Adding Compartment Lights

This topic has 9 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 18 years, 1 month ago by Bass Cat Boats.

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April 16, 2008 at 6:42 pm #363249

DPT2005
Participant

Im thinking about adding lights and mercury switches to the front three compartments on my 2002 classic. Just wondering how hard it is to do this, and how much drilling would be required. Anybody have some advice on running wires to all compartments. Also, where would be the best place to connect to power. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. KentLast edited by DPT2005 on April 16th, 2008, 7:03 pm, edited 2 times in total.Kent Charles 2002 Pantera Classic & 200 Yamaha VMax

April 17, 2008 at 1:06 am #363252

JEH in La
Participant

Kent, I installed lights in two Classics last year. I have a hand-drawn schematic that I could scan and send to you. It is not an easy task but it is not all that difficult either. You will need a drill, a pop-rivet gun, 1/8″ aluminum rivets, small tie-wraps, and various wiring connectors and #18 stranded wire. The switches and lights from BC run ~$60.00. Plan to spend probably all day on this job. I will also say this…”if you arent a handy man around the house with drills, pop rivet guns, wiring schematics, wiring components, wire strippers, being able to work upside down in close quarters etc, then ask a friend to help you who has these talents”. Everyone should believe in something. I believe Ill just go fishing!

April 17, 2008 at 2:42 am #363255

DPT2005
Participant

JEH, That would be great if you could send the schematics to me. kbcharles@hotmail.com What are you using the rivets for though. I wasnt expecting that. Im interested in where you ran the wires, and where you made your power connections. Thanks for the reply. Sounds like youve got the experience. Ive thought about this a lot, and I really want to do it. I do hate to be drilling holes in the boat though. Thanks again for your help. Should these lights be hooked to a power source that is always hot (since they are activated by the mercury switches). Or should they be tied in with the master switch somehow. What are everyones preferences. KentKent Charles 2002 Pantera Classic & 200 Yamaha VMax

April 17, 2008 at 3:05 am #363263

JEH in La
Participant

Ill scan that into pdf file and send it to you. The BCB light strings are held on by rivets. There are 4 of them to the string in each compartment. I tied mine into the master power so that your power switch has to be on for the lights to work. If you live near the dealer then go in and take a look at a boat with lights and see how they are mounted. Sounds like you are willing to put in the sweat equity to have lights. It will be worth your time and you will be glad you did it. The first time you open a box in the dark you will say it was worth the effort.Everyone should believe in something. I believe Ill just go fishing!

April 17, 2008 at 10:27 am #363266

misr12
Participant

JEH, I plan on doing this too to my new Sabre. I dont know why I didnt do this when I ordered my boat. Anyway, That sounds like a good weekend project on a rainy day. You can email to [email protected]. Thanks for sharing your how toos as well. misr12

April 17, 2008 at 1:06 pm #363269

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Hey guys, have you thought about installing the LED lights instead of the 4 bulb system? You can get them from bluewaterled.com The LEDs are brighter and use a lot less power, plus they have the lifetime warranty. Just something to consider.

April 17, 2008 at 1:22 pm #363271

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

LED lights are not brighter, except in the single beam they project. And if incandescents are different lumens, they can be brighter. The LED lights are focal and project a single beam point, while incandescents flood the area with light from the filament. LED lights are more battery friendly, though only better for storages with a projection lens that most dont have. BCB

April 17, 2008 at 1:36 pm #363273

DPT2005
Participant

BCB, Any advice for installation of the incandescent lights. 2002 Classic – front 3 compartments. Thanks. KentKent Charles 2002 Pantera Classic & 200 Yamaha VMax

April 17, 2008 at 2:11 pm #363276

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

JEH in LA, I also was planning on doing this to my 06″ P4 I would really appreciate if you could send me that Pfd file you have on the schematics to [email protected]. Thanks for sharing this info. Joe BarreraYour Signature …

April 17, 2008 at 5:52 pm #363280

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

We would put them on some form of a switch, and select a light source you are comfortable with. Some of the halogen lights have their own independent switches. And of course we have all the parts here if you so desire and you can contact Parts. BCB
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