Installing Tube Lights?

[Fishwater2002]

I’m going to install tube lights but looking around under the deck I don’t see any additional plugs to tap into for power so I’m thinking about tapping into the navigation lights under the deck. Has anyone done this? I’ve seen some threads from folks who have the additional wiring but yet to see anyone that has added to the nav lights. My thoughts are that the current switch can handle the additional load from the LED’s? Also, I’ve looked at the Pontoon stuff kit & they use a plastic channel for the LED strips, has anyone found a similar channel that can be purchased separately vs using tape to attach to the decking?

 

[Vikingstaff]

Welcome aboard. OOC, what kind of Bennington do you have Fishwater? Lots of great info and members in our forum.

Have you tried doing a search (upper right hand corner search symbol) in the forum on this topic. It’s been discussed a few times from some of our DIY’ers. You might find some helpful thoughts in some of those former posts. I don’t have any experience with it myself.

Good luck.

 

[Seadoorxpguy]

Do not tap into you're nav lights. For one at least in the states i boat in pontoon side lights are not exactly legal. If the lights ever fail and blow out your nav lights fuse at night you wont be to happy. running a few new wires on these boats isn't too difficult. As far as the channel to sit the light strip in I've seen a bunch of options on amazon. When I redo mine I'm going to go that route

 

[sunedog]

I've added LED lights above the tubes on two previous Bennington's. First, whatever you do, make sure the lights are rated IP67 or IP68. Google it if you're not familiar with water and dust resistance ratings. Lights above the toons will take a pounding from the spray while underway. I agree with Seadoorxp guy not to try to use your nav light circuit. I wired mine into unused accessory switches already in my dash. And I used 3M double sided tape that is used to adhere trim on cars to attached it to the back side of the side trim on the boat. I used their primer too. That stuff held really well, but I did have some adhesive failure after a couple of years.

 

[Fishwater2002]

Ok, thanks for all the info, looks like I’ll run a new circuit just to be safe & find some IP68 lights!