Replace bulbs in cabin lights with LEDs

[n0w0rries]

I've got a few cabin lights in my 27' Catalina and I'd like to replace the bulbs with LEDs. Problem is most of the LED bulbs you see for sale are made to project the light the same way as the socket, where as in our cabin lights the light needs to shine 90 degrees down. Has anybody found an inexpensive solution?

I was able to reuse some LED running lights that I kept when I replaced the lights on the trailer for my last boat. Looking for a DIY solution rather then some ridiculously marked up ready to go package.

[DropTop]

one of these may work...

West Marine: LED Replacement Bulbs Product Display 710&Ne=0&Ntt=led&Ntk=Primary Search&Ntx=mode matchallpartial&Nao=0&Ns=0&keyword=led&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=5002&subdeptNum=9&classNum=13045

[negrini]

Your personal project should include some kind of current or voltage regulation. This way you get constant brightness regardless your battery voltage, and longer lifespan. That explain why some models cost a bit more than rasonable.

[RickWestlake]

I found some very suitable replacement "bulbs" for my cabin lights at the above web site - they are small, square circuit-board panels with nine flat LEDs, wired to a bayonet-bulb base. They were less than 1/3 the price of WestMarine's "Dr. LED" bulbs.
(I tried to upload a photo but "Upload failed.")

[dieselboy]

I to am using these that you are speaking of. I got them off ebay " cheep"
You can get them in 8 -10 -20-even 50 led in a board. I oped for the 8 leds per board and they are damn bright! my v/o/m reads less than 0.2 draw when 4 " light fixtures" of them are on...

[scottyt]

rick to post links and pics you need 10 posts

[n0w0rries]

Cool thanks for the links. I got impatient and ordered 2 bulbs off ebay for $20 (total shipped).

Here's a link to a pic of the ones I got:


Although if I would have seen this first:
Product Listing - OTHER
I probably would have ordered one of those. I'll give the ones I got a try and then order more based on how happy I am with those. I've got 2 more cabin lights to upgrade, but wanted to see how well these work first.

[labatt]

We replaced all of the bulbs on our boat with Sensibulbs. You can orient them vertically or horizontally. The light they cast is almost indistinguishable from Halogen or other incandescents, with a soft brilliance. They aren't cheap, but they are incredible. We tried the inexpensive ones but were never happy with the output levels or light quality.

[AdamLein]

Anybody else have experience with the "superbrightleds" mentioned above? I've been putting off upgrading for a while now because of the expense, but this is pretty attractive. They carry 120 lumen dome lights for less than half the cost of the equivalent Dr LED stuff.

[RickWestlake]

Originally Posted by AdamLein

Anybody else have experience with the "superbrightleds" mentioned above? I've been putting off upgrading for a while now because of the expense, but this is pretty attractive. They carry 120 lumen dome lights for less than half the cost of the equivalent Dr LED stuff.

They got my lights to me quickly, they worked as advertised, I'm really pleased with the lights, and I wish they had a bulb that I could use in my AquaSignal stern light!