LED light strips

[BigN8]

I'm going to install some LED strip lighting in the next few weeks. Question. Did you guys rely on the adhesive backing that comes with the strip or did you use something else to adhere the strips to the boat? I'm thinking of using the same 3M VHB tape that comes with the gopro cameras.

 

[Detonate]

The tape on the back of the ones we did in the kitchen was garbage...

No way I could see it holding up in a boat.

 

[maboat]

It works fine on my boat

I guess the real answer is "it depends" on what you're sticking it to. It sticks fine to smooth clean fiberglass inside the boat. But it can also be peeled off if needed (which I prefer). Probably need something stronger if attached to the outside of the boat or speakers.

Whatever you use, don't make it too permanent. Even though they are LED's they don't last forever. Most are made in China and don't have the best reputation for quality or longevity. The odds are that you will need to replace some sections at some point in time. I installed LED strips last year and I already have one section that I need to replace this year.

 

[jcyamaharider]

I peeled mine off and used the same stuff that the go pro cameras have.

 

[whaler7626]

Do you guys reccomend any specific LED product? Thanks!

 

[jcyamaharider]

Not really. As MAboat said, most of them are made in china anyways so why pay more when it is not needed. I bought mine off of eaby for 16-20 dollars. I can't remember. I had both 3528 RGB's and 5050 RGBs ( in the boat now.) Both worked great! The more lummens (sp?) you want the more the price goes up. Like if you get a better quality light strip from superbrightleds, which is where I bought all of my quick connects and wire, those run around 125ish plus.

 

[whaler7626]

Thanks!

 

[Lspeedss]

I used some LEDs that are used for backlighting signs. 3m VHB was already attached to them. Has held up well for two seasons mounted behind my rear pad seat back.Glows blue from the coves onto my rear deck. 3m VHB is the best double sided tape available.

 

[Volffas]

Is anyone running them on the outside of their boat? I would like to see pictures!

 

[jcyamaharider]

Just one spot.

 

[Jim Robeson]

@BigN8 ... you will want to clean the area very thorougly before you adhere the strip to the fiberglass. You can use some isopropyl alcohol to clean with as this shouldn't damage the fiberglass. We actually make some of the VHB tape here and use it for a variety of things around the lab. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[Andy S]

I installed 8 these blue led strips, http://www.amazon.com/Truck-Flexibl...YIU6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338027299&sr=8-1 , in the spring of 2012. I used the tape on the led strip for mounting and so far they have all stayed in place.

 

[6wheeldiesel]

As others have said, the tape should hold up as long as you prepare the surface by cleaning it. We use all the time on many applications and it holds up well. Our off road LED Whips take alot of abuse but the led's stay where they should....

 

[justason]

Do you guys reccomend any specific LED product? Thanks!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D1SWLJG/ref=oh_details_o03_s01_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

these can be found at Autozone.....or bought off AMAZON for about $5 less. I installed these with the adhesive supplied to the fiberglass under/behind the swim deck back rest....ie: engine vents. so far so good. for the location they are in I wish they were brighter.......inside the cockpit they would be fine, and make an 8" length that may be better..

Some ultra cheeps I bought off ebay lasted hours there.

I'm installing some of these on my trailer soon to test their aquatic performance capabilities. (noted as water resistant)

 

[whaler7626]

Cool!

 

[whaler7626]

My next question would then be how do you wire these into the boat? Do you recommend right into the courtesy light switch or a new switch? Thanks again for all the help!

 

[justason]

My next question would then be how do you wire these into the boat? Do you recommend right into the courtesy light switch or a new switch? Thanks again for all the help!

that's a function of choice. I didn't want my blue cup holders washed out by the white cabin lights...I also didnt want any lights pulling from the engine battery.

I ran a dedicated power run to the dash...then created a switch for each event. internal LED cupholders, external LED on swim deck, and the moon light in the tower......3 new dash switches.

 

[whaler7626]

So is the "dedicated power run" to a house battery? Sorry I don't know much about electrical stuff... I like the idea of giving each "event" it's own switch though!

 

[justason]

So is the "dedicated power run" to a house battery? Sorry I don't know much about electrical stuff... I like the idea of giving each "event" it's own switch though!

Yes, i installed a house battery completely separate from the engine battery (add a fuse). and ran power and ground to under my dash. Once there I installed a terminal block that I can branch out to the radio, lights, LEDs and charging outlet. I have an 2 bank onboard battery charger so it charges each battery independently. I also carry 2 battery cables so in the event of a dead engine battery I can install jumpers for a two bank......but actually I'd prob swap the batteries depending on where i was.

here's everything I used:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FOYOK6/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003RCJB62/ref=oh_details_o03_s01_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007B86Z94/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055HOK7C/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MT95LY/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002KR88A/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DONZYA/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i08?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BSUR2Q/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QALLOQ/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[jcyamaharider]

Mine has a power box with a remote control. I just use that to turn it off.