LED upgrade on 2002 330SS


kai330

kai330

Member
I have upgraded most of the lights on our boat now to LED. It took a bit of trial and error.

Here is what we ended up with...


Cabin ceiling lights- http://www.superbrightleds.com/search/led-products/g4-xwhp15-tac/ The larger tower style were too big. The flat disc style had the pins oriented such that they would have been 90 degrees off from where we needed them. I might have been able to bend the pins to fit, but these work well.

Cockpit Accent Lights- http://www.superbrightleds.com/more...led-bulb-5-smd-led-wide-angle-wedge-base/206/ (blue)

Cabin Floor Accent Lights- http://www.superbrightleds.com/more...led-bulb-5-smd-led-wide-angle-wedge-base/206/ (Cool White)

Cockpit Light Under Dash- http://www.superbrightleds.com/more...ulb-single-intensity-dual-contact-15-led/514/ (Blue)

Front Green/Red Nav Light- http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/bayonet-bulbs/ba9s-led-bulb-6-led-360-degree/8/ (Warm White)
We haven't tried this one yet, but it looks right.
 
Thanks for doing all the work and posting the links. Are most of the lights formula use the same? Are there any difference in the 330 and 370ss lights used? I'd assume they are all the same.
 
Magic34 said:
Thanks for doing all the work and posting the links. Are most of the lights formula use the same? Are there any difference in the 330 and 370ss lights used? I'd assume they are all the same.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure what LEDs Formula uses now, but these bulbs fit into the original fixtures so I figure we're good with them.

We have some friends who just got a 2003 370SS and it looks like many of their lights are the same; cabin ceiling, cockpit/cabin floor, bow nav light.

EMS, I might wait for pictures until I have some U/W LEDs on the stern! It'll look cooler.
 
EMSDiver said:
Kia that would look cool. What color lights are you thinking about for U/W?
Click to expand...

Just had to replace the battery charger, so the LEDs are on hold.

When I do it, I will probably will go with blue and maybe some red/orange/yellow to make the wake look like fire if I can swing the $$$.
 
The red/orange/yellow would look pretty cool. It looks like everyone is either using just red, blue or white. I think the tri color would rock.

Side note I sent you a PM.
 
kai330 said:
EMSDiver said:
Kia that would look cool. What color lights are you thinking about for U/W?
Click to expand...

Just had to replace the battery charger, so the LEDs are on hold.

When I do it, I will probably will go with blue and maybe some red/orange/yellow to make the wake look like fire if I can swing the $$$.
Click to expand...

I just shipped my Charles Marine battery charger back to them, went today actually. It is an 80 amp that was no longer charging. They are rebuilding it for $330. New ones are $1500+

Don't know if this helps you now, but if you have the same brand, call them, get an rma# and ship it back for repair.
 
most people go with a solid color on the under water lights because the more colors you have, the less intense they are. if you have blue/white, each color uses it's own leds so half are blue and half are white. on a solid color all the leds are the same color making the light more intense.
 
What's the benefit of using LED for navigation lights (red, green, white overhead) ? In fact, I've always heard you have to be carefull which ones you use for navigation as not all LED are nav approved.

Are they brighter than standard lights? Engine should be running and battery getting charged so no need to conserve energy is there? Just wondering if there is a benefit.
 
Magic34 said:
kai330 said:
EMSDiver said:
Kia that would look cool. What color lights are you thinking about for U/W?
Click to expand...

Just had to replace the battery charger, so the LEDs are on hold.

When I do it, I will probably will go with blue and maybe some red/orange/yellow to make the wake look like fire if I can swing the $$$.
Click to expand...

I just shipped my Charles Marine battery charger back to them, went today actually. It is an 80 amp that was no longer charging. They are rebuilding it for $330. New ones are $1500+

Don't know if this helps you now, but if you have the same brand, call them, get an rma# and ship it back for repair.
Click to expand...

Thanks Magic34. My guy got it replaced and installed for about $1500, which included repairing some wiring that a previous hack mechanic had screwed up. I have the old one and might sent it in and then either sell it or keep for a spare.
 
Committed said:
What's the benefit of using LED for navigation lights (red, green, white overhead) ? In fact, I've always heard you have to be carefull which ones you use for navigation as not all LED are nav approved.

Are they brighter than standard lights? Engine should be running and battery getting charged so no need to conserve energy is there? Just wondering if there is a benefit.
Click to expand...

Good points all of them! The benefits I claim are reduced power consumption and less heat (none of which matter for van lights) but the main goal is the inherent cool factor for having LEDs!

And thanks for the heads-up on some not being bright enough. I will evaluate and un-replace them if the light isn't up to par with the old bulb.
 
kai330 said:
Magic34 said:
kai330 said:
EMSDiver said:
Kia that would look cool. What color lights are you thinking about for U/W?
Click to expand...

Just had to replace the battery charger, so the LEDs are on hold.

When I do it, I will probably will go with blue and maybe some red/orange/yellow to make the wake look like fire if I can swing the $$$.
Click to expand...

I just shipped my Charles Marine battery charger back to them, went today actually. It is an 80 amp that was no longer charging. They are rebuilding it for $330. New ones are $1500+

Don't know if this helps you now, but if you have the same brand, call them, get an rma# and ship it back for repair.
Click to expand...

Thanks Magic34. My guy got it replaced and installed for about $1500, which included repairing some wiring that a previous hack mechanic had screwed up. I have the old one and might sent it in and then either sell it or keep for a spare.
Click to expand...

No problem. I took it out myself. My method of operation is to take a video and pictures on my phone prior to doing anything. Then I have the reference on where wires go on the install of the new item.

The charger came out in 10-15 minutes pretty easy. Should take about same time to put back in.
 
No problem. There are some strict rules regarding navigation lights and I've been told some LEDs are nav approved but some aren't - just make sure you get the correct ones. If something were to happen during night driving (accident or ??) and you are using non approved navigation lights - blame may be pointed in your direction no matter the real cause.

This is what I've heard from others so I can't say with 100% certainty. But it's enough for me personally to avoid LED navigation lights for now. I'm sure others can speak to this subject better than I.

I get the cool factor - LEDs are cool and take less energy. I've replaced my hardtop lights with ones that I can change from white to blue using the standard light toggle switch that came with my boat - the white even dims to my preference for light intensity - very cool indeed.
 
Welcome Disorderly! I am glad I wrote this thread. We sold the boat and, as soon as we buy another, I'll have to do this all over.

I never did the docking lights but remember a thread here or on offshoreonly.

Let us know what you find.
Cheers
 
I have an 04 330SS and converted to blue, but if you have a regular push twist style bulb under your helm that one would probably be the same I put in 1142 LED Boat and RV Light Bulb - 15 LED Forward Firing Cluster - BA15D Retrofit - 90 Lumens 12VDC Blue. I would think that the rest of the cockpit would be similar. The Rear Cockpit bulb near rear entry way and the radar arch are the same push in style so total of (3) 194 LED Bulb - 5 SMD LED Tower - Miniature Wedge Base Blue. I am working on the cabin lighting which so far I have failed. There are 3 round lights in the center section of the ceiling, 1 in the bathroom and 1 port side over where the mirror and trashcan is. They are supposed to be removed by pushing on them with your hand and 1/4 turn counter clockwise from what I have read. So far I have succeeded in breaking the lens on one and nothing else. I purchased (5) G4 LED Bulb - 15 Watt Equivalent - Dual Color Bi-Pin LED Disc - 132 Lumens Cool White and Blue for these because I wanted the option of Blue / White. If and when I succeed I will post an update. I am thinking if your lights are round in the cabin ceiling and the bulbs have straight pins protruding out of them they are G4 which should be the same. To my understanding people have had success with G4 LED Bulb - 15 Watt Equivalent - Bi-Pin LED Bulb - 105 Lumens as well.
 
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