http://www.cruisingcompass.com/index.php?issue=45
Feb. 8, 2007 - Issue 28

Boat Rat's Tip of the Week

Get more light for fewer amps

It always amazes us how much electricity it takes to run a modern cruising boat. And, because we are so used to having easy and bright lighting wherever we live, sailors are no longer willing to read by kerosene lamps or hang a kerosene storm lantern in the foretriangle for an anchor light. No, we want and need plenty of light, just as we want and need to run a laptop, stereo, SSB, TV and more. The net result is that we are spending amps like crazy and have to regenerate them with purpose.

There are a couple of really good solutions to the lighting issue that can really save on power consumption and give the bright illuminations that you want. The first is to replace incandescent lights with fluorescent units. Tucked away under side decks, inside cabinets and even over head, modern fluorescent lights can give off any level of candle power you desire. And, you can adjust the color of the lights with partially opaque sleeves that fit over the bulbs – so you can have the warmth of incandescent bulbs without the electrical draw. These are great for offshore sailing, since it is easy to set up one or more fluorescent bulbs with a red sleeve that will give you a nice red glow below decks that does not impair your night vision. Look at the lights available from Alpenglow to see some very attractive and creative fluorescent solutions. www.alpenglowlights.com

The second solution comes from the rapidly expanding world of LED lights. LED are now on the market to replace just about any incandescent bulb on your boat from the 20-watt bulb in the tri-color masthead running lights to the running lights at deck level, to all of the lights throughout the boat's interior. The new LEDs draw only milliamps of power and have incredibly long lives. Also, they come in various colors so you can imitate the yellow tinge of an incandescent light or go with a bright white light. Or, you can install a red LED at the chart table and throughout the boat for night running. LEDs are relatively expensive but they make a very good long-term investment that will save you plenty of battery charging time and reduce wear and tear on the batteries. Have a look at the bulbs and other products from Mastlight at www.mastlight.com.