Spreader lights

[All U Get]

Hi all,

I'm trying to replace my sealed beam spreader lights with Marine Beam LED's. Because of the difference in shape the LED's, the back comes against the retainer for the duplex wire. If I remove the retainer the bulb fits fine, but then there isn't anything to keep the wire protected from chaffing or being pulled out. Plus with the hole being more open, the light would be more exposed to the weather. Picture 1 shows what I had and 2 shows how I stripped the duplex cover and pulled the wires to the side. However the plastic retainer still is too large so the back of the bulb won't center in the fixture. Picture 3 shows the difference in bulb design. Is there another way to protect this wire? I believe the fixture is a Perko adjustable spreader light.

All U Get

 

[centerline]

it would appear that you have few choices.....

i would try using a heat gun to soften the retainer/softener and try to get it to reshape itself when the light is pressed into it.... this may allow just enough room to fit the bulb.

 

[patrickince]

You can buy flat rubber grommets at home depot I believe.

 

[woodster]

aqua signal makes some very nice lights that mount on the side of the mast ( 1 on each side ) that i bought to make a light for the front of my mast i didn't want a lot of light to the rear of the mast so i cut the aluminum extensions off and just used one light on the front below the steaming light ...i found it in there catalog the paper one..... but can't seem to find it on the net...... and it takes a par light bulb ...i used an led replacement bulb

 

[patrickince]

https://www.google.ca/search?q=rubb...a=X&ei=4vYCVeTvGZHUoAT59gI&sqi=2&ved=0CEkQsAQ

Lowes also

 

[Hayden Watson]

Last year I installed a pair of Lunasea LED spreader lights and they are great. at 1000 lumens each they light the deck up like daytime. They can also be dimmed. I also like how compact they are with a very clean installation. The beam that they make is oval and covers the entire deck of my C30.
http://www.fisheriessupply.com/lunasea-lighting-spreader-light-cool-wht-led-dimmable-llb-472w-21-00

 

[Benny17441]

How about affixing an exterior wire clamp retainer either to the spreader or the fixture. Then you could just use rubber grommet or sealant to protect against water entry.

 

[All U Get]

I think the rubber grommet would be OK. Seems like HD had an assorted pack. Thank you.

All U Get

 

[All U Get]

How about affixing an exterior wire clamp retainer either to the spreader or the fixture. Then you could just use rubber grommet or sealant to protect against water entry.

That's what I was thinking.

All U Get

 

[Apex]

looks like the buld you have may not be one designed for exterior work? The slots would be presumed for heat dissipation. You can use the grommets others suggested to create a gap between the buld and retainer.

 

[All U Get]

I cut a piece of neoprene to cushion the back of the bulb. I wrapped the wire with electrical tape and used rubber grommets I picked up at Home Depot. (They didn't know they had them in the store) All together now.

All U Get

 

[dscribner]

I had a project that needed a large round gasket. I cut several concentric circular grooves in wood, sprayed it with lubricant (I forget what kind), gunned in silicone and sqeegeed it off. Once it cured I peeled it out and applied it. Still going strong. The concentric cuts made the gasket wider and gave it teeth.

 

[capta]

You have tractor bulb sealed beam spreader lights just like ours. They make the exact same bulb in LED these days and it's just plug and play.
Slip the metal retaining ring out (like a circlip), drop and unplug the tractor bulb. Plug in the LED replacement, hold it in place while reinstalling the metal ring and you are done. Shouldn't take more than a few seconds a light.
We've been using them for 3 years and they are a huge change. Not only are they many times brighter than the tractor bulbs, they burn so much less power and last longer by far (I was only getting hours out of the tractor bulbs.). I actually would only use the tractor bulbs when absolutely necessary, whereas we use these at any excuse. We even put a switch at the helm for them, we use them so often, now.

 

[All U Get]

These from Marine Beam should last as long as I'll be turning the switch. We should be in the water by mid-June so I have to wait for a comparison. Boston just surpassed its all time winter snow total so spring might be a little late.

All U Get

 

[All U Get]

I had a project that needed a large round gasket. I cut several concentric circular grooves in wood, sprayed it with lubricant (I forget what kind), gunned in silicone and sqeegeed it off. Once it cured I peeled it out and applied it. Still going strong. The concentric cuts made the gasket wider and gave it teeth.

I always have an inner tube lying around for such occasions but they're getting harder to find. I have a sheet of neoprene I bought at Portland Rubber and use it for stuff on the boat. That is where it is now under the wrap.

All U Get

 

[Ron20324]

A local bicycle shop has a dumpster of tubes for the taking.

 

[mavourneen]

Capta, I am looking to change my tractor sealed bulb for a led bulb. Would you tell me the make, or where you bought it or if you found it on the web the web site. Thanks.

 

[capta]

Capta, I am looking to change my tractor sealed bulb for a led bulb. Would you tell me the make, or where you bought it or if you found it on the web the web site. Thanks.

I don't remember where I bought mine, but these look the same. I'm sure if your spreader lights are sealed beam tractor lights they are available from every LED bulb place online.
I doubt you will regret the change; the LEDs are the difference between night and day.
http://store.marinebeam.com/4-1-2-sealed-beam-replacement-led-spreader-lamp-bulb/

 

[mavourneen]

Capta, thanks I think I will give it a try.