LED replacement bulbs

[PhilR]

Just received a parts order from RT which included an LED kit. I'm not sure how to access the bulbs in the cabin overhead lights...the ones with the gold colored trim rings...I'm a little reluctant to just pull down on the trim rings... and also which bulbs are for which fixtures. Haven't been up to the boat with the bulbs, so no trial and error yet. It would be helpful if someone who has done this job would bring me up to speed.

Phil

 

[Just Dreamin']

Phil, I changed out all the bulbs on our R25 classic from standard halogen to LED several years ago. First, the gold trim ring (assuming the 27 uses same) twisted off with no difficulty. Second, the bulbs we used were a disk design with the two wire prongs as a standard bulb (I think the RT bulb was G4 or 9). It was a matter of pulling the old bulb out (in my case this was the hardest part as the old bulbs were really seated) and plugging the disk in. The disk we used had either 6 or 9 (not at boat therefore not sure here on exact number) LEDs and fit nicely in the fixture. Plug and play or illuminate in this case. Overheads took different style from cave and head and the berth reading lamps were of another design. Also changed out anchor light as the standard bulbs become very hot and can burn very very easily and this typically happens at night. Current draw went down by a significant factor.

 

[Favunclerich]

I changed some of my overhead bulbs. As stated previously, the gold-colored trim rings twist off, but it was not easy. I was able to do it using a rubber grip that is normally used to open jars. I bought bulbs from ebay.com similar to this deal;

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-G4-2-2W-12-L ... 5d4419710c

 

[Hydraulicjump]

Phil, we swapped our bulbs out for LEDs on our 27 with the factory package. It was really easy to figure out which bulb went where once you started. That said, in the end, we decided that the ceiling lights were better left unchanged. The LED "color" was unpleasant. We just use the lampshade lights when on the hook and the ceiling lights when in the marina.

The BIG change we noticed was with the masthead or anchor light. That really reduces draw when you switch to LED.

If you anchor a lot, the LED change is worth it.

Jeff

 

[bbrh842]

Be careful when you twist off the gold colored trim ring. The glass disk will fall out and break. Don't ask me how I know this.

 

[PhilR]

Good advice from all. I'm glad I asked. We anchor out 1 or 2 nights a week, and use the lamp shade fixtures and the forward berth lights mostly. If under 100 ft.from shore in remote coves, I don't always use the anchor light. Due to house battery(s) that have seen better days, I've been using a cooler with ice lately instead of the frig. I don't want to buy AGM batteries until spring.

Phil