Hi All. I just volunteered my boat for a test case using these LED strip lights that are available on ebay cheap out of china. I haven't seen them used on boats before. They are marketed as being waterproof. There are a few variations on the LED types with the two most common being "SMD 5050" and "SMD 3528". The 5050 have triple LEDs so they can be made into any colour, they are also brighter because of the triple LED and consume more. The 3528, which I ordered, are smaller, single cell LEDs and consume less (why I chose them). Both varieties come in 5 meter lengths for about $20. The 3528 strip that I ordered has 600 LEDs on it! They can be cut to size. I purchased these to provide accent lighting in the cabin. They should be bright enough to be used as a primary light source for hanging out but not for reading (not the way I'm installing them, anyway).
For the accent lighting I'll be installing them behind the teak trim on both sides of the boat just under the cabinets on either side. They should be hidden from view in there and I will likely aim them UP into that void rather than down, I'm a big fan of diffused lighting. I ordered the "natural white 4500k" LEDs. What I'm hoping to accomplish is a nice subdued ambient light in the cabin. I might even try a dimmer. If anyone is interested in this I can update once received and installed. Check them out: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310638125425&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160 For $20 I figure it's worth the gamble. They are 12V DC so should be a snap to install. I've got other ideas too. I'll see how this first strip works out and I'm curious to see what the real world power consumption is. Steve C&C 32 Toronto
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