www.iFourWinns.com

After looking around for 2 years for an LED bow light replacement, I've decided to go with this one:

http://www.innovativelight.com/led-comb ... 1564_2.cfm

I stayed away from this one all this time because I didn't like the look, but the more I look the more I like it. I contacted the company today to see if they could provide a drawing or template so I could compare the screw & wire clearance holes with my original light. They had the company design engineer personally e-mail me an engineering drawing. Now that's service. I'll let you know what I think after it arrives.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Nice. This is something I have been thinking of doing as well. So let us know how it goes.

_________________
1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

I would like to see the drawings...and I have to assume our boats probably have the exact same factory bow light?

_________________
Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

That looks sharp.... show is some pics when you get it installed! I really like the motorized stern light. Maybe I'll switch over in the future.

_________________
Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

So Mike,
New Nav lights implies the boat will be used AT NIGHT... In the WATER... How do you respond to these allegations?

_________________
Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

With due respect, sir, counsel has advised me to take advantage of my Fifth Amendment right to remain silent.

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

OK, seriously. While the boat hasn't been used as much as we'd like, of all the hours put on it, the percentage of them that have been at night is probably higher than most boaters. One of the things we've learned about our boating habits is that cruising during the late afternoon-to-night period is something we all really enjoy. Flat water, moderate temperatures, relaxing music. Most of the time when we're loading up to leave, the ramp is completely abandoned except for us.

The drawing I have is only of the gasket, so as to show the mounting details. I'll have to drill new screw holes, but I found that would have been true with any of the other units I looked at, including the Attwood (which I decided against because of the dark plastic on the front, which would hold wax and not look the best IMO). As far as I can tell, this unit is the same length & width of my original light, it's just more rounded in the rear quarter areas. The shape is very much like an egg.

I'll e-mail the drawing to anyone who PM's me with an e-mail address. I'd rather not post it since it's marked proprietary.

Oh, I like the idea of that motorized stern light too - but I think I'd opt for the manual pop-up version instead. One less motor to burn out in time, and yet I'd no longer have to dig around in the floor locker for the light. I need to take some measurements first to make sure the pop-up is long enough and that I've got enough clearance, but if so that will be my next mod.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

The new light came today from Boaters World. Naturally the first order of business was to take it apart.

I like this light more now that I can see it up close. It's made in China, which most LED products seem to be, but the build quality seems to be up to the job. The base is soft flexible rubber, unlike the hard plastic of the Perko original. The stainless cover is nicely finished, although it's really just a thin metal shell glued to the inner plastic cover.



The way it projects light is kind of ingenious. The LED's are potted down in the "chassis", pointing up. The light is turned 90 degrees and exits through a scalloped Fresnel-like lens (much like the lenses used in lighthouses). This has the effect of magnifying and spreading the output of the LED's:



One thing I worry about with add-ons like this is whether the appropriate certifications are visible for inspections, etc. No worries here (that's not a flaw in the stainless, it's a distorted reflection of the camera):



The back of the card has a template printed on it:



The only thing I don't care for is this note in red on the instructions. I guess if it ever stops working, I'll have to buy a new boat.



More to come, hopefully this weekend.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Good info Mike!... I am one click away and waiting for your success news comes arrive

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08 H260 VP 8.1Gi DP.....Previous
2013 Crownline E6 Merc 8.2MAG BIIIX, DTS/SC

Mike,

It does look nice. The chrome plated plastic on my Perko bow light is starting to peel, so a change is on the cards. I am intrigued as to how the warranty works; you send them it back if it becomes defective, but it's not removeable from the boat wihout destroying it? Postage could end up being expensive!!

Also, you mentioned "Boaters World"; I thought they went out of business and closed the stores a few years ago, or is the mail order side still running?

Graham

I cant wait to see this on your boat, and particularly....your opinion of which unit is brighter.

_________________
Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

If it takes you 2 years to pick out a bow light, how long does it take you to shop of a car or a house?

_________________

Been driving the same truck for 12 1/2 years, built my house 16 years ago and not planning to move 'cause its too much hassle. I like to make right decisions, once.

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Hope I dont get behind you in line at McDonald's

_________________

I bet they already know what he wants. Creature of habit.

_________________

H210SS 6.2
F150 Platinum