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whacker · 18-10-2014, 10:16

I want to put 2 x surface mounted underwater LED lights on the underside of the hull of my sailboat just fwd of and to either side of the rudder.
I want the lights to illuminate the water aft of the boat for nite swimming off the swim platform.
I'm looking for something that is slightly raised on one side such that the light is directed aft more than down. Everything I've seen on-line has a flat mounting and when fitted on the "relatively" level underside of my hull will direct most of the lite down rather than aft.
Can anyone direct me to a suitable light fitting please?

wingless · 19-10-2014, 10:27

The issue is the optics.

The optics for surface-mount underwater LED fixtures is to create an extended flat beam of light when pointing to the aft or to the sides, when mounted onto a vertical surface.

The request is to get that same result when mounted 90° on a horizontal surface.

My suggestion is to pose this request to the underwater light manufacturers, like Lumitec. They might have options or suggestions for this application.

FYI, this topic shows my Lumitec SeaBlazeX lamp installation.

marlinmike · 20-10-2014, 09:35

Vast majority of underwater lights are sold to power boats, some for fishing (attracting bait fish) and others to look cool at the dock. Not sure I would want to swim with underwater lights on, as it can attract more then just bait fish!

Orion Jim · 23-10-2014, 18:42

I agree with marlinmike.

pesarsten · 23-10-2014, 20:22

Take a look at the 12 volt pool / spa lights. You would need to make up some type of mount, but they are portable and not so expensive.

If you opt for the newer LED fixtures most will produce multiple colors for the toothy critters to dine by.

Sailorman Ed · 23-10-2014, 20:28

If you mount the lights permenantly, how to you keep underwater growth off of them? I am thinking to add one to the rungs of my ladder and a longer wire so I can keep them up out of the water most of the time and if wanted, just drop the ladder in.
Ed

wingless · 24-10-2014, 04:34

My boat is in warm water, so the bottom requires periodic attention to address marine growth.

The marine growth on the LED glass windows are cleaned w/ the bottom by rubbing w/ my hand.

whacker · 24-10-2014, 04:44

Thanks for your advice Wingless ....I have a few enquiries out to light manufacturers.

wingless · 24-10-2014, 05:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by whacker

Thanks for your advice Wingless ....I have a few enquiries out to light manufacturers.

Glad to help!

Please report the results.

Thank you.

fstbttms · 25-10-2014, 06:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailorman Ed

If you mount the lights permenantly, how to you keep underwater growth off of them?

You can't. And depending upon the fouling conditions where your boat lives, simply "rubbing with your hand" may not be sufficient to clean them. Unless you are willing to get into the water to do it frequently.

Sailorman Ed · 25-10-2014, 06:12

Quote:

simply "rubbing with your hand" may not be sufficient

I think I am going to fab a temp bracket for my swing down swim ladder this week and try this next weekend. I do not like the idea of more holes in the hull, even for just screws.