Finally got finished with the final phase of modifications for this spring... I had to wait on a new splice connector to connect the two strands of LED lights that I got. I ran blue lights all the way around the boat in the side storage and through the engine compartment. I think it turned out well -









This is in the engine compartment -



If you look closely at this one, you can see the plexiglass that I put over the batteries to keep anything from touching the posts -



These pictures were taken in the garage and are a little brighter than the lights actually are... they put off just the right amount of light for boating after dark. Since they are underneath, there is no glare which is really nice.

Great job! It looks pretty cool

That is cool!

Party boat! Nice idea for the plexy glass. Clean and safe.

love it!

Great Idea, especially in the engine area.

HAwk

sweet look, time for a night time party!

OK, when is the party? I'll bring the Cuervo!

I love leds. I put a few in myself.


The look at night is really cool on the water

I thought it would be neat to have those underwater lights, but I can only see about 3" into the water in bright sunlight, so I am not sure how much it would show at night.

I wasnt sure how bright the tab mounted were going to be either. I am in a murky river. I got these lights really cheap. 30 bucks each with 30 feet of wire attached. I changed the 50 watt halogen bulbs out to 5 watt triple leds. They are surprisingly very bright. I will try to get some pics of those on in the water. I also figured for the 120.00 it cost all together for it, what did I have to loose

What type of LED light kits are y'all using for these projects? Are they the automotive under car type lights?

I used a water proof led strip. I have two four foot sections. They were being advertised as under car lights.

248 Vista - Really cool mounting ideas with the lights, especially the on the tabs! I really like the ones under the swim platform!

I know there are a few companies out there that sell tab mounted lights. They can cost upwards of 800.00. If you get a tad creative, you can save alot of money. They also only took a few hours to install. I may add two more this fall after the seaon is over. Still not sure.

How did you attach the strip under the swim platform?

Or as much as $2,800!

http://www.hurleymarine.com/Underwater_Lights.html

The led strips stick on. I did use stainless backets every 8 inches though. Should hold up fine. This is a cappy pic, but you should get the idea.

Al- All I can say is rip off. There was a boat with those on it where my freinds store for the winter, I brought mine down and did a side by side, Look exactly the same. same shape size and everything. Mine use a pedestal mout instead of that big flat bracket they use.

So 248 what housing did you use?
I have been toying with idea of having lights that I just lower down when I want them and not keep them submerged all the time.

The really expensive ones are HID type and really bright. In murky waters though it may be better with less brightness. In our lake we see the clay platelets twinkle also during the day from sunlight.

h

I ended up getting brass ones from an Ebay seller. They are made by a company called Evergreen.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=220219479298&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=012
I found out later that they are also available in Stainless. Shouldnt be a problem with brass though

What's the idea with the trim tab lights vs gluing them on the hull?

I wish we can have one of those in our F.W., but our boat is slipped and it will be covered in slim in no time.

Texas,

The lighting looks really great! I'd like to do something similar to our Monterey since we boat till dark. Did the lighting impaired your night vision for boating?

Not to sure about glueing anything to the hull, But installing on the tabs is easy and safe. Do not have to drill any holes in the hull below the water line, and if I want to take them off, Just two bolts in each.
As far as the slime goes, just clean off with a brush while you are cleaning of the rest of the boat.

The lights don't impair night vision at all. The way they are mounted, you don't see any of the bulbs, so it isn't a very 'bright' light. It's dark enough that my eyes don't have to readjust when looking from the inside of the boat to the outside, and vice versa. Overall, I am very very pleased with the result. Also, it's a 24' run that pulls just over 1amp total power, so I don't have to worry about running the battery down either.

That really looks cool! Strong work.

COOL LIGHTS