Replacing inside lighting to LED?

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C

Curt

We have a 1972 O Day 22 and I want to replace the cabin lights to LED lighting. Has anyone done this and if so where is the best place to look for what I need? Since I’ll be re-wiring should I hook up a bilge pump and if so where should it be placed?
 

Zaphro

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Mar 20, 2008
101
Catalina 34 Mayport
L.E.D.

I bought my lighting at Boaters World, don't know if it was the best deal, but it was real convienent. Check out my link to see what I did. I put the light where I need it. I only have to turn on the 'one' I need rather than all of them at once. Bilge pump: I suggest you place it at the second lowest point in the bilge next to the automatic switch, which should be in the lowest spot; if you really need it at all. The ability to remove water from inside the hull is never a bad thing. But do you want to go to the expense or spend the time to do it... That depends on your situation. Do you leave your boat in the water unattended for any period of time? Number of crew?... will there someone to operate the manual pump while you handle problems?, How much stuff do you plan on running into?.... etc...
 
D

Dave K.

Position of bilge pump switch

I don't think you want to put the switch lower than the pump intake. If so, you could end up in a situation where the switch turns the pump on but the pump runs dry until it burns up or drains the battery, whichever happens first. If the switch is immersed but the pump can't clear the water the switch is in the switch will call for the pump to run continuously. I think the switch should be at the same level as the pump, and if there isn't room for both, the switch will have to go to the next higher location. I saw an LED cabin light at West Marine - it looks just like the traditional ones - but it was $41, so I'm going to wait for my old one to crap out.
 
Dec 9, 2006
694
Oday 22 Hickory, NC
Curt...

...I purchased my LED lighting from Bass Pro Shops. The price was right. In fact for the inside I got a combination Red/White. Red for sailing at night, (Something I plan not to do, however sometimes it happens) and white for the rest of the time. I even got some LED's from there to make spreader lights. Don't know about the 72 Oday 22, my 75 Oday 2 has the bilge pump right about where you step in through the companionway. It is automatic, therefore I don't worry about it burning up. Jack
 

sPk

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Jun 12, 2005
111
Oday 25 Apostle Islands, WI
Fluorescent

I tried the small round LED light at West Marine. I ended up returning it as it didn't provide that much light. I opted for a small 12v fluorescent light that Home Depot sells for $10. They are about 6" long and about 1" wide. They use more power than a LED but they also provide more light. They were in the area near the little battery powered stick up lights (which I use in the lazarette). Another option may be to use LED socket replacement bulbs. Defender Marine has some listed on their website. They are only red or amber though and contain 7 LED's. They are only $5.99. Somebody probably has some white ones too. I would like to find a good, inexpensive LED solution for the mast mounted lights though... sPk
 
Jan 22, 2008
519
Sundance Sundance 20 Weekender Ninette, Manitoba, Canada
bright enough

Is the white bright enough for you purposes? I too saw that light in the boating section of the local hardware, and thought about picking it up ($14) but was unsure of the brightness. Also I note that it does not have a self contained switch, so needs two switches at the panel. Is this correct?
 
Sep 15, 2006
202
Oday 27 Nova Scotia
LED lighting

There have been a few articles in the DIY boating magazines recently that show how to use LED's as replacements for incandescent bulbs. I haven't tried it but it doesn't appear too challenging if you can locate all the necessary bits. Also, there are some all-white LED replacement 'bulbs' available that plug into an incandescent socket. One source is < www.ledshoponline.com > which is worth checking out, tho the company is in Australia. There must be some sources in the US/Canada too. Try Google.
 
Jan 22, 2008
519
Sundance Sundance 20 Weekender Ninette, Manitoba, Canada
princess auto in canada

carries them. some are white, others are the red and amber as previously indicated. They they typically replace the 1156 and 1157 style automotive bulbs and are meant as replacements for tail and turning lights. Prices were in the 10 to 14 mark. The major obstacle as I can see it is that perhaps they will not fit into the standard housing even though they fit the socket. Canadian Tire did have a red/white combo for interior lighting which was retailing at $14. As I indicated earlier, there did not appear to be a switch included.
 
B

bruce

leds

'drled.com and superbrightled.com both have bulbs that fit marine lights and some running lights. may have site names off, but search should turn them up. i have converted all my lights to led including all running lights, but kept a reg light over the stove for cooking.
 
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