Hull Yeah!

This is a preview, as we haven’t yet finished wiring the underwater lights. At this point, they’re installed, they do work, and most importantly, they don’t leak. Stay tuned for updates as we complete our genset/batter/solar upgrades.

We’ve chartered other boats with underwater lighting, and loved it, but wow, these can get expensive, and do we want to poke yet more holes in the boat?

Just prior to taking possession, the boat was on the hard in Ayia Napa marina. We took the opportunity to add (2) Lumitect SeaBlaze X2 LED Underwater RGBW Spectrum Lights, with the Poco 3 Digital Lighting Control Module These require a 1/2″ (13mm) hole for the center shaft/wire, and a 3 5mm holes to mount them. Although the majority of the securing comes from glueing them to the hull.

Where to Mount Them

We’ve heard two theories: Mount them on the transom facing back to avoid lines getting snagged, or mount them on the hull, facing downwards. The problem with the transom mount, in addition to not being the best lighting angle is keeping them wet and cool. When at speed, the water gets inconsistent, and mixed with air.

Since the rudder and prop are in the vicinity, we weren’t too worried about getting lines snagged on the light, so we went with the center/bottom of the hull.

The bottom is also very dense fiberglass, no balsa core to worry about penetrating, which also meant trying to use too small a hole for the screw was going to be a problem. I heard several people mention they twisted off the brass screws when tightening them, so I use a 5mm drill bit, just a bit smaller than the treads. I suppose I could have use 4.5mm, and used a harder screw with similar threads, however the fiberglass seems to want to chip/crack, and not be as mailable to accept deep threads. 5mm and good glue was my choice.

Once glued in place, I used an extra hull support to put just enough pressure to hold the light in place while the glue set. Notice the primary hull support on the other hull.

To Be Continued

In several weeks, we’ll complete the wiring with the genset/batter/solar upgrades. Stay tuned…