I was not totally happy with our cabin lights on the boat. A friend had suggested that fluorecent lightning was the way to go as it provided the most bang for the buck. I was mostly looking for light than when diffused would allow for comfortable reading anywhere in the cabin. Power consumption within reason was not a factor as we have adequate capacity and carry a generator. Looked at some ceiling mount fixtures but decided against them for looks as well as the need for wiring. Settled on two small table lamps with 13W, 900 lumen, 120V screw base bulbs. Quickly figured that running them through the inverter would consume 1.4 amps/hour per bulb which compares favorably with a halogen bulb. The color temperature of the light is 2700 K or a soft white. We find the light provided is an improvement over the OEM halogen fixtures which by the way remain functional. We had some lamps at home that were not being used and the cost of the bulbs came in at around $3 a piece. WM offers 12V equivalent bulbs for $18 a piece eliminating the need for an inverter. The lamps are very stable and can be easily secured for travelling. Underway our night vison red halogen will continue to light the way. If you do not have power issues and are looking for a low cost upgrade to your cabin lights do consider fluorecent.
Cabin lights
- Thread starter Benny
- Start date
- Status
I like the way you are thinking Benny. Did a search on R.V. lights and came up with this relatively inexpensive to WM fluorescent screw in 12 volt 15 watt bulb. There are likely many more out there.
http://www.dyersonline.com/Products...m_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase
http://www.dyersonline.com/Products...m_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase
Benny: Our Hunter Vision 36 has fluorescents that were recessed into the cabin ceiling. I contacted Alpen Glow and they made direct replacements. They have a high/low setting as well as red lights for night time cruising. They were reasonably priced too. These lights are probably 2 times as bright as the originals.
Paul, that is probably like WM sells at half the price. I will stick with the 120Vs as I already have the inverter and would need to rewire the lamps sockets for 12V use which would preclude me plugging them directly to shore power when available. But for those that do not use an inverter those bulbs at $9.99 would be a good deal.
Steve, checked out the Alpen Glow lights and really liked that overhead light fixture. It gives the look that I would want for a permanent improvement of the boat and I believe that curved glass will efficiently diffuse light. The lumen output is rather low but if the light is well diffused it may work as claimed. Considering that WM is asking $18 for just a 12V bulb the price tag of the fixture is very reasonable. I like the fact that you can draw power from an existing ceiling fixture and match your wood decor. Thanks.
Benny:
The fixtures that I got were recessed and did not have the wood frames. It is just a circuit board with a fixture to plug in the lights. They really did put out much light than the OEM stuff that was on board when we purchased the boat. Even the low setting was brighter than the other fixtures setting.
The fixtures that I got were recessed and did not have the wood frames. It is just a circuit board with a fixture to plug in the lights. They really did put out much light than the OEM stuff that was on board when we purchased the boat. Even the low setting was brighter than the other fixtures setting.
- Status