On todays topic, I've installed the Floorboard Ctsy lights, the engine comp lighting, an alarm system to toggle the lights, and finally, the LED Cupholders! These are the final planned mods before launch!
First, the floorboard ctsy lights are pretty straight forward. I just used some rope lighting for $15 at Cabellas. These come in about 6' lengths, and very flexible for any contour. They have a lot of "memory" and come in a coil, so I ran the wiring, turned them on, and mounted them as they were warm and pliable. I use 1/2" hold downs, and mounted those behind the kick-panel along each side of the boat so they don't stand out so much, and don't collect dirt easily. The finished pics are shown later.
Engine Compartment lighting was one of my favorite challenges. I wanted these lights on ONLY when needed, but didn't want a switch I had to remember, and such. So, I found an old refrigerator, and stole the gnome out of it, and put him to work on the problem. From his recommendations, I wired thier main power from the Nav lights, and ran a leg through a limit switch (about $2 at radioshack) on the engine compartment hatch before going to the lights.
So, the Nav's have to be on, and the hatch open for them to be on. I made sure to cover any wiring near the motor, with considerations to heat, rotating parts/belt, etc. I have three of these lights, but only one pictured.
While thinking about all this lighting, I decided it would be neat to toggle lights on and off at night. In case I "misplaced" my boat at night while drinking, or just when I check on it while camping, to ensure it's moored. I decided a low budget alarm system would meet my needs. I went to a local shop that specializes in such things, described my goal to the suprisingly knowledgable and attentive 16 year old behind the counter, and I was off! The system, remotes, and relays set me back about $90. I wired all the ctsy, nav, and cupholders to the "dome light" circuit so they stay on for 30 sec. Then I wired the "Aknowledge" circuit to my docking lights, since they would be visible even while covered. I'm still toying with wiring the horn/alarm to deter theft, but haven't bothered yet.... so far it's just a remote light switch.
Finally, The LED Cupholders.
This was pretty basic, I just wired them to the Nav lights, using my trusty tape measure as a fish tape to go from hole to hole. They set me back $31 ea through a local Harris Pontoon dealer and are direct replacements for the Stainless Steel cupholders. Be carefull about doing this. If another boat could mis-identify these as Nav lights, they shoulnd't be used in that location.
And now with the floor board ctsy lighting as well.....
I hope all this helps everyone with ideas, especially regarding night time boating.
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Walt B
"Debt-Charged"Black '07 H210SS6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.
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