www.iFourWinns.com

Hi All,

I am new to this site. Thank Neptune there is a Four Winns forum out there somewhere.

Anyway, I was reading the underwater LED post and it got me thinking. Since my 248V is currently on stands (launch in 3 weeks), I was thinking about trying to rig up some green LEDs to the bottom of the platform somehow. They would have to be salt water proof but would not be submerged. My Vista is white/green so I think it would look cool to be able to illuminate under the platform to show off my pretty new stainless props and create a small green halo coming out from the platform. I would only use the lights when docked just for a nice little touch. I think it looks foolish on cars, but under the platform might look pretty sweet.

The question is, what lights should I use, how should I wire it and where or how should I mount the lights. I have some ideas of my own but wanted to tap into the Vista hackers minds I have seen on this forum. I am open to any suggestions.

Thanks!!!

Jay

Here are mine

Very bright and not costly. Mine are waterproof, mounted with 3m tape, but I put a stainless bracket every 8 inches or so. Ran the wire to the helm and used one of the spots already there and installed an illuminated switch.

That is amazing! If you get some spare time, would you mind giving me some specifics on where you got those lights, how specifically it is wired?

WOW!!!

I got them from a seller on Ebay. Took about a week to get them. Search ebay motors for led strip and you will find plenty. I got two 48 cm strips. They were about 15.00 each. They were put on with 3m tape and I put stainless brckets about every 8 inches or so. The strips are installed on the inside edge of the platform. No holes in the boat itself from mounting. Drilled one small hole thru the platform and transom. Sealed the hole afterwards with 4200. Ran the wire to the helm and installed a switch that I got from my local marine supply store. Fits in the helm where there are two empty spots labeled accessories, or something like that. Ran the power and ground to the fuse box, where it just so happens there were empty spots there as well. Put in a fuse, and that was about it. I will try to get a few more pictures and post them.

I did the same thing only in blue LEDS. Got them off Ebay. I used 2 - 18 in strips fished the wire through the transom and wired it into the stern light. Probably not legal but OK so far.

_________________
Inboard, outboard, onboard never bored
KUT 'N LOOSE
'99 258 VISTA

Will these stay adhered to the boat well? I would think the water would knock them off.

_________________
Former owner of:
1996 Four Winns Horizon 200 5.8L VP
2006 Four Winns Horizon 260 8.1L VP
2007 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer

Current boat
2004 Sea Ray 290 Sun Sport Twin 350 Mags

Thanks for the great information. I installed a lewmar windlass last year, but mounted the breaker and switch on the console to the right of the steering wheel. Long story short, I have never taken the fuse panel off or messed with it at all. If anyone has any shots of the fuse panel and or recommended wire routing tips (from the platform to the helm, and from the helm to the fuse panel), I would very much appreciate it. I should be able to use the same pathing I used for the windlass for the first run but have never attempted to get a wire from the helm directly to the fuse panel.

Ended up grabbing a single strip from Oznium.com after reading that in another posting. They shipped the string the same day I ordered it (which was today).

Flexible LED Strips - Green, 38" = $38.49

Thanks for the help so far, this is great.

Cincy-
That 3m stuff is real sticky. I did install stainless clips that screw into the edge of the platform and also have sealant on them. That should really be enough to hold them in place without an issue.
Teker-
I just ran the wires to the helm and used a seperate switch. Having all those lights back there, I really need to be able to turn whatever I want or need on or off when I want to.