LED Navigation Lights

D

dollelliott

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Joined
Feb 17, 2003
RO Number
11160
Messages
121
I understand the the Coast Guard is rather particular about replacing any old Perko Nav light with an LED and that there are specific recommendations for each type of fixture. Can I find a reference for this or a list of existing nav lights with approved LED's for them? I'd hate to replace a perfectly good housing (I just had them rechromed) to merely change the bulb type.
 
I think it's prudent to use USCG approved LED navigation fixtures. I wouldn't want to be involved in an incident at night and have saving a few bucks cause me to have to hire an atty.
I have used LED navigation USCG approved fixtures since they were initially launched over 7 years ago. I think they are brighter and there are no bulb to base connections to cause corrosion or intermittent operation.
Bill
 
Agree with Billylll. Just putting in an LED bulb defeats the single greatest feature and that is no corroding contacts. An LED bulb in an incandescent fixture does not really represent a quantum leap in reliability. A LED fixture will have epoxy potted components and no metal contacts. Other than bulb life, there is no real upside to putting LED bulbs into an incandescent fixture.
 
I don't do a lot of night boating. I have noticed that LED nav lights are more visible than incandescent nav lights.
 
BillyIII and GeeBee both brought up the two points I would have made, and they are excellent points.

That type approval is a big chunk of liability-proofing, so to speak, in the unfortunate event of an accident. And why just replace the bulb with an LED hack when you can replace it with an LED fixture? I've been running workboats with LED nav lights since they first came out - haven't replaced (nor seen replaced) a single one yet (for an LED failure, that is. Replaced one after I smashed it a few years back.)
 
There are some terrific buys out there using name brand LED USCG approved navigation lights. I believe the Aqua Signal 33 series port, starboard and aft LED fixtures are around $45.00 each at Defender.
Well worth the increased visibility and no maintenance issues in my opinion.
My 1st LED Navigation lights on Wireless One were in excess of $150.00 for each fixture. The prices have come down on even the high quality LED Navigation lights, they are worth every dollar in my opinion.
Bill
 
Follow up: Contacted Marinebeam and their response was quite informative. Their catalog is an easy read so I replaced my two nav lights and stern light (on a portable pole). All seemed to fit the sockets very well though the pole light took a bit of nudging because of a close fiting glass dome. Am pleased to date.
 
Follow up: Contacted Marinebeam and their response was quite informative. Their catalog is an easy read so I replaced my two nav lights and stern light (on a portable pole). All seemed to fit the sockets very well though the pole light took a bit of nudging because of a close fiting glass dome. Am pleased to date.
 
They are one of the best and very informative. Don't mess around with non USCG approved LED navigation fixtures it's not worth it.
Bill
 
Les, what's the significance of boat size. I know the visibility requirements are different but is there something else?
 
quote:
Originally posted by mdoherty

Les, what's the significance of boat size. I know the visibility requirements are different but is there something else?

Click to expand...


Covered in Rules 21 to 31 of the Navigation Rules.
 
If you anchor out, having a LED anchor light saves the battery big time.

Roy
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roy

If you anchor out, having a LED anchor light saves the battery big time.

Roy

Click to expand...
Not only does it save on battery drain/ load but they are much brighter. The much brighter part is the important part to me.
The USCG rules are not an absolute they are a minimum. It's okay to have lights that can be seen at greater distances. Having brighter LED navigation and anchor LED lighting is not against USCG rules.
Bill
 
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