Replace cockpit bulbs with LED

[mrsrobinson]

For those who have upgraded their cockpit & radar arch lights to LED, what brand and model number did you use? I found this thread. I only want to replace the bulbs though:

http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/cockpit-arch-ledlights-replacements.90142/

 

[Stee6043]

I think most of your cockpit lights should be 42mm festoon bulbs. I've used the cheapest units I can find on Amazon (focus on good reviews) with good success.

I tried cool white (4000k) but found for the cockpit the warmer white (3200-3500k) is better looking, in my opinion.

 

[Skybolt]

You can get them from this site: https://www.superbrightleds.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SBL Brand&utm_content=SBL Brand&utm_ad=623427683711&utm_term=super bright led&matchtype=e&device=c&GeoLoc=9007983&placement=&network=g&campaign_id=18399280711&adset_id=138473690381&ad_id=623427683711&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyLGjBhDKARIsAFRNgW8e5X7pVoBZ9dF4t3web7Z7s9ctgXR5vrAn4MvwgmvB7ZQtRUBbGPcaAt-aEALw_wcB

They are better quality then what's on Amazon. Although I replaced the arch lights with Lumitec fixtures and dual color leds. My buddy just installed the Poco unit for his lights. Works great with his MFD's. Looks sharp on his 48 Ocean.

 

[Stee6043]

They are better quality then what's on Amazon.

In what way?

 

[Skybolt]

In what way?

They don't cause noise like some of them do. Also they have better color, like blue is really blue not some shade of purple. But I only used them for my courtesy lights. I really like Lumitec for everything else.

 

[Stee6043]

They don't cause noise like some of them do. Also they have better color, like blue is really blue not some shade of purple. But I only used them for my courtesy lights. I really like Lumitec for everything else.

Gotcha, that makes sense. I don't know about the color rendering but I've not had any issues with the cheap units causing noise.

I would have broadly assumed all of these LED's are coming from the same two factories in China at any rate

 

[quality time]

I buy all of my LED bulbs from MarineBeam. Great quality and customer service.

 

[mrsrobinson]

There's a navigation running one on my transom, is that one special or different?

I replaced the engine compartment ones with ones I found on amazon, so far so good. I've replaced all of the cabin ones as well, bulbs only.

I'm not looking to get all ghetto, disco and have a boat from the hood, just want to replace the bulbs with LED.

 

[Stee6043]

There's a navigation running one on my transom, is that one special or different?

On mine the stern light is the exact same fixture as the cockpit lights, same bulb too.

The purist will tell you that you'd be out of USCG compliance if you put an LED bulb in that nav light fixture though...

 

[Blueone]

Ya my advice is don’t go China cheap…. But it’s also hard to not get ripped off with expensive …… in any event buy extra they always burn out and you will never find the exact same bulb later…… amp savings and less heat is well worth the effort

 

[Skybolt]

Ya my advice is don’t go China cheap…. But it’s also hard to not get ripped off with expensive …… in any event buy extra they always burn out and you will never find the exact same bulb later…… amp savings and less heat is well worth the effort

That's why SuperBrightLed, not China.

 

[Skybolt]

On mine the stern light is the exact same fixture as the cockpit lights, same bulb too.

The purist will tell you that you'd be out of USCG compliance if you put an LED bulb in that nav light fixture though...

Not a purest, but 2NM is USCG regulation. So put in a cheap led and your in trouble, something like a $5K fine if I recall.

 

[Stee6043]

Not a purest, but 2NM is USCG regulation. So put in a cheap led and your in trouble, something like a $5K fine if I recall.

It's got nothing to do with the 2NM requirement, which would be a spec I'm sure most LED's would have no problem meeting/exceeding. It's got to do with the certification of the assembly (and the boat for that matter), of which an LED in that nav light was not a part.

Any LED, even the overpriced (but still made in China ) units you guys are obsessed with, placed in a nav light fixture not explicitly designed for and certified with that LED, will not meet the USCG requirement.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO Documents/5p/CG-5PC/INV/Alerts/1015.pdf

 

[Skybolt]

It's got nothing to do with the 2NM requirement, which would be a spec I'm sure most LED's would have no problem meeting/exceeding. It's got to do with the certification of the assembly (and the boat for that matter), of which an LED in that nav light was not a part.

Any LED, even the overpriced (but still made in China ) units you guys are obsessed with, placed in a nav light fixture not explicitly designed for and certified with that LED, will not meet the USCG requirement.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO Documents/5p/CG-5PC/INV/Alerts/1015.pdf

Yes, ABYC and 2 NM visibility. Sorry I left out the ABYC requirement, which covers what your describing. The main thing is to have them mounted correctly and be at least 2NM visible.

 

[ZZ13]

It's got nothing to do with the 2NM requirement, which would be a spec I'm sure most LED's would have no problem meeting/exceeding. It's got to do with the certification of the assembly (and the boat for that matter), of which an LED in that nav light was not a part.

Any LED, even the overpriced (but still made in China ) units you guys are obsessed with, placed in a nav light fixture not explicitly designed for and certified with that LED, will not meet the USCG requirement.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO Documents/5p/CG-5PC/INV/Alerts/1015.pdf

This has been stated several times on this site and it’s simply not true. The USCG “recommends” (read the end of the link) using USCG pre approved fixtures and bulbs because that guarantees they are compliant with the technical requirements. But you can home grow any solution you want as long as it meets the technical lighting requirements. In addition to what’s stated in the reference link, I was also explained this during several boardings by the USCG and taught this when I took the surveyors course at Chapman School of Seamanship.

 

[Stee6043]

This has been stated several times on this site and it’s simply not true. The USCG “recommends” (read the end of the link) using USCG pre approved fixtures and bulbs because that guarantees they are compliant with the technical requirements. But you can home grow any solution you want as long as it meets the technical lighting requirements. In addition to what’s stated in the reference link, I was also explained this during several boardings by the USCG and taught this when I took the surveyors course at Chapman School of Seamanship.

What about the part in the Rules that says “the construction and installation of lights on board a vessel must satisfy the Commandant, US Coast Guard”?

I’m not sure if you could say “complying with the technical requirements”, of which there are many, would satisfy the USCG without proof?

To me the Rules seem to imply you will not be compliant with anything other than items formally approved by the USCG. Perhaps the folks that you’ve talked to have a different interpretation. Seems just vague enough that I certainly wouldn’t want to take your position if I were teaching others. But that’s not my gig. Just a lowly internet poster here

Edit - the statement above has the heading “Approval” in the Rules. Again, to me that seems to imply approval is required and cannot be passively obtained. My two cents only.

 

[dtfeld]

If you want to do it once, and never think about them again, look for the right bulb etc etc etc?

Get a set of Lumitec Shadow Spectrum RGBW. You get dimmable white, red for at night and all colors in-between. These things light up the cockpit like a stadium, which we find very useful when off loading at night. Or you can turn them way down for nice ambiance.

The work on the existing switch and wiring.

 

[dtfeld]

But...they aint cheap.

But...ya get what you pay for.

 

[Blueone]

But...they aint cheap.

But...ya get what you pay for.

You have obviously never been to a strip club… the problem with all led’s is they are made exactly the same….. majority of the components come from China… the dupe is if they charge more you think you are getting better quality….. 9 out of 10x you are not

 

[dtfeld]

I would call this an upgrade. But buy once/cry once.

I agree most of this come from Vachina, but Lumitec is good stuff (even if is come from said country). If I could find something that fit for 1/10 the $$$, I'm in, but so far that's not the case.

This light fits the hole, the exact screw placement and ties into the existing wiring/switch. Easy peasy.

For me, this is the "showcase" area, and its nice to have great lighting here. I've tried several different festoons, cheapo Amazon lights, etc. This was worth every penny because it works.

I also added a couple 6" bar light over the U-Lounge table to even out the light, all on one switch.

Other places..yeah, give me a cheapo Vachina LED