On the topic of 'exposed bulb', I was very worried about the new LED bulb falling out of the fixture as it's only held in there by friction. I ran a bead of 3M 4200 around the bulb base (the ultimate water exclusion!), and put a stainless wire across the bulb running from one side of the fixture housing to the other. I figure the LED bulb will outlast the plastic holder (and the boat, for that matter). BTW: That MarineBeam LED replacement is BRIGHT -- almost to the point of annoyance. My foredeck is like a stage now.