LED cabin lights

alpinista · **Posted:** 05 Dec 2006 16:11

I've been working on my DC systems, replacing my battery switch, adding a combiner, an inverter/charger, and battery monitor. Now I want to replace my incandescents with LEDs. HAs anyone tried the LEDs sold here:

http://www.sailorssolutions.com/

Pricy, but they look good.

Jay

T37sailor · **Joined:** 24 Oct 2006 16:10 **Posts:** 61

Jay,

I have assembled the parts I need to rebuild, replace, and repair my AC and DC electric systems. Where did you put your inverter/charger? I am considering using the starboard side of the engine enclosure under the galley. I then planned to put one group 27 starting battery and four Trojan T105s under the nav seat and behind. That's the heavy stuff...

I plan to put the AC panel in the space the original one occupies and add a primary disconnect right next to it. Then put the Link 2000 next to the DC panel.

I will open a project when I get started and post some pics too.

Thanks,
Craig Connolly
T37 #231

Tortuga's Lie · **Joined:** 27 Oct 2006 10:32 **Posts:** 827

Craig,
If you add significant weight on the port side, she'll list more than she already does. Do you have refrigeration yet? The space under the galley is a great spot for the compressor unit.
I've heard of some t-37 owners move the location of the hot water heater just a bit aft, making more room forward for a battery bank. Of course you would have to glass in a tray/shelf for the batteries, but the concentrated weight would be centerlined.
food for thought.
Tom Ehman
Tortuga's Lie

Down2TheC · **Posted:** 07 Dec 2006 12:03

alpinista wrote:

I've been working on my DC systems, replacing my battery switch, adding a combiner, an inverter/charger, and battery monitor. Now I want to replace my incandescents with LEDs. HAs anyone tried the LEDs sold here:

The LEDs look nice as long as they're bright enough. That's a major drop in consumption especially when you first turn them on. If you go with them please post a review. I can think of several areas that don't need a very bright light anyway so those would be great for underway.

I saw LED running lights this summer and wondered if they had the range. (But I guess they couldn't sell them if they didn't make the minimums.)

alpinista · **Posted:** 07 Dec 2006 15:12

My Inverter/Charger is "temporarily" installed behind the battery banks on the port side, just for the winter. I plan to move it to the starboard side under the galley to counteract the port list. I may also relocate my starting battery to starboard.

Jay

T37sailor · **Joined:** 24 Oct 2006 16:10 **Posts:** 61

Tom,

Thanks for the feed back. I do have refrigeration. It is installed, believe it or not, above the W50...right above the exhaust.

My concern is contributing to the list. With a full fuel tank and empty water tanks the list is pronounced. I'm sure when I add some water in the spring she will level out a bit.

Craig

T37sailor · **Joined:** 24 Oct 2006 16:10 **Posts:** 61

Jay,

It sounds like we have come to the same conclusion with the inverter/charger. I may get mine hung this weekend. If I do, I'll post some pics.

Craig

Tortuga's Lie · **Joined:** 27 Oct 2006 10:32 **Posts:** 827

This is just a personal beef that I have with the marine industry: LED lights are dirt cheap.........Why do they charge thirty or forty dollars for a bulb??????

Jay · **Joined:** 22 Oct 2006 19:25 **Posts:** 61

I've got two Lifeline 8D house batteries at 162 lbs each in the locker aft of the nav seat, and a Heart EMS 1800 inverter/charger in the space above the cabinet portside of the chart table. The Trojan 27 engine start battery is in the starboard lazarette. With 53 gallons of diesel and empty water tanks, there is a decided tilt to port. I probably ought to relocate the housebatteries to get better weight distribution, but haven't decided where. Jay.

Taft · **Joined:** 13 Dec 2006 21:30 **Posts:** 4

Jay,
I have a pair of lifeline 4d's that i located on a tray centerline behind the engine...with full fuel and no water in the tanks i still have a list to port. It balances out nicely with a bit of water in the starboard tank. FWIW

taft
noname #328

Tartan37.com

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