Underwater Lights...Brand...Style For a 40 Convertible - The Hull Truth

PSW · 07-21-2009, 09:38 AM

OK guys I just did an offshore overnighter on my boat and while it was very cool to see what my big spreader lights could raise I did realize that I need to add some underwater lights. I will use them while at the dock for bling and also when out on the water to attract sea life.

I have not really researched much about underwater led lights so I would like some input. The important things to me are:

Quality construction
Proven Installation Style
Good Overall value for the money
Performance of course

I will be going with blue light and I don't need to light up the harbor. But I do want a impressive set up. The Ocean 2010 with the single hole and backing nut like a ducer looks solid. Not sure about the Amphibian that uses 4 #6 screws into the boat.

Thanks for the Input

JAGSARE1 · 07-21-2009, 09:40 AM

I really like the Abyss lights. I have blue ones on my boat and they look great and are a great bang for the buck. Mine is the 2010(?) I think and they now have a bigger brighter one. Reasonable price, easy installation and looks great. You can certainly spend a lot more and probably get more light but not sure if you will get the bang for the buck.

Glen E · 07-21-2009, 09:41 AM

I like the amphibians for their look and ease of rigging. 3 A-12's would do you well. They are approx $750 a light. Rumor is they are working on a light that is 70% brighter and 25% more expensive. I have 3 A6's on my 32 and it lights up the back of the boat well. Blue is the color recommended for salt water.

seeyalater · 07-21-2009, 10:37 AM

Either the OceanLED A12 Amphibians or 2010's would be a good choice. Quality wise, nothing beats OceanLED. I actually have both on by boat, one 2010 in the middle, and two A12's on either sides.

This is the new Amphibian PRO. 75% brighter then the current A12. Should be in stock early August:

LI32 · 07-21-2009, 02:04 PM

I ultimately went with a pair of AbyssLite 1515's in Blue for my offshore ride. I like them - they are bright, although for dockside bling, the white would be better.

seeyalater · 07-21-2009, 02:17 PM

LI32. The Abyss S-1515's are great also, very very bright for the money. I think the Blue is more "bling"....

aristocraft · 07-21-2009, 05:35 PM

I have the aqualights 50w xenons and love them. have been nothing but good news for me.

Team Balla's Steakhouse · 07-21-2009, 05:47 PM

Ocean LED!

hatterbee · 07-21-2009, 05:55 PM

I can only speak for the Seavision Lights by Underwater Lights. I have been installing them for a few years and I have never had any complaints, you can get them in 12, 24V DC or 110, 230V AC. Contact me if you need any pricing. Allen
http://www.underwaterlightsusa.com/home.html

hallb · 07-21-2009, 06:05 PM

For those on a budget, you really can't beat coastal night lights. I realize that many folks prefer to drop the dough on the aforementioned brands, but figured I'd at least throw these out there for others that may be interested. I put a pair of the blue singles on the back of my pathfinder and they are awesome...really put out some light in the water. Go check out the website and make sure to look at the section that has the customer photos.

http://www.coastalnightlights.com/

And for the record, I'm not affiliated at all...my outfitter turned me onto them and I'm as happy as can be. One small thru hull for the wire and two screws in the boat.

tobnpr · 07-21-2009, 07:04 PM

I don't know if I'd go with anything acrylic/plastic or the like on a 40 footer, that's obviously wet-slipped.

Granted, you're in WA so I'm sure your rate of underwater growth doesn't compare to what I get down here in the 90 degree water in my canal. Nonetheless, UW lighting on a trailered or dry-stacked boat is a different ballgame than one that's wet-slipped.
I have a couple of xenon Aqualights and in two weeks they're covered with growth if I don't use them. They have special glass lenses, and a light scraping to get rid of the growth doesn't damage them. Wouldn't even think of trying to scrape barnacles off the plastic lights; I'm sure it would scratch/damage them.

No ones questions the quality of Ocean LED you mentioned, I'll add that I've been happy with my Aqualights; good service- I had a ballast fail under warranty and I had a replacement in short order.

wpparks · 07-21-2009, 08:21 PM

i went with these and love them. very bright and respectable company.

http://www.deepsee.com/12-led-on-hull-sealiter.html

PSW · 07-21-2009, 10:23 PM

The Amphibian Pro seems to be solid but it does not seem to be as well made as the 2010. The thing I like about the 2010 is a single hole in the boat for each light and a threaded nut and washer to secure from the back. The Amphibian has multiple small screws per light and does not seem as high quality. Now of course I am looking at a budget but I also want a light that, with the boat being wetslipped, is never a concern.

When looking at the photo galleries it seems pretty obvious what is going on the convertible market 40+.

Canyonkeeper · 07-22-2009, 07:05 AM

2010 is by far the best underwater light made. The 1" hole is easy and the installation is even easier.

I worked for a large sportfish builder in the marine electronics division and we installed thousands. The only issue is the ballast can act up and shut half of the lights off. They will replace them. For the record I have Sea vision on the boat I fish on and they are the olde style. Horrible, always shutting off and nver seem to match brighness between the two.