Official 400EC thread

[Fun Hurts]

I have not seen this in person so I cannot endorse the product, but a quick search on Amazon found this:

https://smile.amazon.com/UPGRADED-Interior-MIHAZ-Universal-Motorhome/dp/B07JNYBMZY/ref=sr_1_24?crid=SV5RHE7MYZSE&keywords=marine+cabin+lighting+fluorescent+replacement&qid=1644342693&sprefix=marine+cabin+lighting+fluorescent+replacement,aps,60&sr=8-24&th=1

Well, I started with this option, and ended up ordering this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DQSX4TN?smid=AXEJX2LGR9968&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp&th=1

My thinking was that I either find a fixture that fits inside the indention above the medicine cabinet/mirror, or one that completely covers it. I opted to cover it. The fixture is 26" long, which should perfectly cover lengthwise. However, I didn't bother to measure the width/height, so my only concern is that the fixture would be wide enough to awkwardly extend past the angle in the ceiling. We'll see.
The only other modification will be paint. I ordered new reading lamps for both sleeping quarters, and the boss decided black fixtures looked more modern, so I'm planning on taping off the lens and painting the light after confirming the fit.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, Harold, much appreciated!

 

[Nick Hahn]

The only other modification will be paint. I ordered new reading lamps for both sleeping quarters, and the boss decided black fixtures looked more modern, so I'm planning on taping off the lens and painting the light after confirming the fit.

View attachment 120560

What did you get for the reading lamps? Ours are all mostly broken and on the list for upgrades. ;-)

 

[Fun Hurts]

So this is what the seat looked like after using it as the stepping off point from the starboard gunwale or transom all summer. Just got it back from the shop and it looks great, and I'd like to avoid a redo next fall.

The boat came with two pairs of brackets (like in the attached pic) already installed on both port and starboard sides, presumably for a cockpit ladder/steps. No steps were included with the purchase.

So I'm looking for suggestions on the best way to improve on this? Currently using a very small folding step on the port side when I go forward to work the anchor. It's fine for me, but not so good for less-athletic folks, like when Mom wants to sit at the bow.

As always, thanks for your input.

 

[Fun Hurts]

What did you get for the reading lamps? Ours are all mostly broken and on the list for upgrades. ;-)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09KNGWDCX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

I was originally going for a brushed-nickel model, more expensive than these. Boss liked the finish on these better, and less expensive. Win-win. Ordered two pair, should be in on Wednesday. We're planning on heading down this coming weekend, spend some time puttering around. I plan to install them, I'll post a pic once they're hung.

 

[h_gerry]

Well, I started with this option, and ended up ordering this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DQSX4TN?smid=AXEJX2LGR9968&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp&th=1

My thinking was that I either find a fixture that fits inside the indention above the medicine cabinet/mirror, or one that completely covers it. I opted to cover it. The fixture is 26" long, which should perfectly cover lengthwise. However, I didn't bother to measure the width/height, so my only concern is that the fixture would be wide enough to awkwardly extend past the angle in the ceiling. We'll see.
The only other modification will be paint. I ordered new reading lamps for both sleeping quarters, and the boss decided black fixtures looked more modern, so I'm planning on taping off the lens and painting the light after confirming the fit.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, Harold, much appreciated!

View attachment 120560

I like the look of the light you found. Please post some pictures when you get it installed.

 

[h_gerry]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09KNGWDCX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

I was originally going for a brushed-nickel model, more expensive than these. Boss liked the finish on these better, and less expensive. Win-win. Ordered two pair, should be in on Wednesday. We're planning on heading down this coming weekend, spend some time puttering around. I plan to install them, I'll post a pic once they're hung.

These are the reading lamps I installed in both cabins of mine:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K14S49K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Similar idea, but we wanted the brushed-nickel.

 

[Fun Hurts]

Bath fixture and reading lamps showed up. Literally laughed out loud when I opened the lamps.
Didn’t bother to actually *read* the dimensions of the lamp…much smaller than the original lights.
After looking at the ones you ordered, the dimensions look similar to what you got.
Question is, then, did you have to use a plate or block to mount the light against, in order to cover the existing hole?
I never removed a reading light, so I don’t know how big an opening I’ll need to cover. I’d like to be able to take all the materials I’ll need for the install.
Thanks!

 

[h_gerry]

Bath fixture and reading lamps showed up. Literally laughed out loud when I opened the lamps.
Didn’t bother to actually *read* the dimensions of the lamp…much smaller than the original lights.
After looking at the ones you ordered, the dimensions look similar to what you got.
Question is, then, did you have to use a plate or block to mount the light against, in order to cover the existing hole?
I never removed a reading light, so I don’t know how big an opening I’ll need to cover. I’d like to be able to take all the materials I’ll need for the install.
Thanks!

Only one light in the bunk cabin had a mounting plate already on the wall to which I mounted the new light. The other two I replaced (bunk cabin and main salon) did not have mounting plates and none were needed. I was able to simply mount on the wall and it covered the space taken up by the old light. I have not done the lights in the master cabin yet.

Went out to the boat and took some pictures for you of what mine looks like.

Main salon light:

(always turns sideways on me)

Main Salon (full view):

Bunk Cabin (aft bulkhead):

Bunk Cabin (fwd bulkhead):

Master Cabin (original lights):

 

[Fun Hurts]

Only one light in the bunk cabin had a mounting plate already on the wall to which I mounted the new light. The other two I replaced (bunk cabin and main salon) did not have mounting plates and none were needed. I was able to simply mount on the wall and it covered the space taken up by the old light. I have not done the lights in the master cabin yet.

Went out to the boat and took some pictures for you of what mine looks like.

Main salon light:
View attachment 120756
(always turns sideways on me)

Main Salon (full view):
View attachment 120757


Bunk Cabin (aft bulkhead):
View attachment 120758



Bunk Cabin (fwd bulkhead):
View attachment 120759


Master Cabin (original lights):
View attachment 120760

Nice! Turned out very well. Alrighty then, I'll go assuming they'll mount up directly and keep you posted. Thanks!

In other news, I finally learned that every pic I post, no matter what size or resolution, has to be cropped a small amount in order to display properly, otherwise they post sideways. So before attaching it to the post, double-click it wherever it's saved, crop it slightly height-and-width-wise, resave, post. Good to go.

 

[Eluther3]

What did you get for the reading lamps? Ours are all mostly broken and on the list for upgrades. ;-)

I used these for reading lights in the main cabin. Liked them so much I put them in the middle bedroom as well

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K14S49K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[h_gerry]

I used these for reading lights in the main cabin. Liked them so much I put them in the middle bedroom as well

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K14S49K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think I got mine after seeing you post about them

 

[Fun Hurts]

I think I got mine after seeing you post about them

New lights! Downside...sleeping quarters lights work very well, but seems that the default when you flip the light switch is "off", until you touch them. They are dimming/bright by touch. Flip the switch, touch the light. She likes them. I'll make it work. The USB port is a nice feature.
Bathroom light is a go. Overwhelmingly bright at first, but only because the previous light was so dim. The boss thought it was too bright until she was putting in contacts and putting on her face, then decided it was just right.
The fit is great width-wise, too tall height-wise, but the top-side overhang is not offensive or really noticeable. The price is cheap enough that if it turns into an issue after a season of use, we can toss it and try another option.
And pics of the small lights are pending...

 

[h_gerry]

New lights! Downside...sleeping quarters lights work very well, but seems that the default when you flip the light switch is "off", until you touch them. They are dimming/bright by touch. Flip the switch, touch the light. She likes them. I'll make it work. The USB port is a nice feature.
Bathroom light is a go. Overwhelmingly bright at first, but only because the previous light was so dim. The boss thought it was too bright until she was putting in contacts and putting on her face, then decided it was just right.
The fit is great width-wise, too tall height-wise, but the top-side overhang is not offensive or really noticeable. The price is cheap enough that if it turns into an issue after a season of use, we can toss it and try another option.
And pics of the small lights are pending...View attachment 121270 View attachment 121271

Looks good. For brightness, I would suggest replacing the original round lights as well. I removed the original Perko lights and put in 4 Lumitec Mirage lights that are dimmable. You turn on the switch and the lights increase in intensity. You turn the switch off and back on and the lights hold that brightness level. Turning off the center light allows you to use the others as a “night light” so you don’t have to enter the head in the dark. Letting them go to full intensity give much more light then the Perko’s can supply.

Just the next step in evolution…..

 

[markrsimon]

So this is what the seat looked like after using it as the stepping off point from the starboard gunwale or transom all summer. Just got it back from the shop and it looks great, and I'd like to avoid a redo next fall.

The boat came with two pairs of brackets (like in the attached pic) already installed on both port and starboard sides, presumably for a cockpit ladder/steps. No steps were included with the purchase.

So I'm looking for suggestions on the best way to improve on this? Currently using a very small folding step on the port side when I go forward to work the anchor. It's fine for me, but not so good for less-athletic folks, like when Mom wants to sit at the bow.

As always, thanks for your input.

Your seat looks just like mine! We have the ladder, yet everyone seems to like stepping on the seat. Im reworking that rear bench - and adding the cupholders on each end. The express’ with the wrap around seating have a single cupholder by the transom door (see pic below). Im going to copy that - for both side of the seat - and try to arrange/structure it so people can step on that cupholder piece (or area) instead of the seat. Not sure exactly how the layout would be - maybe a small flat section for a footing on the outside of the cupholder. Thats my idea currently. Let me know what you come up with!

 

[Fun Hurts]

Your seat looks just like mine! We have the ladder, yet everyone seems to like stepping on the seat. Im reworking that rear bench - and adding the cupholders on each end. The express’ with the wrap around seating have a single cupholder by the transom door (see pic below). Im going to copy that - for both side of the seat - and try to arrange/structure it so people can step on that cupholder piece (or area) instead of the seat. Not sure exactly how the layout would be - maybe a small flat section for a footing on the outside of the cupholder. Thats my idea currently. Let me know what you come up with!

I think the pic may not have attached to your post. Hmm. How do you "rework" the bench? I'd love to have a wrap-around, or even cupholders on the bench. As it is, we've got the single flip-up bench.

 

[h_gerry]

I think the pic may not have attached to your post. Hmm. How do you "rework" the bench? I'd love to have a wrap-around, or even cupholders on the bench. As it is, we've got the single flip-up bench.

My boat has the “wrap-around” seating in the cockpit. Forms a nice social and sitting area.

I believe the step to access the gunwale is from the factory:

 

[Nick Hahn]

My boat has the “wrap-around” seating in the cockpit. Forms a nice social and sitting area.

View attachment 121361 View attachment 121362

Do you ever remove the "flip up custion" in the middle of the "U"? (What is it even for? A place to step if you enter the boat from the side?) We are having all our upholstery re-done and are considering eliminating it by making it part of the rear corner section.

 

[h_gerry]

The

Do you ever remove the "flip up custion" in the middle of the "U"? (What is it even for? A place to step if you enter the boat from the side?) We are having all our upholstery re-done and are considering eliminating it by making it part of the rear corner section.

The middle cushion has snaps on the front edge so it can be flipped over and leaves the wood step/bench exposed to allow you to use it to get to the gunwale. I can take a picture of it when I get home to the boat later.
I am actually taking a boater safety course today (as a refresher for me) with my son and wife.

 

[Nick Hahn]

The

The middle cushion has snaps on the front edge so it can be flipped over and leaves the wood step/bench exposed to allow you to use it to get to the gunwale. I can take a picture of it when I get home to the boat later.
I am actually taking a boater safety course today (as a refresher for me) with my son and wife.

That's what we figured, but we have full rear tent canvas, and normally leave at least the top up, so I don't know how often it would get used. We always just walk around the swim platform and walk up along the side. . .
Will have to look at it again and evaluate if that would be a better option.

 

[h_gerry]

That's what we figured, but we have full rear tent canvas, and normally leave at least the top up, so I don't know how often it would get used. We always just walk around the swim platform and walk up along the side. . .
Will have to look at it again and evaluate if that would be a better option.

We usually go up to the bow via the port side as the starboard has the air horns and shore power connections. We also have the full enclosure and leave the Bimini top up.