Visit our Popular Forums

SV Demeter · 07-03-2011, 18:05

I have been very happy with my choice to use Alpenglow lights throughout the boat for general cabin lights and the Sensibulbs for reading lights but want to add some lighting to the engine compartment. I don't really care too much about energy efficient bulbs as they won't be used much but I do want good lighting. Maybe a simple halogen dome style light is good? They will most likely be mounted on a vertical surface but I may mount one upside-down on the underside of the cockpit sole. Thanks in advance for your suggestions

**Cotemar** · 07-03-2011, 18:16

LED Surface Mount
4" LED Surface Mount Accent Boat Light, 12 White, 9 Red LEDs with Switch - Seasense 50023822 - iboats.com

SV Demeter · 07-03-2011, 18:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cotemar

LED Surface Mount
4" LED Surface Mount Accent Boat Light, 12 White, 9 Red LEDs with Switch - Seasense 50023822 - iboats.com

These look pretty cheap and like they would be rather weak on the light. Am I missin something? I'm looking for good lighting first. Low consumption second.

svholdfast · 07-03-2011, 19:02

I recommend this; White Logisys 20in True-Color Cold Cathode (CCFL) Frontal Light Bar, Model: CXF20WT

only $18 and .450 amp with lots of light.

Logisys CXF20WT White 20in True-Color Cold Cathode CCFL Frontal Light Bar-Best Computer Online Store Houston Buy Discount Prices Texas-Directron.com

SV HOLD FAST

S/V Alchemy · 07-03-2011, 19:13

I would consider "potted" LED lights in strip form for bright area lighting of the engine "cove" or "bay" and I would get a strong "soft white" LED headlamp for pinpoint work.

The strip lights (see Marine LEDs Canada for examples) give you low-draw area lighting (enough for changing filters, looking at oil levels, belts, etc.) while the headlamp gives you hands-free spot light.

Just as a side comment, I have an Alpenglow fixture (red/white) in the pilothouse and I think it's genius.

**Cotemar** · 08-03-2011, 13:46

LED’s are the way to go in the engine room.

I had a marine Hella 11 watt florescent tube which where slow to start and use too much power. Just horrible in cold weather.

When you need the engine room light, it most likely will be on for hours at a time to replace a part. LED’s are instant on at full light using just a few watts. LED’s Will not heat up your engine room.

SV Demeter · 08-03-2011, 13:55

Thanks I was not planning on a flouresant. I am very leery about LEDs because the vast majority of the ones I have looked at provided simply horrible light. I dont care about the current draw I am concerned with good lighting. Would love to see something with a protective cage for the lens maybe.

**Cotemar** · 08-03-2011, 14:16

SV Escape Plan,

Halogen is your only good option, but they are hot and use ten watts.

May want to look at these.
Utility Lights

SV Demeter · 08-03-2011, 14:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cotemar

SV Escape Plan,

Halogen is your only good option, but they are hot and use ten watts.

May want to look at these.
Utility Lights

Thanks these do look pretty good: Multi-Lite Utility Lighting Fixture

and for $60 not to bad. Im not worried about the heat my engine room is typically pretty hot anyway and a 15-20 watt halogen should be pretty decent light.

farotherside · 08-03-2011, 14:30

SV Escape: LED technology has come a *long* way in the past two or three years, though much of the "older" crap is still on shelves around the world. Dig a little and you'll find the good stuff.

I re-did all my live-aboard trimaran lighting about a year ago and everyone who sees it is shocked that the lights are LED; they're a warm, welcoming yellowish light that everyone assumes is 15w halogen. The fixtures I used were Ikea 'Beryll' fixtures ($24 each) and the 'bulbs' are drop-in 12v 3w replacements purchased from a local electronics importer here in Vancouver for $18 each.

mrm · 08-03-2011, 14:52

Leds will have a hard and potentially short life in engine room, as heat is what destroys them fast. As suggested above they may be OK for short repeated tasks like oil check, but for a decent working light for repairs I'd suggest either a CFL or a plain old halogen bulb.

Extemporaneous · 08-03-2011, 15:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrm

Leds will have a hard and potentially short life in engine room, as heat is what destroys them fast.

Surely this is a relative thing. I have an led 12 Volt work light that has spent much time in the heat. So far so good. I know what I've just said is not scientific, but........

Regards,
Extemp.