A FRESH APPROACH TO
LIGHTING
By now you must have heard about LED lights, you've seen them on new cars or trailers, you have wanted them in your boat, you probably know a little (or a lot) about them. You just don't know how easy it is, or what the benefits are in replacing your old filament bulb lights for LED technology.
This article is intended to provide an insight into LED technology, to dispel some of the myths and to answer some questions you may have regarding this type of light.
Firstly, let's talk about light bulbs - the regular filament type bulb you probably have in almost every socket right now. It works by resistance, passing electricity through a coil of wire, heating it until it produces this light. This is effective, but they have three major drawbacks. The first is power consumption - filament bulbs use on average 100 times more power than their LED counterparts, the second is heat - have you ever tried to handle a filament bulb after being on for only 5 minutes (ouch!). The third drawback is life span - a filament bulb in perfect order will only last 1000 hours on average, and is extremely susceptible to both vibration and power surges, all of which occur in abundance aboard a boat. I am a big proponent of change, and although there is nothing wrong with the function of this 1880 design, I do believe that technology should have enabled us to look further than this by now. I would propose that the light bulb is probably the oldest technology still in use on a vessel today, outside of basic navigation aids and good seafaring traditions.
Let me place this in context: The light bulb was invented in 1880, yet the fiberglass used in the hull production was invented in 1938. Why should we continue to use outdated technology when new, energy efficient, longer lasting alternatives exist and are comparable in price?
LED technology was first used in 1962, and has had a Darwinian-like evolution since. The LED's of today are about as far removed from those of even 10 years ago as we are to the Chimpanzee. LED use for lighting has become as much of an art as a science, with specialist companies appearing now who are embracing and recognizing the benefits of this technology - who wouldn't want something that can produce the same light output of a 20W filament bulb, yet only use 0.8 amps on a 12V circuit, can last up to 40,000 (yes forty-thousand) hours and produces almost no heat. LED technology is best left for the physicists to explain, but in layman terms, it is a semi-conductor, or a chip of metal, coated with a substance which produces light when electricity is applied.
At MYNT, we recognize that this technology is perfect for marine use. We can replace and upgrade your existing lighting using LED technology, add underwater lights for fishing or add colored courtesy lighting for ambiance when relaxing. Call us today for a free consultation and estimate. And remember, don't be fooled by internet deals or cheap knock-offs, here at MYNT we recognize that value is priority and quality comes first.
Type
Incandescent (Filament type)
LED light
Number of bulbs
1 - filament
28 - LED
Voltage
12
12
Wattage
40
13
Amperage
3.3
1.1
Light Output
450-650 lumens
450-650 lumens
Life expectancy (marine use)
250 hours
10,000 hours
Average cost
$15-$25 (bulb only)
$60-$200 (interior light fixture)
Cost per hour
$.006-$0.10 per hr
$0.0006-$0.02 per hr
Other notes
Cost is for bulb only, a replacement fitting can cost $30-$200
An individual LED can fail within the 'cluster' and still the light will function.
By comparing the table above, you can see that even the highest quality interior LED fitting could cost only 2 cents per hour of use, and this includes the price of the housing or fixture. By comparison, the filament bulb could cost 10 cents per hour, would require replacement far more often and will consume more electricity, possible requiring more frequent replacement of the batteries and charging system.
Additional Services MYNT has to offer
Our team of well trained, highly skilled and experienced technicians is available to deal with almost every mechanical and electrical problem that could arise on your boat. From a simple oil and filter change to a full refit on your yacht. You can be sure that our technicians are ready to handle anything. Our excellence comes from the support of one of the best service teams worldwide that Mynt Yachts has established
We have fully trained and certified technicians for Mynt to be your first choice.
The following lists some of the services we provide to our customers everyday:
• Engine and generator sales, service and repair
• Stern drive service and repairs
• Service and repair of all Navigation Electronics
• Audio Visual service and replacements
• Prepare your yacht for shipping
• Technical inquiry
• Refits
• Extensive experience with manufacturers Volvo Penta, MAN, MTU, Detroit Diesel, Perkins, ZF, Glendenning Controls, Kohler, Fischer Panda
• Parts and accessories supply
The service department is here to answer all of your technical inquiries, as well as provide parts support for your entire vessel.
Mynt Yacht Service department will do everything possible to keep you cruising year round. |
