48 LED Uinderwater Lights

My moneys on drill a slightly larger hole than what you need, seal it up with west systems epoxy. Then redrill a smaller hole through the epoxy so the core is sealed and run and seal the wires with 4200.

I've got a month before I start my project, so I need you guys to finish up and post pics that I can copy!!
 
firecadet613 said:
My moneys on drill a slightly larger hole than what you need, seal it up with west systems epoxy. Then redrill a smaller hole through the epoxy so the core is sealed and run and seal the wires with 4200.

I've got a month before I start my project, so I need you guys to finish up and post pics that I can copy!!
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"Your money" came from this site. Isn't google great?
http://www.boat-project.com/tutorials/drill.htm

Step 1. Drill the hole a bit larger than you need. A good estimate is a minimum of 50% larger. For instance, if you need a 1/2in hole, drill a 3/4in hole. If you are going to screw a something into the hole, a larger hole is even better.
Step 2. Create a plug by sealing one end of the hole, then pour mixed epoxy into the hole - thereby creating a plug. There are many formulations of epoxy, and generally, the slower curing epoxies are stronger as they have more time to soak into the laminate. Step 3. After a minimum of 24 hours (longer if a slow cure epoxy is used), drill the hole in the center of the plug the finished size you need. This creates an epoxy sleeve and completely protects the raw edge of the fiberglass sandwich
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If you are doing this; On the outside of the hole use a counter sink drill to taper the hole for a better seal around the outer edge. That will give the hole a better plug.
 
Believe it or not I just remember reading it on a forum a few times it has come up.
 
When ever installing any item that is going to be under water a good rule is too much sealant is just about enough. As with any of the under water lights after they are installed run a bead of sealant around the outside edge for a good seal.
 
Yes, I will have my mechanic do it. I am most certainly NOT qulified for this. At least, not yet!
 
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I actually remembered about this after I posted as well.
 
Bringing my boat over to my mechanic this weekend to "unwinterize" and get her ready for splash in a few weeks. One on the things we are going to go over in the install of the 48LED lights. I will post some pics once they are installed.
 
I wouldn't install surface mounted ones. I'm not sure it's "cool" enough for me to install any.
 
Rono007 said:
The reason being?
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I would think the through hull ones would be a more compound install. They will bed down and have a similar install base like a seacock. On the ones you're considering, an 1/8" hole with a couple of surface fasteners would be more susceptible for damage than a wider base and nut like the typical through hull lights. I installed my transom mounted transducer for my GPS with ¾” #8 stainless fasteners in a bed of 3M 5200 and even though the wire path trough the hull was above the waterline I believe a through hull transducer is less susceptible for leaks and water intrusion in the long run. My decision was based on the fact that I wasn't keen on drilling through holes through my hull below the water line and chose the lesser of two evils.

What I’m saying is that “cool” lights are an unnecessary hole in your boat. If you want to drill holes for lights I would go with high quality ones that are solid, leak proof and have proven to be durable.
 
Understood and thanks for the information. I am obviously lacking any and all knowledge when it comes to this subject (or any others for that matter at this stage in my boating career).

The surface mount lights have by 2 small screw holes required to mount them. Might is be better to just mount them like that, seal around the lights, and then run the wire up and in above the water line (under the swim platform)? The wire obviously being sheathed and heat-shrunk.
 
Nehalennia said:
What I’m saying is that “cool” lights are an unnecessary hole in your boat. If you want to drill holes for lights I would go with high quality ones that are solid, leak proof and have proven to be durable.
Click to expand...

Best advise/comment I have seen on this whole thread.
 
Or mount them under the swim platform, which I am leaning towards.
 
I bought 4 48LED's and I'm having 2 installed one either side of the stern drive just below the water line this week while my boat is getting serviced and recomissioned. I will spalsh her in 2 weeks and get some pics posted once I get her back, and then some more once she's in the water.
 
These are just taped on underneath for a test - this is too much "Bling."

024-2.jpg


 
Not sure ... it's hard to tell from the picture. 4 May be good enough. What is your beam? Mine is 8.6 (25' LOA) and my mechanic said for me to try 2 48LED's first (I gave hime 4, he mounted only 2 after seeing their brightness). If I didn't think it was enough, then he would pull the boat and do the other 2.

I stopped by and saw it last night and they look great on the trailer and lit up. The last 2 things I need to do is paint the skeg on my outdrive and have the reg letters/numbers and boat name made and applied, so once that's done, I will splash her next weekend (Easter weekend) and take some pics.

I have another project with SeaDek swim platform padding, but that will take another 5-6 weeks to get to me.
 
Wonderful.

The 48LED lights are installed. I splashed the boat last Saturday. I went to the marina last night to light thedm and check them out...flipped the switch and whola! I purchased 4 and installed 2 so I didn't light the entire lake. Turns out I need all 4, so when I pull the boat to put on the SeaDek swim platform pad for the platform and platform steps, I will have the other 2 installed.

Here's where I start to boil.

After I turned the lights on, the one mounted tot he port side transom began to flicker after just 1 minute or so lit up. Then it just died completely. :smt013

Guess I will be going to the marina today and checking the wiring, but unfortunately, I'm afraid the light just died altogether. What really sucks is that I will need to pull the boat completely to really investigate it's death.

More to come.
 
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