Dimmers for salon lights

S

SeastheDayII

New Member
Dec 16, 2008
9
Brandon, FL
Boat Info
400 Sedan
Engines
Twin Cummins 6CTA's
I've not checked with Sea Ray yet but thought somebody out there would know about changing out the cabin "off" and "on" toggle switches with switches that will dim the lights. There are a few places I would like to lower the lighting level a bit. I found some in a catalog but thought I would see if anyone has done this.
Thanks.
 
That is a fantastic idea, although I have not heard of it. I would love to be able to dim the overhead lights in the cockpit for nighttime trips.

Please let me know if you do find a dimmer switch, particularly one that fits in the oem switch position.

Thanks!
 
I have never thought of that, but now would like to make that change as well. I hope you share your findings with us.
 
On the same note, I plan to put a simple toggle switch in line for my stereo remote background lights so I don't have to turn the Nav lights on at the dock to see what's on the stereo, or switch CD's, Sirius...
 
uhhhh, be careful guys.

Dimmer switches generate a good bit of heat. There is one 420DA in our marina who's owner replaced all his switches with dimmers. He left his boat thinking all the lights were off, but several were only mostly dimmed. The bill from the canvas shop to replace the wall covering was in 5 figures and they are still trying to get the burned vinyl odor out of the boat........but he's lucky; he still has a boat.
 
A hardware dimmer circuit may be designed to properly control the lights at full on to full dim, then off. The load current is required for a proper design.

The issue is using the existing switches, either the on/off toggle or the 3-way on off toggle.

What user interface sequence would be appropriate for a toggle switch to dim the lamps, 'cause nothing jumps to mind?

A momentary switch could be used, tap on / tap off and hold to run through the dimmer range up and down.

Is there a momentary switch that could be swapped out at the on / off and 3-way locations?
 
fwebster said:
uhhhh, be careful guys.

Dimmer switches generate a good bit of heat. There is one 420DA in our marina who's owner replaced all his switches with dimmers. He left his boat thinking all the lights were off, but several were only mostly dimmed. The bill from the canvas shop to replace the wall covering was in 5 figures and they are still trying to get the burned vinyl odor out of the boat........but he's lucky; he still has a boat.
Click to expand...
That's an example of the wrong way to add a dimmer!

A properly-designed dimmer will generate a nominal amount of heat.
 
I installed Vimar dimmers on the galley and salon light circuits about 8 years ago. It was the best "mod" I've done to the boat. The turn-nobs were a direct replacement for the existing 12-Volt toggles. The only caveat was that the dimmers required a ground. The dimmers circuitry is contained in a heavily insulated box roughly 2"x2"x3" and Wingless is correct: they produce a nominal amount of heat. In fact, they barely get warm.

I ordered them from an outfit in Florida that claimed to be SeaRay's supplier at the time. I paid about $85 each for them. The salon switch is starting to fail, and of course now I can't find that "supplier" to buy a replacement.
 
Dimmers would be a luxury. I would simply like to have a light in the head that is activated by a switch in the head. Each time we stay overnight on the boat I cannot get my mind around that once the cabin lights are off, you have no light in the head. The idea someone at Sea Ray thought, "hey no one needs lights in the head in middle of the night." is simply beyond me.

Of course, someone is going to write and tell me there is one in there in some secret location....:)
 
Thanks to everyone for their input. Here is what I have found so far. Only issue I have is that I am home recovering from roto-cuff surgery and until I can get the Admiral to drive me to the boat to do some measurements and checking I am not sure if the size or type is correct.

From Fisheries Supply
CCF Dimming System
<li type="square"> Dims Taylorbrite Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lights EfficientlyThese pulse group modulation dimmers will not shorten the life of the bulb electrodes, nor will they create radio frequency interference. They effectively dim the lights, without generating heat, by selectively altering the AC frequency with a concomitant reduction in power draw and light output. This is ideal for maintaining battery capacity at night when full brightness is not necessary, but a slight amount of light may be desired.

They are available in Gold, Chrome, and white at a cost of $144.00 to $160.00 each.

For anyone interested, see www.fisheriessupply.com and search on item ADD10SMB

These say for "florescent lights" so I am not sure if this means they won't work on other lights.

I will advise more as it becomes available. The Admiral loves dim lights after dinner and drinks...
 
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Chris R said:
Dimmers would be a luxury. I would simply like to have a light in the head that is activated by a switch in the head. Each time we stay overnight on the boat I cannot get my mind around that once the cabin lights are off, you have no light in the head. The idea someone at Sea Ray thought, "hey no one needs lights in the head in middle of the night." is simply beyond me.

Of course, someone is going to write and tell me there is one in there in some secret location....:)
Click to expand...

Hi Chris-

I keep the cabin light breaker on on the main breaker panel and turn off all cabin lights except the head when sleeping.

Being that all of my cabin lights are now LED, I do not worry about excessive drain on the batteries as I did with those hot and big amp draw of the G4 incandescants.

My head has a switch for those lights...yours does not? there are two lights in the ceiling of my head. Switch is next to sink.
 
Uplate said:
Hi Chris-

I keep the cabin light breaker on on the main breaker panel and turn off all cabin lights except the head when sleeping.

Being that all of my cabin lights are now LED, I do not worry about excessive drain on the batteries as I did with those hot and big amp draw of the G4 incandescants.

My head has a switch for those lights...yours does not? there are two lights in the ceiling of my head. Switch is next to sink.
Click to expand...

I have two switches near the cabin entry door. One for the floor lights and one for the overhead cabin lights. I have switches all over that can turn various lights on or off once these these lights switches are on; however, there are 2-3 lights (cannot remember which) that stay on until you turn the main switch off (near the door). Yes, the switch in the bath works, but will not, if the two main toggle switches are off (near the door).

I keep thinking there must be something I am missing here....
 
Speaking of Interior Salon Lights, do any of you guys know where I can find a replacement cover for one of my ceiling mounted interior lights (see attached pictured both with and without cover). I belive they are the 12v lights.
 

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As I recall don't 1999 & up 460DA's come with a dimmer for the salon spot lights? A factory swith with a little round dimmer knob on it if I remember correctly.
 
Our boat is fitted with a factory dimmer for the lights over the dinette. Here are the numbers/description for the various pieces according to the parts manual for our boat:

914689 SWITCH, DIMMER AC-LV 2-MODULE
948208 FUSE HOLDER, FERRULE TYPE VIMAR
893263 SWITCH, BLANK IDEA-SERIES GREY
893289 PANEL, IDEA-SERIES 3-GANG SUPPORT FRAME GREY
893297 COVER PLATE, IDEA-SERIES 3-GANG GOLD
627737 BOX, RECEPTACLE/SWITCH PVC 1-GANG DEEP
 
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