Underwater 12V lights by Harbor Freight?

[arks]

Tell me what you think of this idea.
HF sells these nifty little submersible lights for backyard fountains. I'm considering putting 4 or 5 of 'em on my transom, shining aft (under the swim platform). They're very bright (halogen) and come with a variety of colored lenses. Originally I planned to attach them to the bottom of the swim platform, but the instructions say they must be completely submerged to work properly. Since my platform's about 6" off the water, that wouldn't work. Why not screw them to the transom just below the surface? Here's the link: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47604

Of course I'll seal any holes with 4200 and use a fuse for protection. My boat isn't a speedboat, so I doubt they'll get torn off by the water when moving. Each light has 4 holes for mounting, and the housings are plastic.
Do you guys think this will work? The only problem I see is if a bulb burns out- I'd have to wait until the boat is hauled to change it.

 

[kkr26]

Re: Underwater 12V lights by Harbor Freight?

Once you drill a hole in your hull it is there forever. Make sure you get good lights that will last as long as your hull. I think underwater lights are sweet.:redface:

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Underwater 12V lights by Harbor Freight?

have you thought about the turbulance they would cause, spray up the transom, drag when the boat is in operation. most true under water boat lights fit flush to the hull. i would never do it. the colored lenses will not stay on. i have one in a fish pond. the fish knock the lense off.

if you want lights get the good ones, with led bulbs.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Underwater 12V lights by Harbor Freight?

These might be good for night fishing. Mount them to a board, add some floatation, and put them in the water facing down. Hmm. Might be worth a try.

But, mount them to the transom, I wouldn't.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Underwater 12V lights by Harbor Freight?

Marine underwater lights are atrociously over priced! Sorry, had to vent, I like them too. But I would never buy them for that price! (even if I had the money)

 

[zach103]

Re: Underwater 12V lights by Harbor Freight?

http://www.coastalnightlights.com/

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Underwater 12V lights by Harbor Freight?

Keep in mind that most underwater lights have sealed housings in the event that they get smashed, they won't create a leak in the hull.
I'm not sure how a pond light would hold up to all the hazards of running on the water at speed? How many tiny obstacles do you hit and never notice which would smash those lights? Even a floating twig or branch can be a projectile at speed or when washed under by the prop.

 

[arks]

Re: Underwater 12V lights by Harbor Freight?

OK, you've all convinced me it's not such a good idea.
BUT....I do like Beefer's idea of mounting them to a board. All I gotta do is figure out a way to temporarily secure a board to the stern of boat, then I can use 'em at the dock or at anchor. HMMMM.

 

[kkr26]

Re: Underwater 12V lights by Harbor Freight?

Another idea I had was to mount them under the swim deck where they would not be in the water. I guess that defeats the purpose of underwater lights.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Underwater 12V lights by Harbor Freight?

Those are 12v (low power) AC lights. You will need an inverter for DC won't you? Hmmm...AC/DC might be a good name for a band.

 

[arks]

Re: Underwater 12V lights by Harbor Freight?

"Another idea I had was to mount them under the swim deck where they would not be in the water. I guess that defeats the purpose of underwater lights."

That was my original plan, but the instructions specifically state that these lights must be submersed when on- I assume to keep 'em cool. They operate with 12v and come packaged with a 120v transformer. I'd just wire them thru my boats 120v system (thru a circuit breaker of course).
I've been fooling around with some ideas and found an easy way to secure a 1x3 to my swim platform brackets (underwater of course). I can mount the lights to the board and run the wiring thru an existing drain scupper. It looks like it'll do the trick, but I won't know until spring because the boat's been hauled for the winter.
Initially I'll only deploy the lights when at the dock or anchored; if the lights (and my mount) work, then maybe I'll try mounting them better and going for a ride. Keep in mind I have a slow boat. Even if they all get ruined, I figure it's worth a try.