Adding swim lights, will this work???

[SS194]

I found white LED driving lights for cars. For about $25, you get two strips of maybe 10 bright LED's. I want to adhere them to the transform to use as swim lights. A buddy of mine did this with great results. I'll run the wire through the transform where the speedo goes. I'll also seal the LED's themselves so they will be water tight.

I bought Loctite clear silicone from Lowe's. I want something that I don't have to worry about coming off, but at the same time, I want it to be easy to remove in case I have to. Nothing permeant.

Will it work?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[marine4003]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

you may want to go with something like these - http://www.seatechmarineproducts.com/resolux_510_series_fixed_led_specialty_fixtures

I light the cockpit of my Scarab with these..there great, plus shop around..there are less expensive ones out there, the only problem with silicone and direct sun ..it will eventually fail.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

Not sure about the lights. For $25 I'd think there would be a marine application for the same amount.

Use 3M 4200 to seal any holes. It is removable and will hold up. 5200 is perm if you want it to never move.

 

[SS194]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

I'm thinking I'd like to try the silicon because I know it's easy to remove. Will it last a few weekends? If so, then I'll give it a try and see how I like it.
Marine, Look how expensive those lights are! I'm sure they are awesome, but I'd like to stay on a budget. I'll see how these $25 wonders do.

Real quick, where do you get 4200? Can you usually get it locally?

Thanks for the help,
Steve

 

[lowkee]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

If you stick with the LED strip idea, just put a small 2amp fuse in-line, so if it does get wet, you won't have a fire on your hands. You can find the 4200 at any boat parts shop, possibly even walmart. Lowes might have it, as well. I bought my 5200 there.

 

[SS194]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

I just found this thread this morning. I'm going to order these instead.

I'll look for the 4200.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

silly cone is horrible. rather use latex caulk.

 

[SS194]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

The only thing I can find locally is 3M 5200. I really don't want to do anything permanent.

What other options do I have? I really want to install these tomorrow. Big plans this weekend.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

i hope the lights don't attract toothy critters while yer swimming.

 

[SS194]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

Didn't think about that before, but thanks for freaking me out now!

Way to bust my bubble!

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

Gotta tell ya..
I am pretty impressed with what these guys are offering..
Take a look under waterproof marine"

http://www.oznium.com/home-led

 

[SS194]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

Yep, that's exactly what I ordered. 4 blue marine LED's. Can't wait for them to get here tomorrow.

Just have to figure out how to stick them to my transform. I can't find 3M 4200, only 5200. I'm now considering a bath tub adhesive.

Any recommendations?
Steve

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

You might want to reconsider before mounting those. Underwater lighting requires A LOT of power. That's why the through hull marine lights are so expensive. They use 6 or 12 or 18 watt lights. And even then you need multiple units to have a really good effect. Those strips are only 3 watt strips. I think you are going to be disappointed with result.

Do a search on ebay for some lights, you can really find some good deals on them.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

Look at this post by lime4x4 with his pics

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=343479&highlight=lights

I actually sell lamps to a few thru hull companies in Ft.Lauderdale/Miami area..

And I am very impressed thus far with what I see and have thought up a bunch of unique lighting for my project

 

[SS194]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

Back to my question. Anyone have an recommendations? Like I said, I need to do this tomorrow.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

Why not mount like you would any device, transducer..ectera

drill, apply 5200 in hole, insert screw and let it set.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

Didn't think about that before, but thanks for freaking me out now!

Way to bust my bubble!

thats why they advertise them for night fishing.
DaDum......dadum...dadum dadum.dadum.dadum(theme music from jaws)

 

[SS194]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

Because I really don't want to do anything permanent.

Steve

 

[SS194]

Re: Adding swim lights, will this work???

Well, after many an hour making phone calls, I finally found a marina that's not well listed that's only 25 minutes away from me. They had it. I needed to pick up a few other things anyway, so it worked out.

I'm going to install the lights tomorrow morning. Hopefully be in the water Sat morning.

Thanks,
Steve