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Custom Underwater Lights.

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Topic author Canada
Midnightsun
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Custom Underwater Lights.

Postby Midnightsun » December 12th, 2017, 7:19 pm

I have experimented with a few different varieties over the years starting with halogen before LED even existed and they all have worked well. One thing I have learned is it is nice to have lots of lumens however those do get cost prohibitive if you are looking at some of the brand names and to be honest with you, a huge ripoff for what one gets. I just built some new ones for installation next spring. They have threaded holes in the base which will be secured with 2 SS bolts to the top of the trim tabs. 2 will point directly behind and 2, 45º to each side. Used 50w cob leds which I set into a custom machined housing and encased them in resin. made 4 of them which equates to a total of 200watts of led light or about 16,000 lumens if you prefer. Used these which are 12v so no special transformers or driver required. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/50W-COB-LED-Ultra-Bright-Warm-Pure-White-blue-Red-Round-LED-COB-Lamp-Chip-On/32799398595.html?src=google&albslr=222531033&isdl=y&aff_short_key=UneMJZVf&source=%7Bifdyn:dyn%7D%7Bifpla:pla%7D%7Bifdbm:DBM&albch=DID%7D&src=google&albch=shopping&acnt=708-803-3821&isdl=y&albcp=658707750&albag=38901860132&slnk=&trgt=61865531738&plac=&crea=en32799398595&netw=g&device=c&mtctp=&gclid=CjwKCAiAmb7RBRATEiwA7kS8VKrVxEakWTlaetlypjP1mxzlDDYotFZLYioxRaqZaaKjiOeRO6WuTRoCb-cQAvD_BwE

Waterproof T connectors so I end up with a single wire going through the transom to supply power. They are a little better than an inch thick and 5" in diameter. Should illuminate the depths quite well to say the least. Total cost is under $100 for all 4 however I do have access to a machine shop so the machining is free.


Image
Cheers, Hans
2007 Carver 41 CMY
Twin Volvo D6-370's
Montreal, Canada
Midnight Sun I Photos

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MakinTime
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Re: Custom Underwater Lights.

Postby MakinTime » December 12th, 2017, 7:42 pm

Nice work! I wish I could run some kind of under water lights but we boat on the murky Mississippi and they just don’t work!
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Re: Custom Underwater Lights.

Postby bud37 » December 12th, 2017, 7:43 pm

Nice job Hans, what metal did you machine the housings out of ?.....free machining is quite a bonus..... :beergood:
The above is strictly my opinion always based on years of doing...remember to support local business , it pays back.
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Topic author Canada
Midnightsun
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Re: Custom Underwater Lights.

Postby Midnightsun » December 13th, 2017, 5:12 am

Thanks, 6061 aluminum.
Cheers, Hans
2007 Carver 41 CMY
Twin Volvo D6-370's
Montreal, Canada
Midnight Sun I Photos
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AaHubb
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Re: Custom Underwater Lights.

Postby AaHubb » December 13th, 2017, 10:15 am

Are you using a voltage regulator? The LED specs give a 1% power tolerance so max voltage would be 13.2 VDC. Quite a bit less than the normal engine alternator output.
..Aaron
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Topic author Canada
Midnightsun
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Posts: 2831
Joined: March 27th, 2016, 2:27 pm
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Volvo D6-370's
Location: Montreal, Canada
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Re: Custom Underwater Lights.

Postby Midnightsun » December 13th, 2017, 11:01 am

No regulator however I have tested them at 14.6v for extended periods and all seems fine. Might install one though since they are encapsulated in epoxy so no easy fix if one dies on me. Good point and defiantly needs consideration.
Cheers, Hans
2007 Carver 41 CMY
Twin Volvo D6-370's
Montreal, Canada
Midnight Sun I Photos
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Topic author Canada
Midnightsun
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Re: Custom Underwater Lights.

Postby Midnightsun » May 9th, 2018, 8:39 pm

Install complete. Went all out as I wanted some mood lighting (separate circuit) above and beyond the white light. Total Lumens is now a hair under 20,000 with both systems lit. :-D

Here are pictures of the main underwater custom led installed on the trim tabs.

Image


Image

Image

Installed blue mood lighting 7x, 10W strips along the transom just above the water and 2x, 12 watt led under water spotlights to give a cool factor.

Image
Cheers, Hans
2007 Carver 41 CMY
Twin Volvo D6-370's
Montreal, Canada
Midnight Sun I Photos
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SanJuanDreamer
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Re: Custom Underwater Lights.

Postby SanJuanDreamer » May 10th, 2018, 5:44 pm

Nice work on installing but no pictures of it working?
Ya know the saying....no pictures....didn't happen.... :-P :-P
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Topic author Canada
Midnightsun
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Posts: 2831
Joined: March 27th, 2016, 2:27 pm
Vessel Info: The Midnight Sun
2007 41CMY
Volvo D6-370's
Location: Montreal, Canada
Has thanked: 253 times
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Re: Custom Underwater Lights.

Postby Midnightsun » May 10th, 2018, 6:30 pm

They will come but in water. Not much purpose showing them on the hard. A few weeks and I should have something posted. ;-)
Cheers, Hans
2007 Carver 41 CMY
Twin Volvo D6-370's
Montreal, Canada
Midnight Sun I Photos

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tomschauer
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Re: Custom Underwater Lights.

Postby tomschauer » May 10th, 2018, 10:44 pm

Hans, are you going to build more of these and sell them to us?

:drunk:

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