Underwater lights

[Shrew]

I'll add to those in the "no need for unnecessary holes below the waterline" camp. Also, we spend most of out time out on anchor, where we're counting every amp burned. I just can't see chasing around shutting off interior only to run exterior lights underwater.

I'm a adult, I don't need to see baitfish.

[danderer]

Originally Posted by boomerang

IMHO there too many lights on the water already with everybody lighting up their docks & houses (a HUGE peeve of mine but that's a rant for another thread). When we anchor out for the evening we try to find a spot with no invasive lights so as to enjoy the natural evening light that nature provides.

Personally I agree with this. But different strokes.

I'd like to make a request of folks who do have them: Enjoy them, but then turn them off when you're done. I've been anchored by boats that turn them on, go ashore, come back, go to bed, and they're still on the next morning.

[Fletcher500]

Boating is about having fun. If someone wants lights, great. It turns the area behind the boat into their own personal aquarium. I have spent countless hours sitting with little kids watching fish and trying to catch them...unsuccessfully. And yes, I turned them off at night....Funny.

[BruceK]

Good for attracting squid?

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by danderer

Personally I agree with this. But different strokes.

I'd like to make a request of folks who do have them: Enjoy them, but then turn them off when you're done. I've been anchored by boats that turn them on, go ashore, come back, go to bed, and they're still on the next morning.

How is this a problem for other boats?

Believe me, I am around a lot of boats that have them and how they are a problem for anyone else unless you are an astronomer.... is beyond me.

[AusCan]

I don't have them but I'm considering getting at least a portable underwater light.

Luckily our water clarity is great the majority of the time and it doesn't take much of a light to attract a lot of fish.

I'm also an adult and have seen my share of baitfish, but I never tire of watching the smiles on kids as they are introduced to what mother nature has on offer under the water.

Bruce - I've been told the blue lights attract the squid.

[seasalt007]

Since I am only semi-grumpy my response is that I plan to replace mine next haul out. Viewing the aquarium under the boat is very nice after a nice happy hour and a nice meal.

I am looking for the best buy on the lights...not the most expensive or the cheapest.

[Seevee]

I'm in the camp that wants them. They are cool

Just need to figure out which ones....

Any good recommendations?

[tiltrider1]

Limited sea blaze x are the most bang for the buck. The are reasonable priced, only a 1/4” hole needed, very reliable, color and clear.

Not as bright as the 800w halogens but you can’t have it all.

I have used both and I am not sure which I liked best.

[tiltrider1]

Lumitec not limited. Dumb spell checker.

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by Fletcher500

Boating is about having fun. If someone wants lights, great. It turns the area behind the boat into their own personal aquarium. I have spent countless hours sitting with little kids watching fish and trying to catch them...unsuccessfully. And yes, I turned them off at night....Funny.

Ooooh, ooooh. Look at the fish. So exciting? ... Beyond small fish eating dead skin cells off my feet, the idea of fish in the water is creepy.

[psneeld]

So are flying bridges. And ocean voyages on vessels less than 1000 feet.

Yeah,....Mark.....you are a nice, interesting guy, but there is another view on life that a lot of others like....

[Fletcher500]

Originally Posted by markpierce

Ooooh, ooooh. Look at the fish. So exciting? ... Beyond small fish eating dead skin cells off my feet, the idea of fish in the water is creepy.

100 ft. From a Humpback...Creepy?

How about Free diving 20 miles off the coast in 2k ft. Deep water with 50 Lb. tuna. Swimming nearby. Also Creepy?

My guess is yes.

To each his own. It's about having fun and enjoying life. It goes quick.

[Lou_tribal]

I love diving, I love all sort of marine life from some sort of camo shrimp I saw to big fishes and whales, I just love to be underwater.
At the same time I won’t put underwater lights as for me it is like having someone having spotlights on in my bedroom. Would I like to get a spotlight in the eyes when I expect dark night... hell no.
But I won’t judge other wishes, blue light under water is kinda cool, just not my kind of things.

L

[psneeld]

No light, no fish....... turn on light, instant aquarium where all but the bottom of the food chain seems to come and enjoy the buffet.

Cant say whether the light bothers them ......they seem come anyway....and if not..... there they wind up near some other light.

[boomerang]

OK, so with my wife out for a Saturday morning walk I sat down & researched the lights I was *thinking* of purchasing to surprise her.
Lumitec seemed like a basic entry-level place to start. I wanted multi-colored & found their mini led was just under $130 my wholesale cost. OK not the brightest in the world but they'd be good enough for us so I'm up to $260 for a pair. Not bad. Then I read they are made of aluminum & had to be painted with special paint nor could they be within 1" of conventional copper paint. OK...seems like a bit of a PITA with more paint to buy so I looked at bronze-cased models. The Lumitec SeaBlaze with bronze housing 2-color is $275 my cost (X 2=$550...I'm getting less enamored with this project now...) & the Seablaze bronze multi...$575 each! Now I've offically thrown in the towel on that route.
The Attwoods & Perkos are absolutely too rinky-dink to be mounted in the hull of a boat that I depend on to keep me above the water so I'm leaning towards ,as some have suggested, either building some sort of a remotely mounted bracket to mount the less-expensive lights on & then fasten said bracket to my hull with a method I'm comfortable with or better yet & more than likely, buy a floating underwater light & chunk the damn thing over to watch when we're anchored.
I absolutely do not skimp on quality when it comes to upgrading important stuff but underwater lights are just fluff & glitter (IMO) & the $1000 could be better spent elsewhere!
I'll find something else equally romantic to buy my wife that's still practical...like maybe a new set of tires for her car!
Just kidding.
They still have plenty of tread left on them...

[Sealife]

For $20 try the one from Amazon.com. I don’t think you will be disappointed, besides it will cost more than that to build a bracket.

I am a very happy customer. Used regularly over 2 years in Caribbean, still working great

[hollywood8118]

Originally Posted by Lou_tribal

I love diving, I love all sort of marine life from some sort of camo shrimp I saw to big fishes and whales, I just love to be underwater.
At the same time I won’t put underwater lights as for me it is like having someone having spotlights on in my bedroom. Would I like to get a spotlight in the eyes when I expect dark night... hell no.
But I won’t judge other wishes, blue light under water is kinda cool, just not my kind of things.

L

so does the sun never come out in your area?

light doesn't travel that far underwater so I would imagine the little fishies will just swim out of the light if it bothers them that much.

I'm in the camp the lights are cool, if you like looking at an aquarium you would like uw lights
HOLLYWOOD

[Lou_tribal]

Originally Posted by hollywood8118

so does the sun never come out in your area?

Not during the night.

L

[kthoennes]

Originally Posted by Lou_tribal

Not during the night.

L

Or barely in the winter.