jaxon5000
New Member
Do you think its a good idea to drill holes in the boat? Makes me nervous even though they are only 3/8" holes
Anyone install underwater LEDs on a Sundancer? What kind did you use?
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tobnpr
New Member
Not sure of your question..."good idea?"
If the type/style of light requires the hole, you don't have a choice but it's not difficult.
Measure twice, drill once. If you have antifouling on the hull, you need to sand off the paint down to the bare gelcoat, roughing up the gelcoat a bit in the process. It's a good idea to overdrill the hole slightly, then brush the inside of the hole with epoxy to seal it from moisture. If there's wood in the transom, that's a must. Clean the area (and the base of the light) with denatured alcohol, then use a quality fast-cure underwater sealant such as 4200.
Is the 3/8" hole just for wires, or is it the stem of the light? If there are other smaller holes that need to be drilled for mounting self-tapping screws, drill the holes to the size of the screw shank, then countersink them slightly to prevent the gelcoat from cracking when you tighten the screws.
If it's a surface mount light, and the hole is just for wires, the design may allow you to bring the wires up the outside of the transom, where you can drill the hole above the waterline (and still under the swim platform), and seal it with a clamshell. Not as clean an install, as the wires are exposed...
Good luck.
If the type/style of light requires the hole, you don't have a choice but it's not difficult.
Measure twice, drill once. If you have antifouling on the hull, you need to sand off the paint down to the bare gelcoat, roughing up the gelcoat a bit in the process. It's a good idea to overdrill the hole slightly, then brush the inside of the hole with epoxy to seal it from moisture. If there's wood in the transom, that's a must. Clean the area (and the base of the light) with denatured alcohol, then use a quality fast-cure underwater sealant such as 4200.
Is the 3/8" hole just for wires, or is it the stem of the light? If there are other smaller holes that need to be drilled for mounting self-tapping screws, drill the holes to the size of the screw shank, then countersink them slightly to prevent the gelcoat from cracking when you tighten the screws.
If it's a surface mount light, and the hole is just for wires, the design may allow you to bring the wires up the outside of the transom, where you can drill the hole above the waterline (and still under the swim platform), and seal it with a clamshell. Not as clean an install, as the wires are exposed...
Good luck.
I have installed a pair of thru hull Ocean LED model 1520 LED lights. They are on the pricy side for underwater lights, but they do look real nice. I prefer the thru hull since its all bronze. The cheaper amphibians they sell make me even more nervous since you need to drill a small home thru hull for the wire, and then 2 screw holes to attached the plastic housing. For the Bronze thru hull, it is locked solid inside the bilge with 5200 as sealant.
I like them as they look very nice at night at the dock and attracts marine life.
Good luck.
I like them as they look very nice at night at the dock and attracts marine life.
Good luck.
jmunro123
Member
I am asking Santa for this 6 bulb superbright LED drain hole replacement light for Christmas. I think this is the way to go. No need to drill anymore holes in the boat, cheaper, faster and still bright.
http://shop.tojoseabelow.com/product.sc;jsessionid=04733F6894A72D460F74EDE0AC913EA8.qscstrfrnt05?productId=4&categoryId=1
http://shop.tojoseabelow.com/product.sc;jsessionid=04733F6894A72D460F74EDE0AC913EA8.qscstrfrnt05?productId=4&categoryId=1
