Anyone running an LED light bulb in their front marker light?

T

TexasA&M

New Member
Sep 14, 2009
213
Austin, Texas
Boat Info
2005 185 Sport
Engines
4.3MPI
The bulb burnt out in my front marker light the last time we were out after dark, and I haven't gotten around to replacing it yet. I started thinking about an LED because that light gets HOT up there, and I am tired of burning my hand. Has anyone put an LED in the fixture? If so, what bulb did you use, and where did you get it?
 
Most of those are the small festoons. They are available in LED type from several websites... SuperBrightLEDs dot com and LEDLight dot com to name a few.

Be aware that your navigation lights are governed by the USCG and have to be approved as such. That said, I have seen many LED's on boats from afar, and they appear to be brighter and more noticeable than the approved incandescents.
 
I'm just looking for a replacement bulb. Any idea what number the stock bulb is on the front market lights of our boats? I have the bulb, but it doesn't have a number on it... just a wattage (10w). I have yet to find a 10w bulb with the same base at any store I've looked. I have found between 2w and 7.5w, but not 10w.
 
The LEDs will be a lower wattage. Sometimes the red lens gets washed out by the LED light and turns pink.

Don
 
#90, but keep in mind I have a different type of set up. If you want LED buy a new fixture. I switched last year, they are brighter and draw little to nothing in power. BOE is having a large sale now, look there first
 
I run LEDs in both my bow and stern lights for extended periods of anchoring (and partying) in the dark.
 
TexasA&M said:
Has anyone put an LED in the fixture? If so, what bulb did you use, and where did you get it?
Click to expand...


JimG said:
Be aware that your navigation lights are governed by the USCG and have to be approved as such. That said, I have seen many LED's on boats from afar, and they appear to be brighter and more noticeable than the approved incandescents.
Click to expand...

KayKook said:
Been running LED lights on all our boats for several years. They are available Coast Guard approved many places.
Click to expand...

Jim is correct. Unless something has changed recently the CG does not approve bulbs, which is what the OP asked about. The CG does approve entire fixtures which was the subject of the article in the link.

MM
 
I replaced the whole fixture, it was CG approved, but now you've got me thinking to double check
The 3500 series states it "exceeds" CG requirements. I can see now I'm gonna have to call CGA to get an inspection
 
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