Hi folks, has anyone found LED light bulbs that fit regular lights out there? If so where did you find them. I want to go all LED on my Oday 22, however not interested in spending over $75 per light fixture which seems to be the going rate! I would think that by now someone is making LED light bulbs that would fit in a regular socket. Thanks in advance! Jack Hart SEA-YA!
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led Lights
Try this web site it was posted here a few days ago. http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=CAR
Try this web site it was posted here a few days ago. http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=CAR
What are you going to use them for?
LED's are great replacements for many things. Running lights on sailboats is not one of them. I don't know of any LED replacements that are USCG certified for use in sailboat running light fixtures. There was one company that as of about a month ago claimed that they had a LED replacement for Aquasignal Series 25 lights that was being USCG certified, but is was not certified yet. The only certified running light for sailboats that I know of is a masthead mounted combination tri-color and anchor light ... for about $300 CND The red and green sidelights that Perko sells are NOT certified for sailboat use, they don't meet the angle of heel requirements. They also state in the mounting instructions that they have to be mounted on a flat surface that extends 10 inches forward of the light. The forward (dead ahead) cut-off angle is not sharp enough without a screen forward of the light. Randy
LED's are great replacements for many things. Running lights on sailboats is not one of them. I don't know of any LED replacements that are USCG certified for use in sailboat running light fixtures. There was one company that as of about a month ago claimed that they had a LED replacement for Aquasignal Series 25 lights that was being USCG certified, but is was not certified yet. The only certified running light for sailboats that I know of is a masthead mounted combination tri-color and anchor light ... for about $300 CND The red and green sidelights that Perko sells are NOT certified for sailboat use, they don't meet the angle of heel requirements. They also state in the mounting instructions that they have to be mounted on a flat surface that extends 10 inches forward of the light. The forward (dead ahead) cut-off angle is not sharp enough without a screen forward of the light. Randy
Interesting
Not doubting you Moody, just that I know a guy who is very strick on what he puts on his boat and making sure it works right...he put in LEDs for his running lights. He didn't change the fixtures, just the bulbs. Not sure where he got them but I think he said he paid $35 a bulb.
Not doubting you Moody, just that I know a guy who is very strick on what he puts on his boat and making sure it works right...he put in LEDs for his running lights. He didn't change the fixtures, just the bulbs. Not sure where he got them but I think he said he paid $35 a bulb.
Please ask him ...
I look for sources for certified replacement bulbs every couple of months. If your friend has a source, I want to know. My customer's ask me about LED replacements every couple of weeks.
I would LOVE to be able to sell something legal!
I look for sources for certified replacement bulbs every couple of months. If your friend has a source, I want to know. My customer's ask me about LED replacements every couple of weeks.
I would LOVE to be able to sell something legal!I found another source.
I found another source, try; http://www.mouser.com/index.cfm?handler=home I may be missing something here...and surely lot trying to argumentative, however if I was to find an LED bulb that was at least as bright as the ones I am replacing (And I am talking the navigation lights)and put it in there...what would be the problem? Jack Hart SEA-YA!
I found another source, try; http://www.mouser.com/index.cfm?handler=home I may be missing something here...and surely lot trying to argumentative, however if I was to find an LED bulb that was at least as bright as the ones I am replacing (And I am talking the navigation lights)and put it in there...what would be the problem? Jack Hart SEA-YA!
LEDs are directional
A single filiment incandesent has a distinct relationship between the placement of the filiment and the lense. The filiment emits light in all directions and the reflected light from the back of the light fixture is an important part of the total light comming out of the fixture. It also defigns where the light can be seen or not seen. An LED is directional and only emits light in one direction. The relationship is distroyed and the light pattern that you must have for the light to meet the USCG standards.
A single filiment incandesent has a distinct relationship between the placement of the filiment and the lense. The filiment emits light in all directions and the reflected light from the back of the light fixture is an important part of the total light comming out of the fixture. It also defigns where the light can be seen or not seen. An LED is directional and only emits light in one direction. The relationship is distroyed and the light pattern that you must have for the light to meet the USCG standards.
Bill hit the nail on the head.
LED's have a very narrow "beam" something like 7deg to 40deg. A filament bulb radiates light over 360deg. It is possible to build an array of LED's that radiate light over 360deg so it would work as a direct replacement for a incandescent bulb. The focal point of the light would also have to be in the same place as the filament of an incandescent bulb to make the reflector and lens work correctly. Once that is done, all that remains is to have the array tested in running light fixtures to make sure that the light is visible from the same angles and ranges as the incandescent bulb it replaces. Then it can be certified for marine use. Some guy that solders a few LED's into a #91 socket and sells it for $10 probably has not done the engineering and testing to get the light certified. It may meet COLREGS requirements, but unless it has been tested and certified to do so, it is not a legal running light. For those that are interested, the specifications for running lights is in Annex I of COLREGS "POSITIONING AND TECHNICAL DETAILS OF LIGHTS AND SHAPES" http://www.reach.net/~stormy/marine/colregs/annex1.htm
LED's have a very narrow "beam" something like 7deg to 40deg. A filament bulb radiates light over 360deg. It is possible to build an array of LED's that radiate light over 360deg so it would work as a direct replacement for a incandescent bulb. The focal point of the light would also have to be in the same place as the filament of an incandescent bulb to make the reflector and lens work correctly. Once that is done, all that remains is to have the array tested in running light fixtures to make sure that the light is visible from the same angles and ranges as the incandescent bulb it replaces. Then it can be certified for marine use. Some guy that solders a few LED's into a #91 socket and sells it for $10 probably has not done the engineering and testing to get the light certified. It may meet COLREGS requirements, but unless it has been tested and certified to do so, it is not a legal running light. For those that are interested, the specifications for running lights is in Annex I of COLREGS "POSITIONING AND TECHNICAL DETAILS OF LIGHTS AND SHAPES" http://www.reach.net/~stormy/marine/colregs/annex1.htm
LED Replacements
Go to SailorsSolutions.com, several of my dockmates use the ones there and they seem to fit with no modification and they provide as much or more light in the cabin as the regular bulbs with about 10% the drain.
Go to SailorsSolutions.com, several of my dockmates use the ones there and they seem to fit with no modification and they provide as much or more light in the cabin as the regular bulbs with about 10% the drain.
i bought my on ebay
i paid about 2-3 bucks each for them last year. i did my combo bow, stern and steaming light. the leds may shoot a beam but the lens defuses it and it is lights as well as the incadesence lights (sp). the main drawback i have is the green looks more blue. i did alot of night sailing and didnt get hit once all year, lucky i guess. mike
i paid about 2-3 bucks each for them last year. i did my combo bow, stern and steaming light. the leds may shoot a beam but the lens defuses it and it is lights as well as the incadesence lights (sp). the main drawback i have is the green looks more blue. i did alot of night sailing and didnt get hit once all year, lucky i guess. mike
You are liable in the event of an accident
if your navigation lighting does not to meet the legal requirements. You say you didn't get hit last year - lucky??? I don't know about that. You may be lucky you didn't get charged for the incorrect lighting. Just imagine what it could cost you in court if an accident occurred and you were found at fault because of non compliant nav lighting.
if your navigation lighting does not to meet the legal requirements. You say you didn't get hit last year - lucky??? I don't know about that. You may be lucky you didn't get charged for the incorrect lighting. Just imagine what it could cost you in court if an accident occurred and you were found at fault because of non compliant nav lighting.
Where do I look up what lights are compliant?
Hi Folks, I am in no way trying to make this thread an argument. I think it is great that we can all hash out all of the issues. Here is the question. Does the Coast Guard, or any other regulatory body post which light fixtures or for that matter bulbs...are approved to be on a boat? I am talking about 'Specific" fixtures or bulbs. I thought that the regulations had to do with how far they could be seen. This reminds me of the question I used to ask experienced truck drivers. "Can you put a recap tire on the steering axle of a tractor used in a tractor-trailer configurement?" They always said..."NO, the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations forbid it." Then I showed them the regulation that says you can't put a recap on a bus. It never said anything about putting them on a truck. I say that to say this...Are we reading the rulebook to get the answer...or just going on what we have heard others preach as Gospel all these years? Next question...where do I find this "Rule book" concerning lighting on boats? That may sound like a DUH question, however I am serious. Thanks in advance...and I meant it when I said I am not trying to argue with anyone. I appreciate all of the answers I have been given. While I am at it...I was looking to purchase a Pearson Ariel...went on their forum...if I asked a question...the answer I got made think I was not 'worthy' of owning an Ariel. (I didn't purchase it!) Ya'll are GREAT on this forum, keep it up! Jack Hart SEA-YA!
Hi Folks, I am in no way trying to make this thread an argument. I think it is great that we can all hash out all of the issues. Here is the question. Does the Coast Guard, or any other regulatory body post which light fixtures or for that matter bulbs...are approved to be on a boat? I am talking about 'Specific" fixtures or bulbs. I thought that the regulations had to do with how far they could be seen. This reminds me of the question I used to ask experienced truck drivers. "Can you put a recap tire on the steering axle of a tractor used in a tractor-trailer configurement?" They always said..."NO, the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations forbid it." Then I showed them the regulation that says you can't put a recap on a bus. It never said anything about putting them on a truck. I say that to say this...Are we reading the rulebook to get the answer...or just going on what we have heard others preach as Gospel all these years? Next question...where do I find this "Rule book" concerning lighting on boats? That may sound like a DUH question, however I am serious. Thanks in advance...and I meant it when I said I am not trying to argue with anyone. I appreciate all of the answers I have been given. While I am at it...I was looking to purchase a Pearson Ariel...went on their forum...if I asked a question...the answer I got made think I was not 'worthy' of owning an Ariel. (I didn't purchase it!) Ya'll are GREAT on this forum, keep it up! Jack Hart SEA-YA!
Certificate comes with the light
Check out the packaging on a running light for a boat. There will be a bit of paper that states what the light was certified for. It usually also says something about "Keep this certificate with the ship's papers as proof of compliance" Annex I of COLREGS is the standard. All you have to do is ask if XYZco's LED will meet Annex I standards for color and visibility when mounted in your ABC fixture. If they say yes, *in writing*, you are good to go. You could also ask Aqua Signal, Hella, and Perko what LED bulbs are legal to use in their fixtures. mike's "the green looks more blue" tells me that the light and lens combo no longer complies with the standards set out in COLREGS Annex I Here is the link again: http://www.reach.net/~stormy/marine/colregs/annex1.htm
Check out the packaging on a running light for a boat. There will be a bit of paper that states what the light was certified for. It usually also says something about "Keep this certificate with the ship's papers as proof of compliance" Annex I of COLREGS is the standard. All you have to do is ask if XYZco's LED will meet Annex I standards for color and visibility when mounted in your ABC fixture. If they say yes, *in writing*, you are good to go. You could also ask Aqua Signal, Hella, and Perko what LED bulbs are legal to use in their fixtures. mike's "the green looks more blue" tells me that the light and lens combo no longer complies with the standards set out in COLREGS Annex I Here is the link again: http://www.reach.net/~stormy/marine/colregs/annex1.htm
The answer is no
Nobody does. That would create liability on the part of the standards people. "I used a light you recommended and still got ran over by a tanker" There are standards that say a light has to be a certain color, and has to be seen for a certain distance, as well as located in a certain spot on your boat. Like I said the mastlight.com guy said that his lights are rated to work with under 40 ft long vessels. That is more than I have heard from anybody. I think most folks are just scared of LED's because they are a newer technology. One would think that you would by one, try it, and see if it is better in your application. The mastheadlight.com GAVE a guy I know one to try, and said send him $30 if you like it. What more can you ask for.
Nobody does. That would create liability on the part of the standards people. "I used a light you recommended and still got ran over by a tanker" There are standards that say a light has to be a certain color, and has to be seen for a certain distance, as well as located in a certain spot on your boat. Like I said the mastlight.com guy said that his lights are rated to work with under 40 ft long vessels. That is more than I have heard from anybody. I think most folks are just scared of LED's because they are a newer technology. One would think that you would by one, try it, and see if it is better in your application. The mastheadlight.com GAVE a guy I know one to try, and said send him $30 if you like it. What more can you ask for.
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