Leds on a 2050 Reata

[Pezman38]

I added some compartment lights since it was really cold out. Running the wires took the longest time because I had to run them all.

I am going to change out the wires to the right side compartment to some shielded two strand wire just to protect it some since it is close to the gas tank. The left side compartment has a much larger LED than the middle and right, but the inside is carpet and not gelcoat so it doesn't shine as well.

I also want to add some red leds to the deck for night time fishing, shouldn't need a dimmer as the lights will be hidden nicely below the racks on the starboard and port sides.

I made a video which might help others starting this, overall for this being my first electrical project it was a blast to do and I can't wait to do more. Video to come later.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/a...psc95fc1b4.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/a...psdfe97bc7.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps04bc7d80.jpg

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/a...pse62a96bb.jpg

[Marty59]

Looks great. I have done the interior lighting and need to do the compartment lighting next.

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[Juls]

Great job! Looks really nice.

[PBH]

I'd like to see the video. Maybe I could do the same for my 1850.

[Pezman38]

You can, it isn't hard just takes some time. I tried to upload the video today and it was corrupted somehow.
I had one interior light under the right console and all the lights you see are turned on by that switch now.
Ranger made cutouts in the compartments to attach the gas hose, and livewell hose, so you utilize that.

I will make another video and post it.

[dakotahunter12]

DON"T DO THE LED LIGHTS!!!!!! I can tell you from experience they are a bad idea. They are like crankbaits, once you start you never have enough, once you start installing you think of all the cool places you could light up and you keep adding and adding. I started with the compartments, then I put blue LEDS on the bottom of the trailer with a switch on the trailer, that lead to adding white LED strips on the back of the trailer and back side corners hooked up to the back up lights to aluminate the ramp in the dark. I then added blue LEDs around the front deck and rear of the boat on a dimmer for night fishing and a little bling, which led to high output LED cyberlight on the bow for a head light at night. Oh ya almost forgot I added submersible lights under the jackplate below the water line to light up the water in the wake for a cool look at night while cruising across the lake. Winter needs to end, I have run out of accessory switches and power supplies

[Pezman38]

lol nice dakota, they are sweet and I already want more.

[Pezman38]

Here is a short video on things you need, how to run wires, and general info on locations in compartments, and a couple different ways to connect them.

I'm not the best at how to videos so hope it doesn't disappoint you. Let me know if you have questions, if I can do it anyone can.

[cvn72jeffe]

Pez.

Do you still have the video???

I am scared to death of having to drill on my new Reata!!!

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Go Cyclones!~

[jtulius]

I would love to see this video. These lights look awesome.