Spreader Lights on Adventure 208 -

[bstylee23]

Hello -

I have an Adventure 208 with a bimini top. Need additional aft deck lighting badly. Would love to clamp a spreader light to the bimini rail and run the electrical hook-up to an accessory switch on the panel, so light can be turned on/off with the flip of the switch.

Was wondering if anyone has done this or have any other suggestions. Any input or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Best,
Matt

 

[Fishtales]

Hi,
There are some small led ones out there that would fit the bill nice.
Here is an example of one. https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinf ... 7AodmA0A5g

I would put the switch at the dash. Use marine tinned wire, water proof butt end connectors (crimp them) and cover each crimp with liquid tape. Run wires to power bar to the switch and then from the switch to the lights. If you want a clean wire install you can feed through your top. You will need to drill holes and pull the wires with a small snake. If possible, leave a extra for service later should they ever become chaffed. Drill the holes on the underside of the frame to mitigate water intrusion and seal with clear silicone when done. Keep connections to a minimum, so measure your wire twice - cut once. The LEDs can be mounted a few different ways. If you have a flat plate that you can leverage, that would be the best. If not get yourself some C clips so you can mount around the frame tubing. Make sure everything is stainless steel and use clear plastic tape where the C clips go around the t-top frame to mitigage dissimilar metal issues. Running the wire is the hardest thing. Do it right so you don't have exposed wires.

 

[bstylee23]

thanks for the response fishtales and sharing your ideas. i'm going to look for some c-clamps that can be secured to the bimini-top rail while securing the LED and would allow for light removal when bimini folds-down at end of season.

i was planning on running the wire down through the bimini frame tubing. but the connection to the panel will be awkward because no clean way (as far as i can tell) to get the wiring behind the panel without it being visible from the point it exits the frame until it bends underneath the switch panel.

thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts!

best,
matt

 

[DennisG01]

No, you're right - there's no completely hidden way to run a wire when dealing with a bimini. You'd need to exit the backside of the pole (the acute angle side), use a grommet to protect the wire, then use a waterproof quick-disconnect, then a hole with a cover plate (such as a clamshell) on the vertical section of your gunwale.

Another option... try to find a battery powered light.

Another option... install multiple cockpit lights into the vertical section of the gunwale.