Compartment lights installed

[The Dogger23]

Just finished up installing the Blue Water LED lights in all my carpartments. These things are brighter than the stock lights and do a great job to light the boat up at night.

[phowler]

Which kit did you order and was the power wiring a PITA?

[scott.keeley]

Wow, those are bright and look great! Also interested in the complexity if the install.

[REG]

Very nicely done! How do you have them grouped for on/off? Front/back?

[1860Angler]

Another nice addition to your 1860!! What length LED's did you use?

[The Dogger23]

I ordere the Pro kit: http://www.bluewaterled.com/catalogdetails.php?id=2

I have them all on one switch because I really have no need to power the front/back independently, when I want light I really want lights everywhere. I do a bit of night fishing and there is no shortage of light when I need it.

The install was actually pretty easy, but I say that because I have the tools to do it (Fishtape, wire, connectors, crimpers, etc). The light switch off the dash is used to supply power to the whole circuit. Having the fishtape is the trick, you need it to run wires to pretty much every location front/back/port compartments, you need to get tricky with how the wires are run but if you take your time and look around the inside of the boat you can find places to run and hide wires.

The details are alot to write out in a post, if someone is serious about rigging an 1860 with these lights I would be more than happy to talk over the phone on how I did it, PM me if interested. I forgot to add a pic of the glove box that has a light in it too.....

[Esoxchaser]

Quite cool. I have been considering doing that to my 1860. My only question is- How did you get the wires into the livewells?

[The Dogger23]

I actually drilled a hole throught the livewell, wasnt really fond of the idea but it worked fine when I used some silicone to seal it off. Alot of the bass guys do it so I figured I was safe to try it. Bluewater sells lights specially for livewells that can be submersed in water. Either way, I did it and they dont leak and the lights work. I cant wait to try them out at night with fish in the well.

[1860Angler]

I was going to order my 1860 with the lights installed from the factory, but after seeing what you did I think I will be installing my own. More lights, brighter lights and less $$.

[Albertan]

Originally Posted by The Dogger23

I actually drilled a hole throught the livewell, wasnt really fond of the idea but it worked fine when I used some silicone to seal it off. Alot of the bass guys do it so I figured I was safe to try it. Bluewater sells lights specially for livewells that can be submersed in water. Either way, I did it and they dont leak and the lights work. I cant wait to try them out at night with fish in the well.

I did the same with a Lowrance EP-35 Temp Sensor for Livewell temps on my NMEA system. I sealed up the hole through my livewell with 3M 4200 Adhesive Sealant, and it's never caused an issue. I think the paranoia with drilling a hole in a boat...anywhere in a boat...is overdone. Just use common sense and take your time.