Reading lights to MF 795

[Mikeh]

Has anyone installed reading lights in the fore cabin? I've bought a pair of LED lamps and I'm curious how and where you have run power cables for your lamps. I would like the cables to be as invisible as possible.

[ihsan]

               I have led strip lights mounted, daylight colour, inside both starboard and port side storage areas in the front cabin. These give good indirect light to the fore cabin. They are not seen directly. You can also see what you got inside the storage areas, and helps reading too. They are remote controlled both from the same control and you can increase and decrease the power of light.  In addition I have put a led reading light  above the already available 220 volt outlet up on the flat wooden panel towards the port corner side. This I use when I sit there facing the bow of the boat. This reading light is multi directional.  From this position I also watch my tv which is mounted to the flat surface on the bow, actually as you know the chain locker compartment is just behind here.  It is also an improvement for use  if you cover the white fiber hull sides in the cabin, adjecent to the bed, with some marin type clothing over a thin layer of sponge. This means you can recline there and somehow you get more sleeping area. All shades of grey and dark grey match the boat but for some contrast I chose dark purple. 

[nanus18]

Please, would it be possible to see photos of how the led strips and the reading light?, from where do you take the electricity for the starboard led strip?
Thanks

[ihsan]

       The below are the available pictures. At he moment I am far away from the boat

       All the led daylight led stripes are connected to the 12 volt dc box within the kitchen cabinet.
       
       There are also same lead stripes also in the cockpit both starboard and port storage areas and inside the kitchen cabinet.
       They are functional and not for ambiance. The kitchen cabinet lights on when you open its door. There is a small switch there.
       You also easily see and find out what you store in all.
     
       The reading light in the front cabin is connected to the front cabin light, connection through (inside) the roof..
     
        Cables and led stripes are not seen in any connection, all hidden.

       The dimmer for the front led stripes is placed inside the bow thruster area.
       The tv 220 volts is connected to the inverter selection unit under the kitchen cabinet.  The connecting cables for tv travel via        the command consol and continue from inside the roof of the front cabin.

        All cables are laid with the help of an electric technician. He is familiar with 795, 895 and 1095. He used  special wires to lead         the cables. Some wires went over the black water tank in the head. 

        I wish I could film him while at work. Missed that. 

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[Mikeh]

Feb 27, 2021 9:29:26 GMT ihsan said:

               I have led strip lights mounted, daylight colour, inside both starboard and port side storage areas in the front cabin. These give good indirect light to the fore cabin. They are not seen directly. You can also see what you got inside the storage areas, and helps reading too. They are remote controlled both from the same control and you can increase and decrease the power of light.

Thanks for your input! I really like the idea of putting LED strip inside the storage areas. I’m already planning to mount dimmable LED strips to the pantry area and I’ll likely have some left over LED strip for the cabin. But I’m still planning to mount those reading lights, too. I was thinking of taking the power from the bow thruster battery, but maybe I’ll still look into pulling the wires from the roof light and inside the roof. Doesn’t seem too easy at the first glance...

[Mikeh]

Finally received the lamps. Now waiting for weather to warm up a little before installing.

[Mikeh]

I'm quite happy with the outcome.

[Mikeh]

[mhorvath1218]

Apr 30, 2021 12:41:53 GMT Mikeh said:

Mike, those look great. How/where did you run the wiring for them and where are they hooked up to power? I have run wiring throughout the upper cabin and back end, so am familiar with it overall, but havent ventured into the berth area yet.

[Mikeh]

May 17, 2021 15:28:37 GMT mhorvath1218 said:

Apr 30, 2021 12:41:53 GMT Mikeh said:

Mike, those look great. How/where did you run the wiring for them and where are they hooked up to power? I have run wiring throughout the upper cabin and back end, so am familiar with it overall, but havent ventured into the berth area yet.

Thank you! I ended up robbing the power from the dome light and ran the wiring via the hatch on the left and then forward using fish tape, steel wire and nylon thread. The most difficult part was the forward beam. I had to drill a small hole in the middle of the beam between the lamps to assist in feeding the wire for the right lamp, but it was easy to fill and not visible anymore. I’ve now added also LED strips to both sides. It was much easier.

[Mikeh]

This is how my LED strips look like. They are dimmable and operated with a remote controller and/or a switch.

[ihsan]

Perfect. Led stripes well done. Do the kitchen cabinet if you have not done yet. It really helps a lot. Mine lights up when you open left cabinet door, light is on due to a mounted switch on the door. You easily pick up things and check your fueses.

[Mikeh]

May 18, 2021 11:44:42 GMT ihsan said:

Perfect. Led stripes well done. Do the kitchen cabinet if you have not done yet. It really helps a lot. Mine lights up when you open left cabinet door, light is on due to a mounted switch on the door. You easily pick up things and check your fueses.

I’ve added LED strips above the galley sink table and behind the dinette. They provide nice indirect lightning and ambience. Still working with the cabinet lightning. I haven’t found a proper jamb switch yet.

[Mikeh]