Replacing incandescent cabin light fixtures on my E33

jcdexter · Replacing incandescent cabin light fixtures on my E33

The incandescent light fixtures in my 1984 E33 are tired (the lenses have lost their shape and won't stay in) and are not energy efficient. I'd like to replace them. Because they're under the side decks, the replacement units need to disperse light sideways and not just focus it downward.

I've looked in catalogues and tried to compare the three choices; LED, fluorescent, and incandescent like the ones we have as to light output, amp draw, light pattern, etc., but there is always a piece of data missing. A big problem is that I don't know how much the originals draw and how much light they put out so I can't identify a comparable.

The perfect replacement would draw much less, put out the same or more light, and disperse it around the cabin as well as the originals do.

If any of you have found the perfect solution I'd be grateful for your input.

Jack Dexter
E33 "Serenity"

endvr32

Practical Sailor (January 2009) did a good article earlier this year where the presented the results of testing a wide range of LED bulbs for focused light fixtures. It covered color, diffusion, brightness, etc. but was mainly directed to single bulb replacement in directional fixtures. I have seen some dome lights that have LEDs in them but you have to buy the entire fixture. We replaced the exterior nav lights with LED bulbs and it cut power consumption exponentially. We can race for more than 72 hours straight without even thinking of charging our batteries.

For LED bulbs, google the following:
Dr LED
Sensibulb

For Navigation Lights look at HELLA

For interior light fixtures check out OPTRONICS

I'm sure there are more.

Dick Caswell

The best I have seen are from alpenglowlights.com...... low power drain, bright light, look better than the original but expensive!
Dick Caswell
E42

bobfnbw