Whole Boat LED install

[2kwik4u]

........I would rather just add another rocker switch so I could power them on separately from the cockpit LED's whenever I needed to use them. That being said I would like to add one to the helm storage door!

My plan was to do a little of both of those ideas. Separate circuit for storage lighting with the switch just inside the storage door

 

[Chip F.]

I added white LEDs storage lights by tapping into the stock courtesy lights . I’m happy with the results. Wires are right there and it’s a quick mod.

 

[Bennie]

I added white LEDs storage lights by tapping into the stock courtesy lights . I’m happy with the results. Wires are right there and it’s a quick mod.

Would you happen to have a pic of your wire install?

With the Connext system the aren't any rockers to easily tap into. - thank you

 

[DavisAR195]

Here is the room...
View attachment 57763 View attachment 57764

I did this exact same thing my daughters room and painted the ceiling and above the trim piece sky blue with white vinyl cloud stickers.

 

[Chip F.]

Would you happen to have a pic of your wire install?

With the Connext system the aren't any rockers to easily tap into. - thank you

I tapped into the wires going to each light so it’s controlled with the Connext system. I don’t have any photos right now but when I get the chance I’ll post them.

 

[ken4motion]

Shout out to all who have posted here, displaying your installed LED's. Special thanks to @haknslash ...after reading your installation, I finally took the plunge and went forward with my LED install on my '14 SX190. It's something that I've been wanted to do for a while after reading the many posts. I decided to go with the Opt7 Aura LED strip kit since it included everything for the boat. All LEDs came wired with connectors. The kit includes all needed hardware to install on your boat. The LEDs appear to be of very nice quality. Since it is a multi-color kit, it also includes a control box. It has a sound sync option but the box needs to be mounted right next to a speaker for it to function correctly. The base kit includes four 24-inch strips. I also bought a 12-inch pair kit and a 4-piece 3.5-inch add kit.

After opening the box, I realized that the connectors were large and would require a large matching hole to fit each connector. I almost considered returning the kit but really wanted to make it work. So I decided to further inspect the boat for existing openings and cut outs. I found that most seat backs had cutouts behind them. I ended up having to drill one large hole behind the bow port seat backing. As you will see in the pictures, I used the port rear speaker for access and ground out a portion of the speaker frame to route a LED wire. That area is the only one that has an exposed wire. I also used the courtesy light next to the throttle as access for another wire. The Dremel came in handy to grind a recess.

You basically need to be a contortionist to fit into the storage areas on this boat. Good thing I'm a fit 6-foot, 180 pound guy! That said it was still a big challenge getting into and out of each area. Plus, the fiberglass rash on my arms was not fun. I used an 11mm socket and wrench to loosen the bolts behind the seat backs so that I could snake the wire and connector through. I mounted the control box by the stereo in the helm locker with two of the 3.5-inch LEDs. The engine bay also has a pair of 3.5's, one in the front of the engine bay and one in the top rear. The four 24-inch sections are in the main seating area and the 12-inch pair went to light up the bow seating.

I zip tied the wiring to the existing wiring conduits through out the boat. In the bow area, there is no wiring, so I hot glued the wiring to the hull so that it was clear of any interference.

All in all, I'm very satisfied with the results. I'm even more happy that I did not have to drill many large holes into the boat to get this to all work. All that is left is to hook up a power switch since I wired the control box into the 12v power plug that is next to the stereo. What I noticed is that when I turn the main battery switch on, the LED lights turn on automatically.

Links:
www.opt-7.com
http://www.opt-7.com/aura-led-accent-light-kits/

 

[FloJet]

Shout out to all who have posted here, displaying your installed LED's. Special thanks to @haknslash ...after reading your installation, I finally took the plunge and went forward with my LED install on my '14 SX190. It's something that I've been wanted to do for a while after reading the many posts. I decided to go with the Opt7 Aura LED strip kit since it included everything for the boat. All LEDs came wired with connectors. The kit includes all needed hardware to install on your boat. The LEDs appear to be of very nice quality. Since it is a multi-color kit, it also includes a control box. It has a sound sync option but the box needs to be mounted right next to a speaker for it to function correctly. The base kit includes four 24-inch strips. I also bought a 12-inch pair kit and a 4-piece 3.5-inch add kit.

After opening the box, I realized that the connectors were large and would require a large matching hole to fit each connector. I almost considered returning the kit but really wanted to make it work. So I decided to further inspect the boat for existing openings and cut outs. I found that most seat backs had cutouts behind them. I ended up having to drill one large hole behind the bow port seat backing. As you will see in the pictures, I used the port rear speaker for access and ground out a portion of the speaker frame to route a LED wire. That area is the only one that has an exposed wire. I also used the courtesy light next to the throttle as access for another wire. The Dremel came in handy to grind a recess.

You basically need to be a contortionist to fit into the storage areas on this boat. Good thing I'm a fit 6-foot, 180 pound guy! That said it was still a big challenge getting into and out of each area. Plus, the fiberglass rash on my arms was not fun. I used an 11mm socket and wrench to loosen the bolts behind the seat backs so that I could snake the wire and connector through. I mounted the control box by the stereo in the helm locker with two of the 3.5-inch LEDs. The engine bay also has a pair of 3.5's, one in the front of the engine bay and one in the top rear. The four 24-inch sections are in the main seating area and the 12-inch pair went to light up the bow seating.

I zip tied the wiring to the existing wiring conduits through out the boat. In the bow area, there is no wiring, so I hot glued the wiring to the hull so that it was clear of any interference.

All in all, I'm very satisfied with the results. I'm even more happy that I did not have to drill many large holes into the boat to get this to all work. All that is left is to hook up a power switch since I wired the control box into the 12v power plug that is next to the stereo. What I noticed is that when I turn the main battery switch on, the LED lights turn on automatically.

Links:
www.opt-7.com
http://www.opt-7.com/aura-led-accent-light-kits/

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Very nice. Congrats

 

[Bennie]

I hot glued the wiring to the hull so that it was clear of any interference.

I like that idea! I'll have to keep it in mind. - thanks

 

[haknslash]

Turned out great @ken4motion

 

[2kwik4u]

So......who's 242 is on Amazon?


https://www.amazon.com/OPT7-Interior-Lighting-Multi-Color-Soundsync/dp/B01K0H7244/ref=sr_1_11_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1533064473&sr=8-11-spons&keywords=Marine+RGB+LED+Strip&psc=1

 

[haknslash]

So......who's 242 is on Amazon?


https://www.amazon.com/OPT7-Interior-Lighting-Multi-Color-Soundsync/dp/B01K0H7244/ref=sr_1_11_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1533064473&sr=8-11-spons&keywords=Marine+RGB+LED+Strip&psc=1

It happens all the time. I used to build custom HID headlights and some of my output or headlights images would get stolen and used on eBay sellers pages.

 

[Ron Westman]

I hope this helps: Go to https://www.aliexpress.com/
Do a search for what you are looking for. For example led strip waterproof (rgb or color) and 12v.
Just like eBay look at the reviews, SHIPPING cost, time to receive the items.
The site has implemented guaranteed delivery times. Look close at this feature and keep track of your shipments. If the item does not arrive in the guarantee time frame you get your money back.
The site accepts credit cards.

The site was started by the same guy who started Alibaba (wholesale website).
As long as you don't need the items real fast the prices are great and MOST of the products are well built.
I have bought from them for years. Fun to look around and see what is able to be bought.

Do watch the shipping closely though. Sometimes you get a Great price for the item but shipping is $100. Not sure wat the Seller is trying to do, but there are some on the site.

I hope this helps.

 

[Ron Westman]

I forgot to mention an important thing about LEDs is their lumens. Look at the different LED products and how much the lumens are. Watts will give you an idea, but lumens are the true number to look at.