LED Spreader Lights

[Snotter]

The mast is on the hard laying horizontal at waist level--ideal for working on. The plan is to replace the spreader lights and other things. I'd like to replace the old lawn-tractor style headlights with flush-mounted LED lights. I really want flush-mounted because I could never keep the old pivot mounted beams to stay put.

Searching the web for spreader lights reveals mostly long LED spot light fixtures that mount on a U-type bracket. I do not want such a fixture on my spreaders.

One brand looked nice (some Scandinavian sounding name); however, the only picture posted on the internet (hundreds of times) shows a face-on view of the oval-shaped fixture. I have no idea if there idea of flush-mount requires an oval hole to be cut to allow the unit to be recessed so that it rests on a flange.

Can anyone recommend a suitable LED fixture (no LED replacement bulbs for incandescent light fixtures) that can be screwed down (up) to the bottom of my spreaders? A low-profile is a must and it most not swivel.

 

[Chris & Lenore]

I have used these "daytime running light" led units.

They put out 5 w each with a beam angle that lights up the entire deck.
They are fully waterproof and encapsulated and cost less than $10.
They are polarity sensitive but operate from 10 to 15 volts.

So far they have worked perfectly for close to five years and cost 20 times less than the marine units I was originally considering.

If they do need replacing its less than ten bucks (and that price is delivered to your door - none of that outrageous shipping cost ebay crap).


http://ledshoppe.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=60_76&product_id=128#container

http://ledshoppe.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=60_76&product_id=130#container

Chris

 

[woodster]

you may want to look at these they mount to the side of the mast just below the spreaders one on each side i had to change the bulb to LED but it does a great job of lighting the deck with only one and two would be a lot of light ...

http://www.iboats.com/Spreader-Deck...976921--session_id.227166295--view_id.1186658

 

[CYQK]

Chris
Did you install the 5unit or 6 unit one?

Would 2 strips per side be overkill?

Gary

 

[jhastie]

Here is a nice (but expensive) alternative. I am going to mount this on my RH 1" spreader. It allows me to use a Railblaza tube mount with no screw holes in the spreader.

http://www.yak-gear.com/shop/Kayak-LED-Flood-Light-Fishing-Hunting-Cree-LuminaLED-Lumina-LED

 

[smacklin]

http://www.maxpowerledlights.com/led-work-light-offroad/18w-6in-led-flood-light-bar

mount one underside of each spreader --- will light the deck up like a football field.

 

[woodster]

can someone tell me why they need so bright a light on deck at night ....it takes a long time for you to get your night vision back when in a bright light in pitch black of night

 

[Ron20324]

can someone tell me why they need so bright a light on deck at night ...

How about when coming into a slip or dock at night? Especially one you're not familiar with. Or looking for a mooring ball or someone in the water or...

 

[All U Get]

Sometimes these guy bump into the boat at night. You need a good light for those pics.

All U Get

 

[Snotter]

Smacklin, your suggestion is spot-on. Four of them should do quite nice. Too bad that they are black. I can live with that, however.

 

[woodster]

Sometimes these guy bump into the boat at night. You need a good light for those pics.

All U Get

thanks.... point well taken ....my apologies for hijacking this thread

 

[Chris & Lenore]

Chris Did you install the 5unit or 6 unit one? Would 2 strips per side be overkill? Gary

I installed two of the 5 led units on each spreader wired so I could light either two or four. Two is reasonably bright and four lights the deck up like a football field.

I especially like the way these units are built - fully encapsulated and totally water tight.

Haven't seen anything better yet at any price.

Chris

 

[Hayden Watson]

If you want flush mounted LED spreader lights this is a great choice. http://www.fisheriessupply.com/lunasea-lighting-spreader-light-cool-wht-led-dimmable-llb-472w-21-00

They are incredibly bright with 1000 lumens but are dimmable. I installed a pair of them and love them. They have and oval beam that covers the full length and width of my boat. To answer the question as to why someone would want bright spreader lights they are great for putting away the boat when coming in after dark, doing maintenance at night and for being seen when needed at night.

A couple of years ago I was in a 100 mile race and at 2:00 a.m. in dead calm conditions, my AIS indicated that a freighter would pass within 400 yards of me making 16 knots and the channel we were in made a turn towards me likely. . I contacted them on channel 13 and they asked if I could shine a light so they could get a visual fix. I told my crew to cover their eyes and gave the spreader lights a flash. I got an instant response from the freighter, “Wow, we got you!” :dance::dance:

 

[smacklin]

Smacklin, your suggestion is spot-on. Four of them should do quite nice. Too bad that they are black. I can live with that, however.

Note these puppies are 1200 Lumens each - no need for 4 - smile

The new CREE LED technology is incredible.