any one update to LED's

[szigi]

Originally Posted by dive7mmwet

has any one put in the screw / plug in LED bulbs?
I know the polarity must be right so all must be right at the wires in mast step,
and they will now fit in anchor light or steaming covers lens. and no need to buy $400 fixtures.
I just hate having my son on the mast, he loves it! & the $$$ he makes,, as the next thing he's working on other boats mast's and some I have no clue on their rigging!

If you want to have a long term solution, buy LED bulbs, that are not polarity sensitive nad have a broad voltage range. Without going into details, LEDs need to have a specific supply current. The simple way is to put a resistor in series with the LED. In this case you have to observe polarity, plus the light output will vary based on the voltage (which can show large swings on a boat). The operating range of these type of buls is narrow, usually something like 10-15Volts. Worse, low quality LED bulbs can be overloaded, and have low lifespan.

The other way to drive LEDs are using electonics, to supply constant current. This usually has the added effect of being insensitive to polarity, and have a broad (sometimes 8-32 volts) of working range, without overloading the LEDs, and thus have longer lifespan. Go for these.
But for this, you need to invest into high quality expensive bulbs, unless you have mast climbing as a hobby.

On the other hand, you'll have about 1/10th of the current consumption. My anchor light went from 1.2 Amps to 0.15. Nav lights from 2.5 to 0.3! That makes a difference. Steaming light isnt that of a big problem, since you should have the alternator running when you use it.

Note on LED lifespan: LEDs usually do not burn out, but the light output gradually decreases. Manufacturers define lifespan by some percentage (75, 50 or even 30%) of the original light output. Heat (usually from overcurrent) drastically reduces lifetime. For failures, don't just look at the individual LEDs, but also the associated electronics, and fixtures. So it is a good idea to have quality stuff at least up on the top.
You may have problems with colors, if you have separate port/starboard lights, get red and green LEDs for them. If you have red and green or tricolor light in one, get warm white LEDs, otherwise green will be more like blue. For stern/anchor/steaming cold white is OK, they usually have higher light output.

[ODay e-pod]

Originally Posted by szigi

If you want to have a long term solution, buy LED bulbs, that are not polarity sensitive nad have a broad voltage range. Without going into details, LEDs need to have a specific supply current. The simple way is to put a resistor in series with the LED. In this case you have to observe polarity, plus the light output will vary based on the voltage (which can show large swings on a boat). The operating range of these type of buls is narrow, usually something like 10-15Volts. Worse, low quality LED bulbs can be overloaded, and have low lifespan.

The other way to drive LEDs are using electonics, to supply constant current. This usually has the added effect of being insensitive to polarity, and have a broad (sometimes 8-32 volts) of working range, without overloading the LEDs, and thus have longer lifespan. Go for these.
But for this, you need to invest into high quality expensive bulbs, unless you have mast climbing as a hobby.

On the other hand, you'll have about 1/10th of the current consumption. My anchor light went from 1.2 Amps to 0.15. Nav lights from 2.5 to 0.3! That makes a difference. Steaming light isnt that of a big problem, since you should have the alternator running when you use it.

Note on LED lifespan: LEDs usually do not burn out, but the light output gradually decreases. Manufacturers define lifespan by some percentage (75, 50 or even 30%) of the original light output. Heat (usually from overcurrent) drastically reduces lifetime. For failures, don't just look at the individual LEDs, but also the associated electronics, and fixtures. So it is a good idea to have quality stuff at least up on the top.
You may have problems with colors, if you have separate port/starboard lights, get red and green LEDs for them. If you have red and green or tricolor light in one, get warm white LEDs, otherwise green will be more like blue. For stern/anchor/steaming cold white is OK, they usually have higher light output.

Well said!

[TheWollard]

I use LED wherever possible. Home, bike, x-mas lights, and soon on my boat.

[MarcHall]

First LED on the boat was back in 1998 when I added an anchor light to the arch and put one of the first LED replacement bulbs into it. The blue cast was great way to id the boat in a crowded anchorage but in at an anchorage where I was concerned I would be seen I still powered up the incandescent anchor light at the top of the mast.

Recently upgraded all of the Alpenglows to the new LED models. Bought 1 new one, liked and then sent in all of my existing Alpenglows to be upgraded. Very happy with the quality of the light and Alpenglows service.

Will likely pull the mast in about 3 months to rewire and convert the halyards from external to internal. At that time will convert the tricolor w strobe, the spreader lights and probably the steaming light to LED.

Marc Hall
Crazy Fish, Crealock 37, Hull 207

[ebs001]

We just put 3 new Alpenglow lights on our boat, one in the galley one over the dinette and a white and red over the nav station. The difference in the quality of life good lighting makes is remarkable and as a huge bonus they draw very little amperage.

[simpsoned]

Changes out mine from standard to LED's last summer...went from 19 amps to less than 3 amps draw on the battery with all of them running...Try SuperBrightLEDs.com for some great derals...I used the automotive bulbs and adapters and they worked just fine.
Good Luck

[chef2sail]

We converted starting about 3 years ago and all of our lights are now LED. We have two Alpenglow fixtures also as well. The Alpenglows are a great product. Theoir color is a close to incandesent light as I have seen. The were a great addtion to our boat.

Dave

[arf145]

I'm very happy with our switchover to mostly LED. My favorite: a Hella LED anchor light, which as others have pointed out saves more than 8 amp hours a night. I used Marine Beam replacement bulbs in most of the interior fixtures and the light output and quality of the light is great--and no RF interference with these. I have seen RF interference with some others.