Transom light

[talltigeguy]

I have noticed that waterproof LED's are dirt cheap. Most of the OEM are just mounted on the transom and then a wire and switch on the dash. I have been wondering if it would be so much cheaper to do it yourself. I find it hard to beleive that they are worth a $500 option.

It seems it would not be much labor to just drill a hole, seal it up, run wire and have your own underwater transom light.

Am I missing something here?

I would have to do a more detailed search to find exactly the right light, but this livewell light is like $10: http://www.boatfix.com/catalog/569.pdf

[samw]

talltigeguy
I have been thinking the same thing. I have found on ebay waterproof led light strips that I am think of lining the bottom of my swim platform. So at night it would give out a nice glow. Also last night I ran across puting two round led lights on the the wakeplate. That also looked pretty cool.
I can send you the link if you would like it.

Sam

[chpthril]

I have noticed that waterproof LED's are dirt cheap. Most of the OEM are just mounted on the transom and then a wire and switch on the dash. I have been wondering if it would be so much cheaper to do it yourself. I find it hard to beleive that they are worth a $500 option.

It seems it would not be much labor to just drill a hole, seal it up, run wire and have your own underwater transom light.

Am I missing something here?

I would have to do a more detailed search to find exactly the right light, but this livewell light is like $10: http://www.boatfix.com/catalog/569.pdf

I've seen a light that looked just like what mine has from the factory and it was a couple of bones, aftermarket retail, for just the light. So, $500 option from Tige sounds about right.

You are on to something here, it's not a hard project to do, nothing different, IMHO, then installing a ballast system.

I'm not sure that the single LED lite would be enough light. They have a 3-lite listed just below for $18. I've also seen an LED cluster about the same size as my filament unit, but it wasn't cheap, but I'll bet it was way brighter. Either way you go, it's a simple project, just depends on how bright you want it.

[da.bell]

I'm not sure that the single LED lite would be enough light. They have a 3-lite listed just below for $18. I've also seen an LED cluster about the same size as my filament unit, but it wasn't cheap, but I'll bet it was way brighter. Either way you go, it's a simple project, just depends on how bright you want it.

I agree that the single LED wouldn't be that good. The three LED would be a little better but I think you would rather have a 15+ LED to get the area covered with enough light to make it worthwhile.

[Dan and Christy]

I would love to add more lights under the swim platform. We currently have the transom light and it is very cool after the sun goes down just to float, crack a few, and chill with everyone.

[chpthril]

Here are the ones i've seen before http://www.abysslite.com/ Kinda $$$, but say they really flood the area.

[samw]

Here is a link for the led light strips.

http://stores.ebay.com/Whites-Marine...QQftidZ2QQtZkm

they are pretty cheep. You can also cut them to the length you need.

[Guest]

Just my but the more white or blue light you project into the water the more small fish can be attracted. There is nothing worse than getting nipped in the bunns by pesty bluegills.

[Jason B]

Seems like a lot of work to go through just to have light under the water. Drop a waterproof flashlight on a string for $9.99 and you'd never know the difference.

[dogbert]

The big problem for you and the rest of us V-Drive owners will be access to the transom from the inside to seal the hole. Unless, somehow the light was a surface mount. Otherwise you're cutting a hole that has to be secured on both sides. If it's just a small hole for a wire, that's a bit easier to seal with something like 3M 5200.

[da.bell]

Dog, I don't see a problem with the newer boats and this issue since there is enough space in the lockers to crawl back into that area to seal it up.

[dogbert]

Dog, I don't see a problem with the newer boats and this issue since there is enough space in the lockers to crawl back into that area to seal it up.

Sure, just rub it in.

[chpthril]

The big problem for you and the rest of us V-Drive owners will be access to the transom from the inside to seal the hole. Unless, somehow the light was a surface mount. Otherwise you're cutting a hole that has to be secured on both sides. If it's just a small hole for a wire, that's a bit easier to seal with something like 3M 5200.

The ones I have seen, and would recommend, are ones that install like a thru-hull. They have a sealing surface and a jam-nut on the back. You would have to have good access, like dog pointed out, to the inside of the transom to tighten nut. A bead of 5200 would go on the outside around the sealing/mating surface.

[Razzman]

Seems like a lot of work to go through just to have light under the water. Drop a waterproof flashlight on a string for $9.99 and you'd never know the difference.

Exactly! That's what i'm talking about ... that's what all the rednecks do isn't it?

[dogbert]

Exactly! That's what i'm talking about ... that's what all the rednecks do isn't it?

He's taking all the fun out of it! I don't we'd be impressing anyone with that.