LED dimmers for salon on CW 28

cutwater4me

Active member
Joined
Nov 24, 2014
Messages
36
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Hull Identification Number
USFMLC2819I
Non-Fluid Motion Model
CW 28 LE
Vessel Name
Telesto
I love the LED lights on my new CW 28, but at night, when anchored, the salon lights are too bright.
Has anyone installed a dimmer on the salon lights? Can a dimmer be installed?
I'm loving the boat. I have put 60 hours on her in two months.
Thanks,

Kurt
 
If you are just interested in "mood" lighting, not reading or chores, we often just use the red night lights instead...
 
Kurt, yes, I added a dimmer switch. Big improvement, in my book.

On bright, the LEDs in our Ranger Tug 27 are just way too bright at night (and I'm someone whose eyes need a lot of light!). I now leave the white LEDs dimmed to some degree (often as much as half or more) 95% of the time when I am using them.

The switch I used was one that Andrew found for me. I don't recall the brand, and I don't know where he got it. But he or someone else at the factory might be able to assist. It was a bit of a chore to install, because I had to cut a large hole for it. That part went ok (as I recall, Andrew advised me on what kind of blade to put in my Bosch saber saw). The "chore" part was because the walls are thick ply, and the blade flexed inward as it cut, causing the sides of the hole to angle in, which required a hand filing to get them squared off enough for the switch to seat in the opening. Once in, though, it looked good and works well. Photo below (click to enlarge). There is a blue light that remains on when the switch is in the off position, which makes it easy to find at night. It would be a low level power draw, though, when you are on the hook, unless there is a way to defeat that feature (none I am aware of). The switch is nice in that it holds the dimmer setting you last used, so you don't have to reset it every time you use the lights.

It's an modification I highly recommend if you use the white LED lighting at night a lot.

Good luck!

Gini

 
Gini,

Thanks so much for the reply and picture! I will track down the source for the dimmer from CW.
Looks like exactly what I am looking for!

Kurt
 
Kurt can you post details to the thread when you find out? I'm interested too.
 
Here are n[many different LED dimmers for 12 volt LED lights.
https://www.google.com/search?q=12+volt ... kQ_AUIBygC

The challenge I have is the thickness of the fiberglass and wood backing where I want to mount the dimmer.
On the CW 28 LE, the salon and cockpit switches are next to each other adjacent to the door jam. So I need to find a dimmer that can be fitted behind the fiberglass but with a control part long enough to protrude through the hole. If that makes sense?

Kurt
 
As the above dimmer appears to hold the dimmer setting when off could you perhaps mount it next to battery switches and keep the current switch in use? I.e. Mount separately?
 
I had another idea whilst browsing the marinebeam site for bulbs.

they sell two different types of G4 bulb. the recommended for tugs high output 10 LED (this is the one linked off their tug page
https://store.marinebeam.com/g4-led-bulb-10-led-smd-power-cluster-x-beam/
2 watts and 150 lumens

they also however have a 6 LED model.
https://store.marinebeam.com/g4-led-bulb-6-led-power-cluster-novi/
1.5 watts and 120 lumens

trading in for the 6 led model may make the cabin a little less harsh/bright??

you could also of course mix these up. brighter over the table. dimmer elsewhere?
 
Another good idea! I will look at my bulbs and see but I think I want to go the dimmer route. It gives me more control on the lighting. I will keep you posted.

Thanks,

Kurt
 
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