Instead of buying an expensive retail solution or having to engineer my own light, I found out about Chip-On-Board (COB LEDs). No Drivers needed. The board is aluminum and therefore waterproof and rust proof. The lights are covered in epoxy so also waterproof.
I found one that claims 3500-7000lm for $10 and is waterproof and rust proof by design. Used just two bolts to mount it on the back of my engine mount underwater, no holes in the hull, and ran two wires to my light existing light switches.
Brighter than anything else on the market for boats and a fraction of the price. It’s been on the boat the entire 2021 season with no issues so far.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08RJWDYJD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin...(link is external)
The manufacturer claims 12v minimum, +13watt requiring a heatsink with a 14v max.
My boat runs ~12.6v with the engine off, and >16v while running. But since the light is underwater it seems to have enough cooling. Probably killing the longevity of the light but for $10 it’s still holding up well.
I havent tested the exact lumens but it’s bright enough to light up the entire back of the boat and wrap half way around the 16’ bowrider. A second one isnt necessary at all.
I found one that claims 3500-7000lm for $10 and is waterproof and rust proof by design. Used just two bolts to mount it on the back of my engine mount underwater, no holes in the hull, and ran two wires to my light existing light switches.
Brighter than anything else on the market for boats and a fraction of the price. It’s been on the boat the entire 2021 season with no issues so far.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08RJWDYJD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin...(link is external)
The manufacturer claims 12v minimum, +13watt requiring a heatsink with a 14v max.
My boat runs ~12.6v with the engine off, and >16v while running. But since the light is underwater it seems to have enough cooling. Probably killing the longevity of the light but for $10 it’s still holding up well.
I havent tested the exact lumens but it’s bright enough to light up the entire back of the boat and wrap half way around the 16’ bowrider. A second one isnt necessary at all.
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