See full version: How to install LED light strips on a boat
Once you've cut and/or reconnected your strips, you can cover any open components with some high-grade silicon sealant. We use the same type of silicon gel to coat our IP65 LED strip lights, so you know it's good! The seal will be strong and water tight if used properly, and if you're using connectors, feel free to coat the connector in the silicon as well (though this seals it tight, it can make the connector tougher to get to if there are any issues. [links]
Depending on where the lights are located on your boat, this answer could change, but at the very least we suggest weatherproof LED strip lights, which are graded IP65. Now you could also want full on waterproof LED strip lights (IP67) if your lights are anywhere near your boats outer edge, or even on the hull itself. If you want to be safe, IP67's all the way can't hurt as boats are quite commonly associated with and surrounded by water. Let's say you're only looking for cabin lighting though, in that case IP65's will work fine. [links]
Simply put, a DC voltage regulator makes sure DC power doesn't exceed 12V, I could bore you with the science, but neither of us are here for that. In some large vehicles, boats included, there's a chance that the 12V battery can output more than those 12V, sometimes up to 13, or even 14 volts depending on how charged the battery is or if it's under a lot of strain. So if there's no regulator on your boat, the following effects may become present in your LED lights: Dimming, loss of hearing, fading, light pattern baldness, and even burn outs. If your lights or lights you know have experienced any of these effects, you should have bought a DC voltage regulator. more
If you're mounting LED strip lights in the cabin or away from watery areas on your boat, then the adhesive that comes standard on the strips will work fine as long as you make sure you're mounting on a smooth, dry, and clean surface. Looking for something tougher? We offer a super strong foam mounting tape on our website. It's the same tape used on our IP65's! Now for the fully waterproof IP67's, there's no included adhesive as the strip is contained in a waterproof silicon sleeve. Don't worry though! These lights ship with mounting clips that can be screwed in anywhere you need them. Now we don't want you drilling holes in the side of your beautiful boat, so you can actually use the silicon sealant I mentioned earlier as a mounting option for these strips! And as always, zip-ties are tough to beat if they can be made to work! [links]
Best way? Wire your lights directly into your boat's 12V battery and enjoy! With most boats this task is as simple as finding the boat's fuse box or breaker panel. Listen though, a word of caution, you have to, absolutely have to, make sure that the power source is 12V. A fair many boats have regulators built in that will prevent the power from spiking up to 13 or 14 volts, but if your boat doesn't have this safety feature, don't worry, you can protect your LEDs with a DC voltage regulator.
For more help with your LED projects our free eBook, titled ' How to Choose LED Strip Lights' is an ideal guide in the next stage of your LED lighting journey.
We’d suggest attaching the strips under your seats, this is a tried and tested area and provides great mood lighting.
If you're looking for pontoon boat LED light but don't have the time to do your own research and to compare prices, then go for this one. [links]
Collect all your wires and securely connect the positive and negative end to the right sides of the switch.
Since you’re dealing with so many electrical components, consider investing in a pontoon boat cover with snaps. Thus, not only keeping the lights safe from rain, while the boat is docked but also protecting the entire boat as a whole. more
Once you find the perfect spot, attach your strips to it. Break away the paper on the back to expose the adhesive and stick it onto the surface. Since these strips can be connected from both sides, you can cut the roll-up according to the amount you need.
Here’s a simple guide:
With that much lighting surrounding you in the cockpit, choosing blue LED rope lighting is the way to go. The calming blue illumination will be better on the eyes because it won’t be as bright as white lights. [links]
Upgrading our cockpit lighting with blue LED lights was one of the most dramatic – yet simple – updates we have made to our boat.
Their boat looks very dramatic at night with the LED courtesy lights , and they save energy while on their batteries for extended hours. In fact, they are so convinced of the energy savings that they are talking about replacing all of their interior cabin lights with LED light bulbs too. more
The latest underwater LED lights are made of specially formulated polymer so they are corrosion proof and resistant to chemicals. This means they will require little maintenance after installed – no zinc anodes are even needed. But obviously, this is one upgrade that is easier to accomplish when the boat is out of the water in the spring or fall.
Having blue lights in the arch and white lights near the floor gives us the option of having the blue glowing lights while relaxing on deck, or using the white lights when we need better visibility in the cockpit.
They are bright enough to allow you to see the deck at night without dealing with the eyestrain of bright white light options.
We have written another article that lists all the rules and regulations regarding boat lighting.
It is portable, lightweight, and affordable. Buy a few and place them in your cabin for some wonderful bug-free relaxation. [links]