As we restore our WS42, Harmony, we're needing to replace or install all new lighting, both internal and external. Of course, we found that all of the wiring on the boat was kaput, so it too needs replacing. Going with an all LED suite of lighting, both internal and external, offers a benefit I had not originally considered: savings relative to the cost of wire.
At this point in the project, I am about ready to run wires and install lights. Based on the distances from the circuit board and the load on the wires, it is expected that I will have to use at least 10 gauge wire for incandescent bulbs. However, the LED lights can use 16 gauge wire. For the wiring of the lights, I expect to save over $1,000 in wire costs. This savings will just about cover the cost differential for using all LEDS.
For navigational lights, I went with MISEA lights because (1) their website was helpful and informative; (2) their customer support folks had a very customer forward attitude and were knowledgeable; and (3) the pricing was very competitive. BTW, I could also source them from West Marine at the same pricing. Yes, my suite of navigational lights was not cheap, but I am expecting to break even and maybe come out slightly ahead when I consider the long-term savings due to battery charging and replacement costs. At least that is the plan!
I used OGM lights for the bow, stern and masthead tri-color. For the steaming light I chose the Signal Mate which also featured an LED deck light. The steaming light took a big chunk of coin. The tricolor was under $500, but priced similarly to the incandescent tricolor from Aquasignal I had used on my old Pearson Vanguard.
In theory, the savings from the cost of wire should cover the LED "premium". However, if one is installing LED's onto an existing wiring grid, those savings are not possible. For me, the costs and savings associated with usage and servicing remain somewhat assumed at this point. I will be interested in my experience with reliability, as bulb replacement may be tricky at a minimum or not possible at the other extreme. I did find MISEA to be helpful and competitively priced.
Doug
