Cabin Reading Lights - LED? Advice please

[NatKat]

Dear Cruisers,

The reading lamps in our v-berth were the old-school type which I loved the bright warm light. Sadly, the switches to both lights failed in the past 2 weeks.

New boat lights seem to be all LED. My experience with LED lights is that they make a harsh light which is painful to read by (I read A LOT).
Supposedly LED tech has improved?

Can anyone recommend GOOD CHEAP-ish cabin reading lamp? Brand? Vendor?
Advice for which LED which make a warmer brighter light for reading?

Thank you!
NatKat

[tamicatana]

Do a search here for "warm white LED" and see what the consensus is

[Paul L]

Not cheap, but excellent light quality Alpenglow.

[MarkSF]

In my case I replaced the switches, then installed LED bulbs, all in the existing fittings.

Terms like "warm white" are thrown about with abandon by LED (and flourescent) manufacturers. What you are looking for is the specific colour temperature. It needs to be less than 3000K to appear like incandescent light.

Also look for lumens, you need 180 to 200 to be close to a 21W incandescent.

[MarkSF]

Something like this :

Brightech LED BA15s - Warm White Color- Bayonet Base 36LEDs SMD Bulb - 2nd Generation with 36 LEDs - Replacement for #1156 1141 1073 1093 1129 93 - : Amazon.com : Automotive

[Bash]

Originally Posted by NatKat

Can anyone recommend GOOD CHEAP-ish cabin reading lamp?

We've had luck with the Hella reading lamps. Good? Yes. Cheap? No.

The better 12v reading lamps all seem to run in the $165-$200 range. But the light is significantly better than the cheap lamps.

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by NatKat

The reading lamps in our v-berth were the old-school type which I loved the bright warm light. Sadly, the switches to both lights failed in the past 2 weeks.

So... just replace the switches

Yes, cheap white LEDs have that surreal, blue-y tint. The newer warm white LEDs are very close to incandescent light, in my opinion, and are of course way more efficient.

Replace your broken switches and try some LED replacement bulbs, before coughing up for new fixtures.

[Scott Berg]

Another vote for Alpenglow

[steamgoat]

I also have Alpenglow, a bit spendy but nice.

[sailorchic34]

I am all about cheap, er frugal. Purchased a $10 chrome rv reading light on amazon and a $4 1.5 watt led bulb too. For less then $20 including shipping, I have a low power reading light.

GoWISE USA GW21701 RV Reading Light MR16 Base Regular Bulb 12v Chrome : Amazon.com : Automotive

[NatKat]

Hello all,
thank you for the replies. My Better Half wanted to replace the switches as he is allergic to spending money ... but he has used the words "bizarre, little, tiny, clusterf*ck, soldering, makes no sense" in long sentences punctuated with loud cursing which lead me to believe we need whole new light fixtures.
Thank you for the specific advice regarding kelvin rating and the recommendations for GoWise on cheap end and Alpenglow on high end.

Anyone use these? Like them?
http://sailorssolutions.com/?page=Pr...ls&Item=SEN10W

cheers,
NatKat

[bobconnie]

Your in an area that has to be close to a Camping World RVStore. If so go look at there stock of small 12 volt light fixtures! I know Im gonna get ***** over saying this, but they have a bunch of stuff thats sold at WM under a different name! for much lower prices! even Honda gen sets, washer/dryers, smaller cooking stuff that fits the small ovens most of us have, ECT ECT Im just sayin im a cheap cruiser and I take every advantage to save a buck I can !

[gah964]

Originally Posted by NatKat

Dear Cruisers,

The reading lamps in our v-berth were the old-school type which I loved the bright warm light. Sadly, the switches to both lights failed in the past 2 weeks.

New boat lights seem to be all LED. My experience with LED lights is that they make a harsh light which is painful to read by (I read A LOT).
Supposedly LED tech has improved?

Can anyone recommend GOOD CHEAP-ish cabin reading lamp? Brand? Vendor?
Advice for which LED which make a warmer brighter light for reading?

Thank you!
NatKat

I got mine at Lowes or try Home depot. I can change the light colors to about 20 different tones.

[bstreep]

Build your own. We did our entire boat. LEDs | LED Drivers, Optics, Heatsinks & LED Kits | LEDSupply.com The warm-white LEDs have gotten quite good.

[rebel heart]

I've been happy with sensibulbs.