Overhead lighting ideas-no arch

luvinlife

So here’s another question.  When overnighting on my “no arch” 270, I really could use overhead lighting in the cockpit. Has anyone come up with ideas? 

aero3113

Yes, you can wedge battery operated LED puck lights between the Bimini canvas and cross supports. The rectangular/oval shaped ones from Harbor Freight work great for this.

aero3113

Even if you had the arch, it would be above the Bimini.

Willhound

I strung battery operated LED's from a frame bar.

raybo3

@luvinlife here you go............... Just kidding 

aero3113

This link is the light I mentioned. You can also find coupons to get them for free. It’s nice that they have the hook on them also.

https://www.harborfreight.com/ultra-bright-led-portable-worklightflashlight-64005.html

reneechris14

@raybo3 my wife calls that the strap on.  Use it all the time.

luvinlife

Too funny.  I could just wear a miner's cap!  Just kidding.  There is a harbor freight near where I work.  I will grab a few of those $3.99 LEDs to try.  Supposed to last 48 hours. 

aero3113

Once the batteries die, install good quality batteries they will last longer.

luvinlife

Thanks Aero

luvinlife

Some great options thank you. I bought a Harbor Freight 3.99 LED. Will probably order the colored light strip too! 

Stodge

A friend of mine showed me a trick.  He took the plastic clips that go on the canvas bow to keep the isenglass from touching the metal, drilled a hole in it and into the back cover of a puck light, then attached them.  

Willhound

That is freaking brilliant! 

luvinlife

 Stodgy  I love that idea. I don’t have those clips on my boat though.  I wonder where I can buy some. I’ll definitely do that if I can find those clips

aero3113

luvinlife said:

 Stodgy  I love that idea. I don’t have those clips on my boat though.  I wonder where I can buy some. I’ll definitely do that if I can find those clips

West Marine carries them, I believe in two different sizes.

Willhound

Just about any marine supply anywhere.

MarkB

Stodge said:

A friend of mine showed me a trick.  He took the plastic clips that go on the canvas bow to keep the isenglass from touching the metal, drilled a hole in it and into the back cover of a puck light, then attached them.  

good idea. battery powered is obvious the easy way to go, but wired is more convenient in the end ... luvinlife just get a 12V LED and see if you can get a pick up somewhere off the courtesy light system.

Ian

If I had to do this the anal retentive side of me would tell me to run the wire inside the tubing and have an outlet near one end to plug into. And yes, I would have the patience to fish the wire through small holes....

MarkB

icoultha said:

If I had to do this the anal retentive side of me would tell me to run the wire inside the tubing and have an outlet near one end to plug into. And yes, I would have the patience to fish the wire through small holes....

you need to listen to your anal retentive inner voice ...

Ian

But it don’t have to do this.....

And I do listen, that’s what drives the Admiral crazy at times.

luvinlife

Thanks all.  I will stop by west marine today and start with the battery powered puck lights. This is a great idea! 

Willhound

This is what I have. But speakers also all light up so lots of light on deck at night.