Underwater lights anyone?

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232 GULF

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Hey guys, I'm looking into putting underwater lights on my Gulfstream and was wondering if anyone here has experience with this. All the manufacturer's websites say that installation is a breeze but I'm skeptical since drilling is required. I think it'd be a great way to spice up the dock life and I've read it can attract bait fish. Any thoughts/experiences?
 
I am planning to add some this Spring. Since I don't like to drill holes I will have a rigging guy who knows GWs inside and out do the work. From what I have researched, the Ocean Axx series is really popular and well constructed.
 
Mega, are you considering the A12's? Also what placement do you anticipate?
 
Probably A6s given the price. The fellow that fixed my Vacuflush last month was a rigger for Crockers. He is very good with boats, motors, rigging. He is certified by Yamaha and Fisher Panda. He told me he has done around 20 in the Wrightsville area.

Not sure where to put them but I will take his advice. My guess would be outside of the engines about 1 to 1.5 feel below the water line.
 
There are lights available that do not require drilling. I'm guessing 5200 bonding material will hold at least 5+ years. You'll have 2 wires coming above waterline then drill through transom. You lose lifetime wood warranty if you tap into the transom below waterline.
 
It's how some catch their baitfish without netting in the morning. Couple unattended Sabiki's over the sides with a little chum bag. 4 beers later and voila.....bait fish.
 
underwater lights

had 2 PERKO's installed when i purchased the boat. i have the 360 with triples so i put them in between the motors. they work really great. the dealer suggested these lights as we can change the bulbs from the inside without having to pull the boat. in my water around Delaware, they work OK with up at Block Island, they illuminated 30ft behind the boat.
 
I did not use any screws at all, just lots of lots of 5200 behind the light ans all around the edge and never a problem. I drilled a 1/4" hole way above water line for the cable to enter the hull and dubs of 5200 to hold the wire on the transom.
 
Where do you have the switch?

I'll be installing a pair in rhe spring and haven't decided if I want to mount hte switch somewhere in the cockpit or at the helm.
 
everyone in my marine with coastal night lights hate them!!! They get covered in growth fast and do not clean well. He has been good with replacing them,, but they should not need to be replaced. Also, lots of LED's burning out. Had a friend have his first set go bad, ordered and paid for second set and after a day using them they had burnt out bulbs or some would take time to heat up...should not happen!!! He said he'd replace them again but I mean come on....after you 4200 or 5200 them on you don't want to be replacing them over and over. I'd never put them on my boat, go with a brand that has a real warranty and is more reputable. If you want the economy route coastal night lights are great for a year or two, but not reliable enough for a serious user. Perko's look ok but are not as bright as competators but price is nice. Also keep in mind, leds are going to draw way less then a halogen so unless you have a generator led is the only option for you. The Ocean LED amphibians aren;t bad for the money, the A3 is worthless, A6 isnt bad, A12 is decent. A thru hull light will give the best light but costs more and many are hesitant with drilling into a hull. On a single engine boat, 2 lights are enoughabout 1 ft below the water. On twins, 2 will be OK...but down the middle you will have a void, ideally you want 1 outside each engine, and one lower down in the center to shine between each engine for a full spread of light. One of my buddies with the coastal night lights had twins with only 2 lights...personally it looked bad....he added a third, looked much better, except now 1/2 the light are out.... And one sides brighter then the other...so it looks crappy again. Abyss also makes a great light and have some surface mounted ones. For quality and money that would be one on my list. Have heard few issues and the ones who have had new ones replaced in no time at no cost and no hassles. Ocean LED is good but expensive for what you get...your paying for the name.
 
I'm very interested in underwater lights but cringe at the thought of drilling through the transom of a brand new boat. Yesterday I found that Bennett sells an underwater light that attaches directly to the trim tabs called "tab lights" (see http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/catalog. ... &catHome=1). They are very expensive at $1200 retail but when you look into what they are providing, it's basically a stainless bracket to attach LED lights to trim tabs. It's an interesting idea in terms of having the lights underwater and not having to drill through the transom underwater.

I'm curious what other people think about this option.
 
Tabs lights are ok because they reduce drilling into the hull, but these lights are also prone to more abuse, and some grady models with integrated/tucked tabs cannot use them. Personally there is nothing wrong with drilling holes into a transom if done properly and sealed. If your unsure, have a professional do it. I havent heard horror stories from having underwater lights, only issues were from diy'er;s who did it improperly, if done right you have nothing to worry about, for the best quality light, drilling into the hull will typically be required. It is usually the lower end models that can be attached other ways. For some that might be enough light, but from what I've seen the quality and output of the lights both matter and you do get what you pay for. We dont all have deep pockets or the same needs so whats good for some isnt good for others, but compare specs for light output. Ask about the light output angle to determine how it will cover the back of your boat. Some lights say they shine so many feet away, but do they really? Some really shine that far, others shine with deep color a few feet and fade quickly...yeah some light goes the distance they say but do you consider that small hue of color part of the light beam coverage area? Some have 2 rings, a bright and duller one. Look into whatever you buy and compare to be sure. Compare both light output as well as what they draw, both factors that determine how well it will perform on your boat and for your needs, make sure your boat can handle the loads, and get the best light quality you can for your budget.

http://www.yachtlights.com/page----gallery?album19

Here is a comparison of some UW lights, its older but has many models in a pool to give you an idea. Look at pictures, also think about the size of the boat in the pictures and how many lights they run to achieve the look they have. There are a ton out there and they are all coming down in price as more competition appears in the market.
 
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