Another underplatform LED install

(mikeski) · (mikeski) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 03-11-2007, 9:31 PM

Found an easy solution for underplatform LEDs, solid plastic LED bars. After seeing all the router work that Clay did for Grant's platform I ordered up these lightbars so I wouldn't have to work as hard. My wiring is exposed in a few areas but I don't think it will be any trouble. All the wire connections are concealed inside adhesive lined heat shrink, the whole install should be completely waterproof.

Check it out...

(mikeski) · (mikeski) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 03-11-2007, 9:33 PM

Let's see if we can get the pictures this time.

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(deltaboy) · (deltaboy) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 03-11-2007, 9:36 PM

Sweet! And you bought them from...???

(macrogpx2) · (macrogpx2) **Join Date: Dec 2005** 03-11-2007, 9:46 PM

Do you have more info about the process of the install. That is the cheap way from grants set up for cheap people without money..me.

(mikeski) · (mikeski) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 03-11-2007, 10:39 PM

The LEDs themselves are not necessarily cheap. I work in the lighting business and I have a China direct source. If there is interest I can probably put together a four bar LED platform kit for around $100 with these.

If you want to do it on the cheap you can buy stuff from www.besthongkong.com or www.superbrightleds.com. The stuff is not waterproof but it will work for a while.

(billthom) · (billthom) **Join Date: Apr 2005** 03-11-2007, 10:55 PM

MikeSki are you running the power using the brackets which attach the platform to the boat? I think thats what Grant did..and I was thinking of doing the same as well

Looks great!

(macrogpx2) · (macrogpx2) **Join Date: Dec 2005** 03-11-2007, 11:03 PM

Do you think they could be made waterproof with silicone or something. Also how exactly did you wire them with a switch and everything? I need all the help i can get. Oh and I'm not that cheap but Grant's setup looks like it is worth well north of $500.

(xaggie) · (xaggie) **Join Date: Nov 2002** 03-11-2007, 11:17 PM

If you can get something rigged up for about $100, where do I sign up?

(wakeman7) · (wakeman7) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 03-12-2007, 11:12 AM

Awsome post some pics of it in the water

(fullonsalesgrp)

All these installs are cool, but we all want to see a picture at night from the swim deck of the boat in the water. Then a picture from another boat would be helpfull.
ITCH
100.00 I will sign up to for waterproof units.

(jamieb) · (jamieb) **Join Date: Mar 2007** 03-12-2007, 3:05 PM

i'd be in as well

(crushing76) · (crushing76) **Join Date: Feb 2007** 03-12-2007, 3:23 PM

sign me up too... thats f'n TI**IES! can you get it in red?

(mikeski) · (mikeski) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 03-12-2007, 5:57 PM

Here is another question...

Do you guys see value in me providing the hardware, shrinkwrap, wire loops, and disconnect plugs? Or, just the light bars (Red, Yellow, Blue, Green or White).

I will get in-water pictures as soon as I can.

I was going to do the brackets trick but I am trying to keep things as simple as possible so I am going to use a quick disconnect. This setup only draws 0.4A at 12v.

(rbc_racing) · (rbc_racing) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 03-12-2007, 6:09 PM

I think if you offer it as a package even more people will want them. I want one even without the whole setup, but I would rather have everything.

(crushing76) · (crushing76) **Join Date: Feb 2007** 03-12-2007, 11:06 PM

There is always value in a complete setup. It really just depends on the cost vs. ease of doing it yourself.

With the quick disconnect, will you need to do any drilling through the hull? Although it seems odd to me, the platform brackets through the hull seems to be an effective solution. I dont know how "professional" it would look though.

Mikeski, let me know if you are serious about putting a kit together. I'll take 1 in red.

(yosquire) · (yosquire) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 03-13-2007, 1:56 AM

Mikeski,

I saw someone make mention of conducting the power through each bracket. Is that what you did? if so, what are your thoughts on corrosion?

(yosquire) · (yosquire) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 03-13-2007, 1:57 AM

Also,
do those kits use an LED driver, or just resistors?

(billthom) · (billthom) **Join Date: Apr 2005** 03-13-2007, 12:50 PM

Whole package sounds like a good idea...count me in.

Could it be modified to use the platform bracket?

(zacharoo) · (zacharoo) **Join Date: Nov 2005** 03-13-2007, 4:49 PM

Mikeski did the stuff ie waterproof pucks like G's come in that we talked about afew months back? If so I need to pay you.

Aqua

(johnsvt) · (johnsvt) **Join Date: Dec 2006** 03-13-2007, 8:12 PM

Mike you disgust me I am getting tired of your meticulous somewhat innovative work. You are making us hacks look bad your attention to detail is just so annoying...keep it up.

(zacharoo) · (zacharoo) **Join Date: Nov 2005** 03-13-2007, 9:37 PM

I want to buy your kit as well.

Aqua

(dubsac) · (dubsac) **Join Date: Mar 2006** 03-14-2007, 5:58 PM

Mike - are there any exposed metal pieces that would rust in saltwater or is it all plastic? I need to find a solution that will work for my boat in the ocean.

(weskel) · (weskel) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 03-14-2007, 6:34 PM

looks good

kelly (weskel)

(ghostrider_2) · (ghostrider_2) **Join Date: Aug 2004** 03-14-2007, 7:38 PM

got my interest..

(lukeduke95) · (lukeduke95) **Join Date: May 2002** 03-14-2007, 8:07 PM

WIll-

It is all encased except for the wiring.

(mikeski) · (mikeski) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 03-14-2007, 10:45 PM

Maybe I am going overboard.

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The stuff over the platform is kind of like domed numbers, the LEDs are completely encased in a flexible urethane with 3M adhesive backing. I need to see how it holds up going under water. The ends were done with regular heat shrink so I replaced it with the waterproof adhesive lined heat shrink.
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(mikeski) · (mikeski) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 03-14-2007, 10:46 PM

Oh man, I need to oil my platform!

(merge360) · (merge360) **Join Date: Sep 2006** 03-15-2007, 6:03 AM

Mikeski.... I'd be interested in a package deal but.... I have an I/O... The swim platform is built a little different than other platforms and I'm just not really sure how to mount the LED light bars.... Or how to run the wiring for that matter (Thru the hull? I think I could get away with going thru the hull, the platform sits slightly higher off the water than on wake boats, so the hole thru the hull is well above the water line.)

As for "Going Overboard".... I personally think your boat looks pretty sweet! Keep up the great work!

If you have any suggestions, please let me know....

(driving) · (driving) **Join Date: Jan 2003** 03-15-2007, 7:59 AM

The ones in the vents look awesome!

(sinkoumn) · (sinkoumn) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 03-15-2007, 8:15 AM

I hope you can get some pics of it in the water, that setup looks great - the blue is always a good choice

(mikeski) · (mikeski) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 03-17-2007, 10:10 AM

Sinko,

Here's some from last night

Upload

(jeffsv211) · (jeffsv211) **Join Date: Aug 2006** 03-17-2007, 10:48 AM

WOW!!! Mike, hook me up! Sending a PM.

(grant_west) · (grant_west) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 03-17-2007, 10:50 AM

Mike you are the PeP boy's of "boat bling"

IMO you should loose the LEDs on the top of the platform.

(mikeski) · (mikeski) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 03-17-2007, 1:07 PM

The stuff is easy to add and remove. The lights worked great last night during clean up after dark. I didn't give much though to the practicality, it was nice being able to find my wallet, sunglasses and keys when they were on the platform.

(rallyart) · (rallyart) **Join Date: Nov 2006** 03-17-2007, 1:17 PM

Nice Mike. I like the subtle glow from the rear vents.

(joe_crawley) · (joe_crawley) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 03-17-2007, 1:23 PM

lose the ones on the back that are exposed, but that looks sweet. Do you have pics of just the under platform lights on when it's dark out?

(boss210) · (boss210) **Join Date: Jun 2006** 03-17-2007, 1:50 PM

im with grant, that looks like it belongs on a centurion....

(captain_542) · (captain_542) **Join Date: Oct 2006** 03-20-2007, 11:56 AM

i am begging for someone to write a tutorial for this mod!!! please.

looks good mike.

Ben Kerran 03-20-2007, 2:26 PM

Phillip (boss210)-Great Post. Thank you for being unbiased and so informative. You get my nod for poster of the month

(bradtm16) · (bradtm16) **Join Date: Feb 2007** 03-21-2007, 5:20 PM

I think some on the bottom curves of the tower on each side would look sweet also. Looks bad ass though.