LED Transom Lights for a 2005 Enzo

[Wylie_Tunes 146]

Right. I don't mean those specifically, they were just the first that popped up on a google search. What I was thinking was something like a flush mount motorcycle turn signal, but an LED spot. So it would be semi flush, but more "fluid dynamic" so that the water easily passed over it.

I would not try and reinvent the wheel with underwater lights as there are probably 50+ brands out there from cheap asian imports to top shelf. There is no need to try and take an unpractical light assembly and try to use it as an underwater light.

 

Now, whats in that link is an RGB pool light, If you want RGB, there are a few out there A decent quality is going to run you $400+ though. Also, you wont want a bracket mounted light on a boat, anywhere. With a planing hull, you dont want even a surface or thru-hull light on the running surface. Im not talking about an underwater light that fixed to a trim tab or a pontoon, but like a waterproof work light with an adjustable bracket. The water pressure would just push these at will.

 

You want a light thats meant to be under water, not just keep water out like a bike light. As a light goes under water, there a pressure differential. That pressure will eventually push its way in as a water leak.

[stoked 1,039]

I think everyone is missing my point/question here, so let me rephrase: "What would the thoughts be on led lights mounted under the boat on the hull, so when you're going at surf speeds, the light is still submersed and projecting through the water?" The shape, type, make, color, etc, etc don't matter. Let's just say that someone very thoughtfully designed a light that could be mounted under the boat, was near flush but directed it's beam backward. Right now as low as you can get them is still out of the water at surf speed, so I'm wondering if there is a way to keep them in the water and really get the wave lit up.

[truekaotik 458]

Yes, but you would need something VERY custom with no drag.. So, no, they do not make anything feasible for that application right now that's bolt or screw on that would hold up to the many hurdles in that location. Putting it on the running surface increases pressure, so a lot of R&D is needed for something to that magnitude that wouldn't affect a wake and actually project properly. The lights now are not designed for that BUT someone could do some trial runs with a idea and see how it holds up? It could be feasible with some thought and a lot of time

Closest solution I have thought was a shadow caster on the bottom hull behind the wake plate. But it will drag horribly and create a ton of pressure on it.

Edited February 26, 2016 by truekaotik

[Wylie_Tunes 146]

I think everyone is missing my point/question here, so let me rephrase: "What would the thoughts be on led lights mounted under the boat on the hull, so when you're going at surf speeds, the light is still submersed and projecting through the water?" The shape, type, make, color, etc, etc don't matter. Let's just say that someone very thoughtfully designed a light that could be mounted under the boat, was near flush but directed it's beam backward. Right now as low as you can get them is still out of the water at surf speed, so I'm wondering if there is a way to keep them in the water and really get the wave lit up.

The best i can say is that there are many of the underwater LEDs that expressly suggest against the light being mounted in this fashion. There are some thru-hull yacht lights that can be mounted on the running surface, but those size boats are not planing hulls.

[stoked 1,039]

Yes, but you would need something VERY custom with no drag.. So, no, they do not make anything feasible for that application right now that's bolt or screw on that would hold up to the many hurdles in that location. Putting it on the running surface increases pressure, so a lot of R&D is needed for something to that magnitude that wouldn't affect a wake and actually project properly. The lights now are not designed for that BUT someone could do some trial runs with a idea and see how it holds up? It could be feasible with some thought and a lot of time

Closest solution I have thought was a shadow caster on the bottom hull behind the wake plate. But it will drag horribly and create a ton of pressure on it.

Something that is the same size and shape as the intake grate would probably do the trick of not adversely affecting the wake. Gears are turning, might need to hit the shop for a bit...

[acman 59]

Just mount the transom lights on a angle. Have a metal fab shop make u an insert to go between the light and the transom so it shines down. Ran across a boat a couple of years ago at Smith mountain lake in Virginia that did this and the boat while still look like it was encased in a blue ring. Very cool. Of course Smith mountain lake is very clear water though. I think he has then on a 60 degree angle.

Edited February 26, 2016 by acman

[stoked 1,039]

Just mount the transom lights on a angle. Have a metal fab shop make u an insert to go between the light and the transom so it shines down. Ran across a boat a couple of years ago at Smith mountain lake in Virginia that did this and the boat while still look like it was encased in a blue ring. Very cool. Of course Smith mountain lake is very clear water though. I think he has then on a 60 degree angle.

We spend a lot of time on SML. The water is very very clear there!

[mikematteo 1]

A friend of mine has these on his 2014 Mastercraft X30 - http://loomisled.com/shop/2-24-led-flush-mount-boat-transom-lights-12-14-5-vdc-charging-battery/

 

They look great and are reasonably priced. I'm putting them on my 2007 Elite C4 this year.

[Shaka 146]

A friend of mine has these on his 2014 Mastercraft X30 - http://loomisled.com/shop/2-24-led-flush-mount-boat-transom-lights-12-14-5-vdc-charging-battery/

 

They look great and are reasonably priced. I'm putting them on my 2007 Elite C4 this year.

How do you mount those?

[Shaggs 6]

What would be the best for brightest, Green color LED for a boat stored in a slip. I don't want to have any leaks. I have also seen switchable from Green to White so you could just use them as transom Lights or as color accent lamps.

[Wylie_Tunes 146]

Shaggs,

 

I would avoid lights that has the LED pod epoxied into a housing or plumbing fitting. IF your boat is left in the water, go with a glass lens as it will need cleaning from time to time.

 

One thing I dont like about the dual color lights; they are half as bright as a single color light. Half the LEDs are one color, half are the other color. With a single color light, ALL the LEDs are one color, so more output. If you want different colors, I would suggest an RGB underwater light and a controller, rather than a dual color.

 

Ive had good success with the Lifeform underwater LEDs.

[Shaggs 6]

I would probably just do green and try for glass lens... with the highest lumens possible

[Wylie_Tunes 146]

Dont buy solely on lumens as they are unqualified. Each manufacturer uses their own choice in measuring device and method of measuring. Understandably, their goal is to achieve the highest rating. its not the lumens specs are false, its just that you can use company A's lumens to compare to company B's specs. Now, if a 3rd party did the comparison under the same conditions, then now you have something to hang your hat on. The best method is to compare 12V current draw in amps.

 

More qualifiers for a wet slipped boat, bronze (not brass or painted brass) or stainless housing. Billet aluminum may pit in some lakes, faster than others but it would be better than a cheap chrome plated housing.

[pwarning 5]

Has anyone experimented with the drain plug lights? I really don't want to put holes in my boat if I don't have to so this seems like a good idea if it works. http://boatpluglight.com/products/brass-triple-head-2700-lumens

[Cdifranco 463]

There was some pretty good reviews over on Wakeworld about the drain plug light but I dont have any first hand experience with one.

[stoked 1,039]

Has anyone experimented with the drain plug lights? I really don't want to put holes in my boat if I don't have to so this seems like a good idea if it works. http://boatpluglight.com/products/brass-triple-head-2700-lumens

 

Do you have to take the trim tab off just to screw that monster in??

[Shaka 146]

Do you have to take the trim tab off just to screw that monster in??

That would be my question as well. I have to take out the plug on the boat ramp for mussel inspection. Also would the plate be able to go all the way up with it in?

[cemulinit 3]

I put a pair of Rigid Industries Wake Flame lights on mine. Made the mistake of mounting them too high. When surfing, the light hits the platform too much and really dims their effect. These are an RGB style with controller. Its kind of cool to be able to change the color to whatever you like that night.

 

Might try and install an angle bracket that was mentioned earlier in this post to angle them down a bit.