable, but if mounted right, you might just see the cables running up the transom.
There are some really good surface mount lights that have a small screw hole through the transom. As dingbat said "You get what you pay for". Lumishore makes a good light, abit pricey, but works really good.

Do it once, do it right

 

[Scott Danforth]

Under water lights need to be under water. It helps keep them cool.

Look at the ocean LED line

 

[StingrayMike]

Under water lights need to be under water. It helps keep them cool.

Look at the ocean LED line

Scott,
Some lights don't need to be submerged to stay cool. My company has installed some Ocean LED X Series in ER Bilges to illuminate under engines to check for leaks, as well as in overhangs on Cockpits to almost act as aft spreader lights.