Replacement bulb

Paulus · November 28, 2016, 01:17:11 PM

I want to replace my fluorescent tubes with the following: 12" F8T5 LED Tube for Fluorescent Fixtures (FL-T5-66)
These are from Marinebeam. Has anyone done this change and what brightness did you choose?
The original came from West Marine and are working fine, need more light.
Thanks, Paul

Ekutney · November 28, 2016, 02:15:36 PM

I replaced the OEM light fixture in the head with the following:

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/led-dome-light-fixtures-non-waterproof/105-oval-dome-light-led-fixture-with-switch/1490/3465/

It provides plenty of light and fits where the previous fluorescent fixture went, a pic is below.

Ekutney · November 28, 2016, 02:27:15 PM

Just in case, another light which I found very useful was the following:

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/swivel-led/18-12-heavy-duty-swivel-led-utility-light-bar-w-12-leds-and-rocker-switch/1230/

These come in a variety of lengths and rotate 90 deg, I installed one in place of the fluorescent bulb above the Ice box and one for the Nav desk. They come in handy because they only require two screws to mount, are lightweight and can be adjusted to shine directly down or back towards the bulkhead. I mounted them on the teak piece which is underneath the trim mounted at 45 deg.

Jon W · November 28, 2016, 05:04:01 PM

Noticed your mirror is on the wall to the right of the sink. Mine is on the bulkhead by the toilet.

Anyone know which is the original OEM location?

Stu Jackson · November 28, 2016, 05:18:55 PM

Quote from: Jon W on November 28, 2016, 05:04:01 PM
Noticed your mirror is on the wall to the right of the sink. Mine is on the bulkhead by the toilet.

Anyone know which is the original OEM location?

Doesn't really matter, does it? I'm not even sure there was an OEM mirror.

Mine is on the forward bulkhead.

Noah · November 28, 2016, 07:25:45 PM

Mine is foward too, and when I got the boat there were cheapo bayonet round incandescent puck lights not fluorescent. On a 30 year old boat with many previous POs, the term "standard" is kinda moot. I changed all fixtures to LED, using a variety manufactures to fit the location: from Dr. LED, to Hella chart light to Luna Sea, to Alpenglow, which are my and Practical Sailor's favorite.

Ekutney · November 28, 2016, 07:37:09 PM

Mirror is one the forward bulkhead in the head, the mirror in the picture I posted is a small medicine cabinet mounted to the aft bulkhead.

I agree with Stu's comment... On a 30 yr old boat it's hard to know what was standard.

As an example I have Maxwell winches, I was told there were original. I also had three water tanks, one in the V berth, one starboard side under the settee and a great big water bladder under the aft berth.

Jon W · November 28, 2016, 08:21:18 PM

No, doesn't really matter. Just curious.

KWKloeber · November 28, 2016, 08:52:56 PM

Paul

Note that Nate is developing a red/white LED replacement for fluorescent tubes -- that will operate just like the red/white switchable LED fixtures and bulbs. The last I heard it isn't in production.... maybe soon.

-ken

Quote from: Paulus on November 28, 2016, 01:17:11 PM
I want to replace my fluorescent tubes with the following: 12" F8T5 LED Tube for Fluorescent Fixtures (FL-T5-66)
These are from Marinebeam. Has anyone done this change and what brightness did you choose?
The original came from West Marine and are working fine, need more light.
Thanks, Paul

Paulus · December 13, 2016, 06:31:00 AM

I replaced the 2 fluorescent tubes with the 12" F8T5 LED tubes. Had to remove or disconnect the ballast and rewire following their instruction. Installed the light on the boat yesterday. Very pleased with the extra light.
This company was easy to deal with and great customer service.

https://store.marinebeam.com/marine-led-fixtures/

KWKloeber · December 13, 2016, 08:24:36 AM

Paul, did it come w/ printed instructions you can post?
I need to do the same, though I think I'd be able to figure it out. Is the new tube indexed (a pos and a neg end?)

ken

Paulus · December 13, 2016, 08:52:03 AM

It came with instructions for a 1 tube light but their web site has a link for the 2 tube light. I can post it if you want. Let me know.
Paul

KWKloeber · December 13, 2016, 10:52:07 AM

That would be great. here or wiki Thanks Paul. It never hit me that we'll have to remove the ballast, etc.
D'oh. 12v is 12v right? LOL

Paulus · December 13, 2016, 11:46:16 AM

Here are the instructions

Noah · December 13, 2016, 11:57:09 AM

It has been mentioned here before... Some of the older incandescent light fixtures may not be suitable or work efficiently as they should/could using LED replacement bulb technolgy and it might be better to just replace with new LED fixture. May have issues with both light dispersment pattern/shape using existing lens as well as heat issues?