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Adding docking lights

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cw77

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This is probably a newb question, but after reading @sunedog post about adding an LED bar light, I decided to give it a shot. We just bought our first boat (2024 20SVSB) last year, so I'm definitely a rookie.

We don't have any prewires for docking lights, but we do have a few unused switches on the original panel. The lights I picked up came with a wiring harness that has positive/negative battery leads, fuse, relay, and a rocker switch that would normally be used. My question is, can I just connect the lights directly to one of the available switches on the factory panel, without using the relay & switch that came with the lights? I was able to connect my depth finder directly to one of the other available switches & haven't had any issues, but I want to make sure I'm not setting myself up for disaster.
 
As you probably know, relays are used to switch high-current loads using a low-current signal from a switch. How many amps do your new lights draw? Crawl under the console and read the specs on the back of the rocker switches. They will tell you how many amps the switch can support. As long as your lights don't draw more current than the switch is rated for, you'll be OK.

If they are LED and similar to the ones I used, you don't need a relay.
 
Looking at the current core specs, the baseline S comes with "integrated docking and navigation lights" You should be able to simply connect into the existing docking light line. Did your Benny NOT come with the "integrated docking and navigation lights"? Per the Bennington Gallery: that tiny fixutre on the front sides:

1744912850384.png
 
@sunedog I think they're close to what you installed, 7 Inch LED Light Bar Kit by LEDMIRCY, so I wouldn't think they draw too much.
@LaurencetheAdventurer I'm wondering if the integrated docking & navigation lights are new for 2025. I do have nav lights, but don't see anything on the boat for docking. I'll go take a closer look this afternoon.
 
cw77 said:
7 Inch LED Light Bar Kit by LEDMIRCY
Click to expand...
I Googled it and see this light bar on Amazon. Can't find the wattage or the amp draw specified. But I did a generic Google search of "how many amps does a 24,000 lumen 12v led light bar draw" and the answer is 6.3 amps at 76 watts. Take that answer with a grain of salt, but it is probably close. So you should be good as long as your OEM rocker switches are rated for 10 amps. If they are rated for only 5 amps, you will need to replace one with a 10 amp version. You should be able to see the rating, the manufacturer's name and probably a model number on the back of the switch. The rocker switches are not unique to Bennington. They are off the shelf Carling Technology switches (unless something has changed recently).
 
Hang on. That is probably 24,000 lumens per light. If you are installing two of them and running them off the same switch, you are going to be drawing 12.6 or more amps.

The rocker switch in the kit I saw on Amazon is clearly a 20 amp rocker, so that makes sense. I think you are going to need to replace the OEM rocker.

Screenshot 2025-04-18 at 4.13.50 PM.png
 
I did climb under the console yesterday and saw a couple of 5's and a couple of 10's.

Yes, that's the kit that I picked up.

You're probably right about doubling up, so maybe I'll just start with one of the lights & see if it gets the job done. Id much rather just be able to connect directly to an existing rocker than have to mess with the extra relay & fuse.

Thanks guys!
 
Still have a few weeks before we've got enough water to put her in anyway, unfortunately.
 
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