Anyone using 12 volt fluorescents inside their boats? If so, are you finding them Bright enough? Energy efficient? Easy to install? Cost effective? Thanks for your answers.
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Yes on all 4,... but -
Hi Mike - Bright enough? Yes Energy efficient? Definitely Easy to install? A snap Cost effective? Certainly My favorite? Definitely not. They work great, but I personally don't like the stark white light; I prefer warmer halogens or incandescents. That being said, these lights are pricier and MUCH less efficient (they act like tiny heaters that use a lot of electricity). Alpenglow makes a "warmer" light using fluorescent technology, but they are pricey (See related link below). There are a lot of factors to consider, but if you can stand the light from fluorescents, they are a good way to go, for some or all of you lighting needs (galley, etc). Best, Trevor
Hi Mike - Bright enough? Yes Energy efficient? Definitely Easy to install? A snap Cost effective? Certainly My favorite? Definitely not. They work great, but I personally don't like the stark white light; I prefer warmer halogens or incandescents. That being said, these lights are pricier and MUCH less efficient (they act like tiny heaters that use a lot of electricity). Alpenglow makes a "warmer" light using fluorescent technology, but they are pricey (See related link below). There are a lot of factors to consider, but if you can stand the light from fluorescents, they are a good way to go, for some or all of you lighting needs (galley, etc). Best, Trevor
Yes. Yes, Yes, Yes and Yes
I converted my 12V incadescent ones two years ago for all of those reasons. Plus the switches were beginning to break. I replaced the four that are in the salon on my boat. They are the low profile lights(see related link). Before you buy them in a marine store, check out camping stores or web sites. Same thing, much cheaper. I also changed the bulkhead reading lights (2) to halogen lamps. Same amperage, but brighter and they look better. They were all easy to install by using the existing wiring.
I converted my 12V incadescent ones two years ago for all of those reasons. Plus the switches were beginning to break. I replaced the four that are in the salon on my boat. They are the low profile lights(see related link). Before you buy them in a marine store, check out camping stores or web sites. Same thing, much cheaper. I also changed the bulkhead reading lights (2) to halogen lamps. Same amperage, but brighter and they look better. They were all easy to install by using the existing wiring.
Like they've said , and ...
Most RV Fluorescents aren't very good. Ballasts fail easily and they can interfere with radio. If you have the "ThinLite" brand of RV fluorescent and experience Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), they have (at times) furnished (free) mylar capacitors that sometimes help. If purchasing new Fluorescent Fixtures, make certain that they come c/w - RFI SUPPRESSANT ELECTRONIC HIGH FREQUENCY INVERTER BALLASTS. OMO Gord
Most RV Fluorescents aren't very good. Ballasts fail easily and they can interfere with radio. If you have the "ThinLite" brand of RV fluorescent and experience Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), they have (at times) furnished (free) mylar capacitors that sometimes help. If purchasing new Fluorescent Fixtures, make certain that they come c/w - RFI SUPPRESSANT ELECTRONIC HIGH FREQUENCY INVERTER BALLASTS. OMO Gord
Mike, order the info packet from Alpenglow...
...using the link Trevor provided and look at the illumination patterns, lumens provided, etc. This provides a good orientation for you as you shop for lights. Alpenglow lights may not be suitable for you as they are relatively expensive and make more sense when one uses the lighting frequently, long term, and requires long-term reliability. I can tell you that thru-out the Caribbean, along the East Coast and - somewhat surprising to me - even here in the UK, owners of serious cruising boats instantly recognize our Alpenglow lights (usually because they have some, as well) and view them as the Gold Standard when all factors are considered (heat build-up, amp draw, bulb longevity, strength and 'feel' of the light produced, reliability, etc.). I can say from personal experience that Bob (Alpenglow's owner, way out there in Montana somewhere...) provides customer support beyond almost any other vendor with whom I've dealt. But...again, they may not be the optimum choice for particular needs. Jack
...using the link Trevor provided and look at the illumination patterns, lumens provided, etc. This provides a good orientation for you as you shop for lights. Alpenglow lights may not be suitable for you as they are relatively expensive and make more sense when one uses the lighting frequently, long term, and requires long-term reliability. I can tell you that thru-out the Caribbean, along the East Coast and - somewhat surprising to me - even here in the UK, owners of serious cruising boats instantly recognize our Alpenglow lights (usually because they have some, as well) and view them as the Gold Standard when all factors are considered (heat build-up, amp draw, bulb longevity, strength and 'feel' of the light produced, reliability, etc.). I can say from personal experience that Bob (Alpenglow's owner, way out there in Montana somewhere...) provides customer support beyond almost any other vendor with whom I've dealt. But...again, they may not be the optimum choice for particular needs. Jack
I agree on Alpinglow . . .
I bought a pair over ten years ago and wouldn't think of using anything else in the main cabin. I agree they are expensive (I haven't put them anywhere else in the boat), but the quality and amount of light they put out for the amp draw is amazing. You'll be very happy if you decide to purchase them.
I bought a pair over ten years ago and wouldn't think of using anything else in the main cabin. I agree they are expensive (I haven't put them anywhere else in the boat), but the quality and amount of light they put out for the amp draw is amazing. You'll be very happy if you decide to purchase them.
Another source for flourescent
lighting is the off grid solar market. we are even more frugal with our elecric consumption than sailors. check out homepower.com for tons of links and advice on this subject and many others. There are also 12v compact flourescents and direct replacement LED's on the market now that will help address small space issues. I replaced my mast bulbs with LED's and the ampmeter doesn't even register the curren draw. ross
lighting is the off grid solar market. we are even more frugal with our elecric consumption than sailors. check out homepower.com for tons of links and advice on this subject and many others. There are also 12v compact flourescents and direct replacement LED's on the market now that will help address small space issues. I replaced my mast bulbs with LED's and the ampmeter doesn't even register the curren draw. ross
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