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Posts: 4266
| Anybody in the Milwaukee area that can install LED interior deck lights that will go on when I turn on the running lights? I have 3 strands of red, but the guy who was going to do it for me backed out. Will pay you in cash or equipment.
Beav |
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | I'd recommend against wiring them to the position lights. It's not recommended to run with the interior lights on, for the sake of night vision. You don't want lights in the bow staring back at you (or even a lit up field of view) while you're headed across a black lake at night. I've got mine wired separately and I'm glad I do. You can really see the difference it makes having the interior lights off vs on while running. |
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Posts: 4266
| You are correct, I meant to say the positioning lights. My daughter wants to try some more night fishing but doesn't feel very comfortable in the boat after dark. I want to outline the rear casting deck for her and use one section of lights to illuminate the tip of the boat for me. I have lots of places for adding more electronics, but I have no idea how to do it and connect it to the right switch.
Beav |
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Posts: 1460
Location: Kronenwetter, WI | I outlined the bow of my boat with red leds and rigged them to an accessory switch so when I want them on they're on and when I want them off they're off. Just flip the accessory switch and they go on or off. I can't remember exactly how I did it other than I took apart the accessory panel and just kind of figured it out. I ain't no genius so I bet if you poked around back there you could figure it out. |
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Posts: 176
Location: Tomahawk, WI | check out bluewaterled.com |
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Posts: 388
| I ran these adhesive backed LED strips around beneath the gunnel (out of sight) and wired to the accessory light on the side of my console. Pulled the bulb on the actual accessory light so I could exclusively use the LED's. I took the strips and cut them down to 3 LED sections, then soldered the wire spacing 2 to 3' apart. Used adhesive backed wire ties to support the wire. I used red LED's which does not attract bugs and also can remain on when driving the boat witout affecting your night vision. Orange or amber might work too but would have more negative impact on what you can see outside the boat.
Also, when I was testing my soldering, I was able to power the whole thing with a 9V battery no problem which is an option for you if you don't have a convenient place to connect power.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/index.cgi?action=DispP...
Edited by Yake Bait 4/24/2010 1:36 PM
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Posts: 374
Location: Bemidji | I have the bluewaters in my boat and like them. I have had three strips break and I had to replace them though. |
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Posts: 4266
| Maybe I wasn't clear enough. I already have the lights and am looking for someone to do the actual installation. This guy....not very handy, and not good working in contorted positions. Can pay in cash or equipment. |
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | LOL, I was reading this thread wondering if it would get back on track.
Hey, I just installed some on my boat, and dude, it is more than easy. Two wires, a fuse and a switch. If you're the least bit mechanical it can be done in an hour. If you want to get fancy you run a ground to your switch if you have a lighted switch. Just a thought, it's that easy. |
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Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | Kevin, looking at installing something soon and the blue water have my attention. Did the ones that broke for you, break through use and abuse, or malfunction?
Also, for the guys using blue water and other brands, I currently have some lights that just are not bright enough to see to tie a line or snap a lure on when in use. Are the lights you use, bright enough to see to do these things if you get close enough? Is the rope lighting sufficient for tasks, or just to see that you aren't stepping on your dog or rod? I would think the type with their own switch right at the strip would be easiest to wire too, true?
Thanks in advance, great thread.
Edited by Reef Hawg 4/30/2010 12:42 PM
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | Uh, yeah, the Bluewaters are plenty bright! My boat is gonna look line an aircraft carrier. I like the red myself. As far as wiring, switch location won't matter. It's still two wires, a fuse and a switch, and you still have make the run to your battery. It's pretty cheap too. Even with marine wire from West Marine, you can use 18 g and it's like .34 a foot, so it won't break the bank. |
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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Beav,
If I were closer, I'd do it for you...I'm in the Twin Cities... We chatted a bit at the steak dinner last August at spring bay....
Steve |
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| I guess you can say they broke through use and abuse but they didnt last one season.
They are pretty bright as well. I just thought they would hold up better. |
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