Blown running light bulbs

Lattitudechange wrote:

It would be nice to see manufactures making double insulated running light fixtures like some trailer lights. (a sealed bulb within the fixture)

The newer LED lights do just that. Less draw, less heat, up to 100,000 hours life, brighter light and much better visibility from the distance. A little bit more expensive, but a wise investment!

This post edited by Mad Mahi 10:31 AM 07/19/2008

Dorymate2530 wrote:
You can replace bulbs of existing fixtures with LED's from

http://www.superbrightleds.com/

I did this on my last boat and they work great, cheaper than the whole fixture.

That is good if you want to upgrade your present lights, but will not help the corrosion problem as posted.

You would still be plugging the newer LED type bulb into the existing socket which is the cause of most problems. The fixtures are watertight enclosures, so your only 'work' is to make sure that the wiring leading to the fixture is good.

Anyone that is considering either of these upgrades needs to remember to keep the fuse in line or add one if there is none. Although the newer LEDs work on much less draw and run cooler, a short is still a short.

It may even be wiser to drop the amp rating down if replacing with the LEDs as to have them blow sooner!