LED Choices

[mnjeepmale]

I'm looking to put underwater LED lights on the transom of my boat. I have decided to with either Lumitech Seablaze X or Lumishore SMX series.
Any suggestions between the two or what is preferred?

 

[spoilsofwar]

I have Lumitec's on my boat (the older Seablaze 3 models) and they work very nicely. Very bright, low power draw, and no external module. They've been installed for four years now and have never leaked any water under the bezel, dropped any LEDs, or gave me any other issues. I really don't think you can beat Lumitec for quality underwater lighting at a reasonable price point.

I don't have any experience with Lumishore. They look like a quality product line, but from what I recall, are quite a bit more expensive then Lumitec.

 

[bruceb58]

I have the Lumitec Seablaze 3 as well. Very nice light.

 

[Fireman431]

Same here.

 

[mnjeepmale]

I'm asking this because a local dealer for both Lumitech & Lumishore suggested I go with Lumishore. He installs mostly Lumishore for underwater LED and Lumitech for above water. Said both are great products but Lumishore is built better.
However the Lumitech offers a 3 year warranty compared to Lumishore 1 year warranty. The Lumitech SMX11 model is about $180/each compared to $300 for the Lumitech Seablaze X model.

I'm leaning more towards the Lumitech Seablaze X but wanted to get others opinions.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Comparing the Lumishore SMX11 and the Lumitec Seablaze X is somewhat of an apples and oranges comparison. The SMX11 looks to be part of lumishore's entry level lineup, where as the Seablaze X is virtually Lumitec's flagship underwater light. A more apt comparison between the two manufacturers, if price is to be considered, would be the SMX11 and the Seablaze 2 (out of production) or Seablaze mini.

For me, I will not mount a plastic light underwater regardless of what they want to claim "space age polymer" it's made of. The SMX11 is plastic... The Seablaze X is bronze. The only plastic underwater lights I've ever used leaked within months (on a trailered boat no less). They were not Lumishore, but I figured I'd share anyway. 3 year warranty vs a 1 year warranty, and now it's no contest. If price is important, go with the Seablaze 3 instead of the X and you will have made up most of the difference, you get a better warranty, and you get a light with an alloy and glass housing. My .02$

 

[mnjeepmale]

Comparing the Lumishore SMX11 and the Lumitec Seablaze X is somewhat of an apples and oranges comparison. The SMX11 looks to be part of lumishore's entry level lineup, where as the Seablaze X is virtually Lumitec's flagship underwater light. A more apt comparison between the two manufacturers, if price is to be considered, would be the SMX11 and the Seablaze 2 (out of production) or Seablaze mini.

For me, I will not mount a plastic light underwater regardless of what they want to claim "space age polymer" it's made of. The SMX11 is plastic... The Seablaze X is bronze. The only plastic underwater lights I've ever used leaked within months (on a trailered boat no less). They were not Lumishore, but I figured I'd share anyway. 3 year warranty vs a 1 year warranty, and now it's no contest. If price is important, go with the Seablaze 3 instead of the X and you will have made up most of the difference, you get a better warranty, and you get a light with an alloy and glass housing. My .02$

I understand. And the thing is cost is not a high importance to me. However I don't want to spend $500 or more/each for a light. I was thinking about getting the SeaBlaze X as that is the newest and seems to have positive reviews.

 

[mnjeepmale]

A dealer wanted $400/each for the Seablaze X lights. I'll order them online and install myself.

 

[spoilsofwar]

A dealer wanted $400/each for the Seablaze X lights. I'll order them online and install myself.

Easy install. Verify placement and make sure you have access to where the wire will be on the inside of the transom. For the mounting screws, make sure you run drill in reverse to start to prevent gel coat chipping. I like to cover the whole area with masking tape while drilling to prevent drill bit walking.

For the main wire hole, seal liberally with 3M 4200. Goop up mounting screws with it. Run a bead around the housing of the light as well. I pumped 4200 into the wire pass thru from the inside of the transom as well just to ensure everything was sealed well. You could use 5200, but 4200 will make it easier to remove and re-bed the lights in the future.

 

[bruceb58]

A dealer wanted $400/each for the Seablaze X lights. I'll order them online and install myself.

Should be able to get them for less than $300 online.

 

[spoilsofwar]

I see them for $290 plus free shipping from the place I got my Seablaze 3's (i marine USA dot com)