Converting to LED

[Fatbutter Pancake]

1982 Hunter 25

Please point me in the correct direction any links would be appreciated. I’m seriously considering while I have the rebuild opportunity to convert the boat to LED

Thanks.

 

[ggrizzard]

Google -Marine Beam-
They have the best LED s.
Available on this site's store.

 

[rgranger]

If you are simply replacing bulbs... then ignore this idea. But if you are facing a complete rewire job, consider using battery operated puck lights. They take about 10 seconds to install and you have a lot more flexibility with where you want the lights to be placed.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Brilliant-Evolution-LED-White-Puck-Light-with-Remote-6-Pack-BRRC135/301839113?cm_mmc=Shopping|G|Base|D27L|Multi|NA|PLA|InteriorLighting|71700000038836110|58700004241533705|92700035280099913&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxbXP5IHo3QIVT1qGCh0zrgjtEAYYByABEgKT3fD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CKi8oeiB6N0CFUq1swodWVQEKA

 

[Justin_NSA]

I'm not completely switched over yet. I can sure see the difference in the current draw between incandescent and LED on my charger control panel. I've also switched out my 3 old fans with more efficient and quiet Caframos.
My LEDs are all MarineBeam. Exterior too.

 

[Scott B]

Something to keep in mind while converting to LED and interference with VHF and AIS.

 

[ggrizzard]

Marine Beam s don't interfere.

 

[JamesG161]

I didn't convert to LED completely. Only in the areas of heavy use.

consider using battery operated puck lights

I have 12 of these. Even one "push on" inside the Refrigerator.
Most are placed in dark, hard to reach areas. Some have remote controlled, multi color, dimmers and can do a slow light show even.
I did learn to buy enough rechargeable AAA batteries to make the cost minimal.
Jim...

PS: Incandescent bulbs are still brighter in my cabin versus LEDs IMHO.

 

[Fatbutter Pancake]

Thanks for the insight. I’m having fun with cluster LEDs and LED strips. I’ll keep y’all posted.

 

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[Stu Jackson]

Incandescent bulbs are still brighter in my cabin versus LEDs IMHO.

Perhaps if you compare identical wattage. What I did was to replace 10W incands that I replaced with halogen bulbs years ago with 20W warm white LEDs. Much brighter.
Those are part of the decision making process.

 

[TomY]

Perhaps if you compare identical wattage. What I did was to replace 10W incands that I replaced with halogen bulbs years ago with 20W warm white LEDs. Much brighter.
Those are part of the decision making process.

Same here. I converted 8 household base type cabin fixtures with incandescent bulbs to LED this season. We found that the 60 watt equivalent LED (which uses 10 watts), was significantly brighter than the incandescent equivalent, so much so that they were too bright as reading lights. Great in places like the galley where the extra light is nice. We swapped the 10 watt LED's in the reading lights for 7 watt LED's and put 5 watt LED's in the head.

We can light all 8 LED fixtures for little more power than just one incandescent used. This has significantly freed us from running the engine for charging.

 

[Rich Stidger]

OK, I know that Marine Beam bulbs are recommended by many. But here is an alternative at a fraction of the price. I installed these in all of my fixtures in 2015. They are 20W equivalent and very bright. On board circuitry for constant current at a wide voltage range and no flicker or interference with any other equipment. And less than $2/bulb. Check if there are other styles by the same manufacturer for your application. If I turn on all 18 of my bulbs at once, the power used is less than 2 of my OEM 10W halogens!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IJ7APY2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I even have some spares but have never needed them.

Also I have used this strip of LEDs for other on-board applications. Just simple LEDs and a resistor. Can cut every 3 LEDs for a custom length. No flicker, no interference. I plan to put a couple strips of these in each of my florescent fixtures- take out all the guts and just have these simple LEDs wired to 12V.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IJ7APY2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[uncledom]

You really want to compare lighting in lumens. This is the actual light out put. So x lumens and then color is done in kelvin. 5100K is white and bright, 4100K is how most offices are done (Fluorescent) it's also known as cool white. Then warm white is 3100 and has a yellowish hue. Comparing them in watts only calculates power.

 

[JamesG161]

You really want to compare lighting in lumens. This is the actual light out put. So x lumens and then color is done in kelvin. 5100K is white and bright, 4100K is how most offices are done (Fluorescent) it's also known as cool white. Then warm white is 3100 and has a yellowish hue. Comparing them in watts only calculates power.

The key is if you are reading something or preparing a sandwich.
Jim...

 

[Pizzazz]

LEDs emit blue light than is harmful. Read up on it. Best to use the warmest LEDs you can find (less blue light) and keep the sleeping areas incandescent. Also, switch the nav lights and the anchor light. The steaming light is usually not an issue but you may want to convert for reliability.