LED Navigation Light Upgrade

[sailcruiser]

I'm just about ready to upgrade my navigation lights to LED. I've hit a problem that should be simple but so far I'm stuck. I have existing Perko horizontal mount navigation lights. I'd like to find something that will sit in their place easily. I've found a bunch of red/green combos that will work fine but I can't find a similar stern light. Has anyone seen something similar to the pic below? (Note I'm not interested in changing just the bulb or a tricolor.)



I'd prefer deck mount so I don't have to drill more holes.

Any ideas?
SC

[SailingwithSoul]

Closest I could find in style is: Hella marine NaviLED PRO Stern Navigation Light

[scallywag]

Why not change the inerds to accomidate the new bulb type?

[sailcruiser]

Originally Posted by SailingwithSoul

Closest I could find in style is: Hella marine NaviLED PRO Stern Navigation Light

Thanks that's the same type I've seen. They are all vertical mount which is bizarre. I would think someone somewhere would have something similar.

Thanks,
SC

[sailcruiser]

Originally Posted by scallywag

Why not change the inerds to accomidate the new bulb type?

There is a bulb available without any adjustments required. I am doing whole fixtures to remain legal. I don't want any questions should there be an incident or inspection.

A good link that has some explanation:
http://maritime.about.com/od/Enginee...our-Vessel.htm

Here is the text of the applicable part:

"Navigation Lights

This is the number one upgrade a buyer should consider when purchasing a used boat with incandescent navigation lights.

But you MUST NOT replace the incandescent lamps with some cheap retrofit that you find at the auto parts store. Even if the bulb fits the socket it will not be legal and more importantly it will not be safe.

Navigation lights are tested and certified as one unit. The lens, bulb, and fixture work together to meet strict legal requirements for viewing angle, brightness, and color.

For example a replacement lamp that has a limited amount of brightness when viewed from above or below could look to a distant viewer like a flashing beacon if the distant vessel is rolling in the surf.

In short, navigation lights must be replaced as a complete unit.

Here is an excellent statement from the folks at Boat U.S. which sums this situation up exactly.

“We certainly agree that LED bulbs should not be retrofitted into navigation lights that are designed for incandescent bulbs. When light fixture manufacturers get their equipment rated by the Coast Guard, the rating is predicated on using the bulbs specified. Using a generic aftermarket bulb, an LED bulb or an automotive bulb may lead to the fixture not meeting USCG standards. No marine retailer that I am aware of would recommend using an LED element in an incandescent navigation light, though it could happen for an interior utility light, such as a reading lamp.

Having tested incandescent and LED navigation lights for many years, we’re certainly fans of LED lights, especially in certain applications where bulb replacement is difficult, or power draw is a consideration.”

So upgrade your fixtures completely and be sure to consult someone at your retailer if you have questions about interior lighting.

Make no mistake, all the lights on your vessel are safety devices regardless of their location. You wouldn’t try to make your own PFD’s would you? Of course not, but that is a different discussion altogether."

SC

[mbuckner]

Originally Posted by sailcruiser

I'm just about ready to upgrade my navigation lights to LED. I've hit a problem that should be simple but so far I'm stuck. I have existing Perko horizontal mount navigation lights. I'd like to find something that will sit in their place easily. I've found a bunch of red/green combos that will work fine but I can't find a similar stern light. Has anyone seen something similar to the pic below? (Note I'm not interested in changing just the bulb or a tricolor.)

Attachment 85910

I'd prefer deck mount so I don't have to drill more holes.

Any ideas?
SC

Hello,

Doesn't Perko have an LED replacement assembly?

Best regards,

Mike

[sailcruiser]

Originally Posted by mbuckner

Hello,



Doesn't Perko have an LED replacement assembly?



Best regards,



Mike

If there is I can't find it. I've looked through all 15 pages of the nav lights for under 20 meters at least 3 times and all I've found is vertical mount. It is possible I missed something but I don't think so. (My boat is under 20m.) I've also searched the Spare parts area and come up empty.

I've been looking for several days and the only one I've found is the lopolights which don't appeal to me. I just want a simple light like I have.

The port and starboard set I chose is this: http://www.perko.com/catalog/navigat...t_side_lights/. I'd like to have a matching set but that doesn't seem possible.

With the choices out there I can't believe this one was overlooked but with my luck it was.
SC

[mbuckner]

Evidently deck mounted stern lights are few and far between; however,
I did find this one:

STAINLESS STEEL BOAT LED NAVIGATION STERN LIGHT

It may work for your application.

I have never bought from this seller and do not know about his customer
service.

Best regards,

Mike

[sailcruiser]

Originally Posted by mbuckner

Evidently deck mounted stern lights are few and far between; however,

I did find this one:



STAINLESS STEEL BOAT LED NAVIGATION STERN LIGHT



It may work for your application.



I have never bought from this seller and do not know about his customer

service.



Best regards,



Mike

Thanks Mike I hadn't seen that one. I'll email him to see if it has any sort of certification on how far it's visible. I am trying to stay with 2nm rated fixtures.

It's odd that product line has been ignored by Perko and even the knockoffs.
SC


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[CharlzO]

That last one listed, looks exactly like the cheap 12 dollar standard fixture I bought, only with an LED bulb instead.

Whitecap Stern Navigation Light

[mbuckner]

Originally Posted by CharlzO

That last one listed, looks exactly like the cheap 12 dollar standard fixture I bought, only with an LED bulb instead.

Whitecap Stern Navigation Light

The ad says it has a 2nm range, is that with a incandescent bulb?

What was the part number of the LED bulb?

Mike

[sailcruiser]

Originally Posted by CharlzO

That last one listed, looks exactly like the cheap 12 dollar standard fixture I bought, only with an LED bulb instead.

Whitecap Stern Navigation Light

CharlzO,

It looks like that fixture originally came with an incandescent bulb. Did you swap it to LED yourself?

If so that is what I'm trying to avoid doing.

There are similar fixtures on eBay Marpac and Seachoice are a few of the names but none are LED.

I'm going for a sealed LED unit.
SC


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[Allan S]

I have the exact light and problem you do....here's to hoping there is a solution in this forum.

[sailcruiser]

Originally Posted by Allan S

I have the exact light and problem you do....here's to hoping there is a solution in this forum.

Allan, I'm sorry but happy to know I'm not alone. This had had me fit to be tied all week. It shouldn't be this difficult with all the manufacturers out there. I'll share what response I get from Boaterbits when it comes in.
SC


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[CharlzO]

Originally Posted by sailcruiser

CharlzO,

It looks like that fixture originally came with an incandescent bulb. Did you swap it to LED yourself?

If so that is what I'm trying to avoid doing.

I have the incandescent myself. Just that whatever that original link was that showed the LED version, it looks to me like they took the incandescent fixture, and are just replacing the 12v bulb with the LED equivalent and selling it as an LED fixture.

I haven't yet seen a good horizontal surface mount, TRUE led fixture in that style, I'll have to keep looking again.