LED nav lights

[sighmoon]

I'm planning to replace the nav lights on the boat. I figure while I'm about it, I may switch to LEDs.

The big brands (compass etc) have them for about £80 a piece but I've seen them for much less on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/LED-Navigation-Lights-BLACK-Supa-Bright-Boat-Trailer_W0QQitemZ2

Is there any practical difference? Has anybody tried the cheaper ones? The ebay ones are in Oz; does anyone know anywhere closer?

 

[TRH]

Hi Remember that each Nav lights should comply to a certain power output.

 

[sighmoon]

They both claim 2 miles.

 

[sarabande]

Umm. Rule 22 talks about the visible range of lights, not their power. Power is a means of achieving range.

 

[gavin_lacey]

Be careful about the colour of replacement LED bulbs. Some of them seem to appear blue when used in a standard green nav light.

 

[machurley22]

This listing (2) has been removed or is no longer available. Please make sure you entered the right item number.
If the listing was removed by eBay, consider it canceled. Note: Listings that have ended more than 90 days ago will no longer appear on eBay

Too good to be true perhaps?

 

[jon]

You have presumably seen this thread?
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/1341122/an/0/page/0#1341122

 

[Clyde_Wanderer]

Why not just change your bulbs for LED's instead of changing the complete units, there was a link to a site on here a while back selling LED bulbs, which were specific replacements for nav light bulbs.

 

[sighmoon]

jon, clyde wanderer, hadn't seen that. Thanks!

 

[thalassa]

As the mast is down and the anchor light (aqua-signal tricolour-anchor combi) didn't work anyway, I was planning to replace the bulbs with the LED replacement lamps too.
But, years of tinkering with boats learnt me that I've NEVER actually burnt out a bulb in any navigation lamp. Invariably, it was the electric connection in the lamp socket giving trouble. In my old boat, I fixed my - frequently used- anchor light permanently by soldering connecting wires to the bulb studs and put them in a fabricated lamp socket.
I think this is (apart from integrated LED units, like the LOPO ) the most reliable - if not straightforward- way to go.
Most higher-spec lamps in chemical lab apparatus have this arrangement, as the environment is an equally aggresive one.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
by soldering connecting wires to the bulb studs

[/ QUOTE ] Soldering wires is frowned upon by many claiming that it will lead to the wires failing as a result of vibration immediately beyond the solder. I did not say I agreed but it is something to bear in mind.

I've had no trouble at all with my Aquasignal tricolour but I have lightly coated the contacts with silicone grease. All the other navlights as well for that matter.

I am considering using the LED replacement bulbs from either Ultraleds or Doctorleds. I can't see the point of replacing the whole lantern if it is in good condition and the problems with poor contacts can be easily overcome.

 

[thalassa]

Fully agree on the "marine-soldering" issue. This mainly deals with soldering long, solid-core wiring in boats. For ease of fitting, quite a number of older French and Dutch boats have this "home/industrial" type of wire fitted. For any electric work on boats, I only solder short lenghts of fine braided copper wire, with soft solder. Many use the shoddy crimping stuff from car shops, a far worse practice IMHO.