Has anyone installed those led light strips for the bow lights?

[Bassmada]

I picked some up off amazon to install on my Ranger 188vs, as I am always having trouble with my current bow light going off (tried replacing entire mounting base with new from manufacturer and it still doesn't work right - New replacement light is $100+ vs $15 amazon led strip).
So, I want to know how others have installed them.

I have an accessory switch at the bow and console, was wondering how difficult it would be to hook it up to that or,

is it easier/better to tap into the existing wiring from the bow light base (im not sure which wire is which on the base but if I could somehow figure it out that might be the easiest?).

I saw one person cut out the rub rail and was thinking another option could be to run the wires through the channel to the back of the boat and into the battery compartment.

What did you guys do? Let me know!


Thanks!

[weiglein4]

Yes I did this years ago. The strips were about 6 inches long and I ran the wires under my trolling motor and connected them to the original bow light wiring. It was extremely simple to figure out. I chose to secure the lights to the flat part of the bow on the fiberglass directly above the rub rail. This worked for my needs.20200328_143923.JPG

[Bassmada]

Thanks for the reply. That does look good! I never thought of going under the trolling motor. I will have to take a look at that area. I think I've got more than 2 wires going to my bow light base so my concern is which wires do I need to tap into. I'll have to pull the bow light base to take a pic.

[CatFan]

Thanks for the reply. That does look good! I never thought of going under the trolling motor. I will have to take a look at that area. I think I've got more than 2 wires going to my bow light base so my concern is which wires do I need to tap into. I'll have to pull the bow light base to take a pic.

Just remember, for safety you are supposed to be able to see them from behind the middle of the boat. Not just from the side, but 122 degrees. Most installations don’t come close to being legal because the hull isn’t shaped properly to make it work.

[Bassmada]

Interesting. I was not aware of this. I think the original bow light that came with my boat had the light visible only from the front, I'm almost positive the entire back part (facing me/driver) is just chrome or black plastic, so if I'm driving I dont even see it. Thats where, in my opinion, the led strips will be 10x better because they're a much longer light strip, brighter, and not just a tiny single light bulb.

[tj]

Might want to read this (or not). (may not apply to Ontario)

https://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=1067716

[Bassmada]

Thanks TJ. I had a read through of the article which reminded me that the regulations are different in Canada vs. US. The first boat I imported here came with a ton of extra stuff all USCG approved. First time out on the water I was "pulled over" by police and given a bunch of tickets because it was all USCG approved, but not CCG approved.

So, here's what I think applies to me:

A power-driven fishing vessel not engaged in fishing when underway. (Fishing vessels of less than 12 metres in length may, in lieu of these lights(the traditional bow light), exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights).

I still have the white all round light for the back of the boat and I consider the red and green led's I'm installing to be side lights.

[BassinPaPaw]

Yes I did this years ago. The strips were about 6 inches long and I ran the wires under my trolling motor and connected them to the original bow light wiring. It was extremely simple to figure out. I chose to secure the lights to the flat part of the bow on the fiberglass directly above the rub rail. This worked for my needs.20200328_143923.JPG

If possible, can you post a pic of those with the lights off? Just curious how they look on the boat. Thank you.

[CatFan]

Interesting. I was not aware of this. I think the original bow light that came with my boat had the light visible only from the front, I'm almost positive the entire back part (facing me/driver) is just chrome or black plastic, so if I'm driving I dont even see it. Thats where, in my opinion, the led strips will be 10x better because they're a much longer light strip, brighter, and not just a tiny single light bulb.

Just offboard, you will be able to see the red or green at the position of the driver’s seat on any USCG approved nav light. But not in the seat. The strips on most boats, like the one posted above, aren’t even close to visible from the side as required.
https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/D...lerts/1015.pdf

[jjue1979]

For USCG regulation, it is correct that many LED strip installations are not setup correctly. When I needed to replace my bow stick light with a taller one or go LED strip or lamp install, I ended up getting an LED lamp because I didn't have time to calculate and install a properly LED lamp with the correct angles in the rub rail area. I just remember rough estimate would be a little further back using a lamp like this one from Taco Marine.

[TomP.]

Yes I did this years ago. The strips were about 6 inches long and I ran the wires under my trolling motor and connected them to the original bow light wiring. It was extremely simple to figure out. I chose to secure the lights to the flat part of the bow on the fiberglass directly above the rub rail. This worked for my needs.20200328_143923.JPG

This is what I did but put them under the rub rail to avoid any glare from them. The strips are about 20 inches long they can be seen from more then 120 degrees aft, they are bright enough you can actually see them on the water.

[wmitch2]

These are from BPS and they're covered in a plastic to protect and secure them. I ran the wire just under the end of the end cover piece and hooked them into the wire for the old Bow lights. That way they work with the switches already at the Bow and Console.

[BassinPaPaw]

These are from BPS and they're covered in a plastic to protect and secure them. I ran the wire just under the end of the end cover piece and hooked them into the wire for the old Bow lights. That way they work with the switches already at the Bow and Console.

I like those a lot.

[twitch]

I did that years ago when Blue water first came on the scene, tired of always plugging in the light and at the time I used a hand control trolling motor and the post was in the way sometimes, so went with a set and tied into my original wiring been good ever since .IMG_6909.JPG

[Bassmada]

I did that years ago when Blue water first came on the scene, tired of always plugging in the light and at the time I used a hand control trolling motor and the post was in the way sometimes, so went with a set and tied into my original wiring been good ever since .IMG_6909.JPG

Nice! that looks like a very clean install.

[Bassmada]

These are from BPS and they're covered in a plastic to protect and secure them. I ran the wire just under the end of the end cover piece and hooked them into the wire for the old Bow lights. That way they work with the switches already at the Bow and Console.

I wonder if those are considered legal in the US since bass pro is sellin em?

[Bassmada]

This is what I did but put them under the rub rail to avoid any glare from them. The strips are about 20 inches long they can be seen from more then 120 degrees aft, they are bright enough you can actually see them on the water.

Good to know. Thanks!

[bobcoy]

There is still no coast guard approval. The outside shape of most bows would require a much longer strip to get 120 degree viewing. Again as stated, insurance could point that out in a claim. JMO Bob

[twitch]

Better than half the boats running around the lake at night with no lights

[bobcoy]

WOW! I would not be out there at all. You were certainly better than them. I am talking about your insurance or others insurance would not be legally in compliance. Even if you were actually safer. Meant as a possible caution. Not a judgement at all. Bob