Christmas Lights

[TexomaAv8r]

A local marina has it's anual Christmas parade of boats in a few weeks, scheduled for 7pm after dark, I presume lights are the expected feature.<br />Is there a safe, expedient way to run a basic string of lights arround my 16ft run about?<br /><br />I considered an inverter and regular household string but that still equals 110v in a small, damp space...<br /><br />perhaps there is a smarter way?

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: Christmas Lights

I have seen some battery operated short strings. No idea where to get them now. The ones I have seen use 2 C batteries and were 5-6 feet long.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Christmas Lights

Make your own with 12vdc LEDs from Ebay. You can buy them in bulk (less than 10 cents/each). Other than that, there is absolutely nothing wrong with 120vac on a boat. I would use lots of cheap plastic tie wraps to secure the light strings (ac or dc) so I was sure nothing could come loose and fall in the water.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Christmas Lights

I'd just run the inverter... keep the inverter tucked somewhere very dry. wrap the connections with something to keep them dry.<br /><br />check out the amp rating on each one, normally .3amp, so you can run 8 strands on a 300 watt inverter. (just remember you'll be pulling over 30 amps from your battery, so bring the extra deep cycle with ya!<br /><br />I used to put regular xmas lights on my old minivan, just duct taped em to the outside. (did I mention old crappy minivan?) They would break, and cause problems. Then I upgraded to ROPE LIGHTS, they screw together, so no connection to come undone, and no lights to break. And very easy to tiewrap wherever ya need them. Had 4-5 lengths running off my 300 watt inverter.

 

[JB]

Re: Christmas Lights

Most series connected light strings use 12v bulbs, Texoma. Just look for cheap strings with 10 small bulbs.<br /><br />I once disconnected a couple of strings and rewired them in parallel, then powered them from my cigar lighter outlet. They worked great. . . even blinked properly. Won my Whaler a small trophy.

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: Christmas Lights

There is also 12 volt rope light available. I used some on my previous boat for interior lighting behind the gunnel storage areas. Worked great.<br /><br />I work at an electrical distributor and I am able to order 12 V in various colors and lengths. I am sure you could do the same from a local electrical distributor. I know the brand we sell is Flexi-Light. Distributed through a company out of Canada called Wide Loyal Development.<br /><br />Good luck!