Navigation Lights

[Robert Lemasters]

I replaced the old damaged Pearson port and starboard running lights with new Perko LED lights. I found them unsatifactory, sent them back to the factory because the chrome came off of one and both of them had water condensation inside. That was two weeks ago after exchanging emails and I have yet to recieve replacements. The LEDs draw less amps and seem to put out brighter light than the orginal units. I just hope that these lights are not another example of good old traditional American products that were so dependible being manufactured in Mexico or Communist China, if so I will look for old USA made replacements.

[Bill]

Here is another photo of the cabin side running lights. (see post # 4) Note the Sea Dog plastic replacement globes that are available at your local chandlery. These need their sockets knocked out and replaced. Probably will "switch" to LED bulbs . . .

[Sprite]

If you look at West Marine's catalog the new one, I noticed they have bayonet LEDs, which can fit into the bayonet sockets of your old lights where the GE 90's would go. They sell them for $40 clams. But you can get them from url]http://www.superbrightleds.com[/url] for $8.00 found them out in Boat Works Magazine

[Sprite]

Bill,

You don't have to change the sockets on your old lights. You get the bayonet LEDs from superbright LEDS. Your old sockets are fine!!!!! But do you know a place that sells the rubber gaskets that fit the glass globes. They have the bayonet LEDs in West Marine but they are asking $40.00 for them. Totally ridiculous. http://www.superbrightleds.com does it for $8.00 per light.

More Sane


John

[Bill]

But do you know a place that sells the rubber gaskets that fit the glass globes.

No source for these, to my knowledge. I plan to fabricate new ones. Maybe use "O" rings.

[Theis]

Question: How well do the LEDs relate in terms of brilliance to the incandescents?

I don't want to diminish either the brilliance of the light or the angle at which they can be seen. The lights are relatively low to the water to begin with. I am not certain the big 1,000 ft freighters, not to mention the cigarette boats racing around at midnight, can see them that well.

[Mike Goodwin]

Not all , if any are USCG approved . Approval = x lumens at y feet or yards . LEDS tend to be not as bright and more directional . I have replaced all interior lights with LEDS , but hanging back on the running lights . I have a photometric light meter , left over from a previous life, that can take spot readings from sources and surfaces far away . I may do a test in the future . Also get a red bulb and a green bulb , they will not be filtered by the lenses and will appear brighter .