Cockpit lights 280EC

Philip · June 2020

Hi all,

All the cockpit lightbulbs along the floor of my 280EC is not working. I'm about to embark on a mission to change them, but not being all that handy I cannot figure out how to access the back of them. I understand they can be pulled out from the outside - but when I do this the inside will "slip" into the hull of the boat.

Any ideas, drawings, tips?

These are the ones Im trying to change...

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020499/uploads/editor/4u/nrvd7xpfl01x.jpg

WaveHog · June 2020

I have the same issue, several of them you can get to fairly easy like the two I have in the engine compartment. The one you have pictured can be done by taking that fuse panel to the left off and then reaching back in there until you find the quick disconnect. There is a plastic nut on the back of the lights. I have some others that look impossible to get to but I tried to unscrew them and that works if you pull outward while twisting.....but there is no way to get the nut back on after replacing.....I was planning to use a dab of glue and call it good....let me know if you have any better luck please! Also, did you find OME replacements?

Dream_Inn · June 2020

You actually access them from the back side. The one you have pictured would be accessed from the engine room. Some are easy to access, others are a bit more difficult (ie, removing the cockpit fridge or ice maker to get to). There is a plastic nut on the back side that holds them in place, with the plastic cover and frame then coming out the front.

Philip · June 2020

WaveHog said:

I have the same issue, several of them you can get to fairly easy like the two I have in the engine compartment. The one you have pictured can be done by taking that fuse panel to the left off and then reaching back in there until you find the quick disconnect. There is a plastic nut on the back of the lights. I have some others that look impossible to get to but I tried to unscrew them and that works if you pull outward while twisting.....but there is no way to get the nut back on after replacing.....I was planning to use a dab of glue and call it good....let me know if you have any better luck please! Also, did you find OME replacements?

Im looking at these, but I live in Denmark so they will have to travel a long way to get to you

I'll let you know if I get some clever work done.

Cableguy Greg · June 2020

https://www.itc-marine.com/product/led-baitwell-courtesy-light/

Can be purchased on Amazon.

WaveHog · June 2020

Thanks Cableguy Greg Mine are on the way!!!

walkermar · February 2021

Coming into this conversation late and new to the forum but can I ask how do you switch these on? I have an 280EC having recently purchased it so just exploring.

Aqua_Aura · February 2021

There is a switch at the helm which is labeled cockpit lights. That should be the one that turns them on.

walkermar · February 2021

Thank you Aqua, I think I have tried that one but nothing comes on so will investigate

Aqua_Aura · February 2021

Check for a circuit breaker below the steering wheel there may be one popped.

They are not the highest quality lights do they could need replacing.

andyd · February 2021

My two original cockpits lights fell apart, the lenses fell off, and I replaced them with these from Shoreline Marine.

https://www.amazon.com/Shoreline-Marine-LED-Companion-Light/dp/B007PKBSX6

I was lucky, access to the wiring was easy by removing a speaker and the one below the helm is below a deck plate. Yes, there is a nut on the back. Andy

Cableguy Greg · February 2021

These are the direct replacement lights from ITC. I changed mine to blue.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J5IOS1A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

walkermar · February 2021

Hi again, I have tried the cockpit lights switch without success and the fuse trips look ok. So would I be to presume that there is a driver to these lights in the engine bay some where ?

There are gales here in the uk at present and the boat is quite rocky on the mooring. My mate who came down with me had to get off the boat as he was feeling sea sick 🤢 so we had to abort the investigation looking for the driver 🤣🤣

Aqua_Aura · February 2021

I don't think there is any box driving the lights. Do you have a circuit tester to check for power at the light?

Handymans342 · February 2021

Could all the bulbs be burned out?

walkermar · February 2021

will check with a tester is the next step . I didn't think that all the lights would be all gone/burned out but will check. Thanks for the suggestions guys.

Handymans342 · February 2021

Well I only had 2 bulbs left in my main electrical panel that were good out of 15?

walkermar · February 2021

Do you mean bulbs in the circuit breaker panel or the led lights circuits ?

Handymans342 · February 2021

Breaker panel

Cableguy Greg · February 2021

Those LED’s tend to fail. Mine failed one at a time. I ended up just replacing all of them.

walkermar · March 2021

Checked my DC and all ok. Decided to retrofit them all with blue LED fittings. Bargain at £6 from amazon for 20!

However, I have had to add a resistor in line don’t use to Ohms law.......apparently. All good though and enjoyable to do