Installing Lights On Your Ski Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to add some lights to your ski boat, you've got a few options. You could go for LED strips, which are flexible and can be trimmed and mounted in 2 increments, making them easy to mount anywhere on the boat. Alternatively, you could opt for LED clamp-on lights, which are cheap and effective. If you're after something more permanent, you could consider wiring your lights directly into your boat's 12V battery. This will involve disconnecting the battery and scoping out where you'll be connecting the wires. You'll also need to make sure you've got the right tools for the job, including extra wire, heat shrink butt splices, and a marker or lumber crayon.

Choosing the right lights

Lighting Type

You can choose between single-colour lights or RGB (Red, Green, Blue) "colour-changing" lights. Single-colour lights are cheaper and easier to install, whereas RGB lights offer a wider range of colours and effects but are more expensive and complicated to wire.

Lighting Placement

Consider where you want to place the lights on your ski boat. Do you want to add lights to the gunwales, under consoles, behind panels, or the deck? Flexible LED strips can be trimmed and mounted in 2" increments, making them easy to mount anywhere on the boat. If you want to add lights to your ski boat's tower, you can find tower speakers with built-in LEDs.

Lighting Control

To get the exact lighting effect you want, you'll need to connect your LEDs to a light controller, which typically consists of a box and a remote. You can use the remote to pick a single colour or select a multicolor/music response mode.

Power Source

All LEDs require 12-volt power to work properly. You can wire the lights directly into your boat's 12V battery, usually by finding the boat's fuse box or breaker panel. Make sure that the power source is indeed 12V, as some boats may have regulators that prevent power spikes. If your boat doesn't have this feature, you can protect your LEDs with a DC voltage regulator.

Waterproofing

Consider the location of your lights and choose the appropriate level of waterproofing. At a minimum, we suggest weatherproof LED strip lights with an IP65 rating. If your lights are near the boat's outer edge or on the hull, opt for full waterproof LED strip lights with an IP67 rating.

Compliance and Safety

Check with your local authorities or marina management to find out the requirements for dock lighting. Avoid light pollution that may affect marine life in the area. Also, ensure you display the appropriate navigation lights at night or during times of reduced visibility to prevent collisions and comply with legal requirements.

Disconnecting the battery

Step 1: Prepare the necessary tools

Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools on hand. You will need a wrench or a pair of pliers to loosen the battery cable connections. Additionally, it is recommended to have a battery terminal puller, as it is a useful tool for any boat owner to safely remove stubborn cables.

Step 2: Disconnect the negative cable

Start by locating the negative (black) cable connected to the battery. Using the wrench or pliers, loosen the nut that secures the cable to the battery terminal. Once it is loose, carefully twist and pull up on the cable near the end, and slowly slide it off the terminal. If the cable is stuck and doesn't move, refrain from using a screwdriver to force it off, as this could damage the cable or the terminal. Instead, opt for a battery terminal puller to safely remove it.

Step 3: Move the negative cable away

Once the negative cable is removed, tuck it off to the side and out of the way. This ensures that it doesn't accidentally come into contact with the positive terminal while you work.

Step 4: Disconnect the positive cable

Now, locate the positive (red) cable. Loosen and remove it from the battery terminal, being cautious not to let it touch the negative terminal. Again, if it is stuck, do not force it off with a screwdriver. Use a battery terminal puller if needed.

Step 5: Check for leaks and corrosion

With the cables disconnected, take this opportunity to inspect the battery for any signs of acid leaks or corrosion. If you notice any leaks, gently clean them up, and remove any build-up around the terminals. You can use a sponge and paper towel to wipe down the battery and ensure it is clean and dry.

Step 6: Store the battery properly

If you are not reconnecting the battery immediately, it is important to store it in a safe place. Keep the battery in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Do not place it on the ground or leave it unattended for extended periods. Additionally, ensure that the battery is fully charged before storing it for an extended period.

Remember, disconnecting the battery is an essential safety precaution when working with any electrical components on your ski boat. By following these steps, you can ensure that you are prepared for the installation process and reduce the risk of any accidents.

Planning light placement

Firstly, it is important to determine the type of LED lights you will be installing. LED light strips, for example, can be mounted on the underside of the deck, while individual LED lights might be installed symmetrically between the port and starboard sides. Knowing the type of lights you are using will help you plan their placement accordingly.

Next, you should identify the power source for your LED lights. In most boats, this will be the boat's 12V battery, which can usually be found in the fuse box or breaker panel. Ensure that the power source is indeed 12V, as some boats may have higher voltages that can damage your LEDs. You can protect your LEDs by using a DC voltage regulator if needed.

Now, let's determine the specific locations for your LED lights. Consider the existing lighting and wiring in your boat. You can tap into existing lights or accessory switches to avoid running new wires and installing additional switches. Look for locations near existing lights and wiring that you can utilise.

When placing the LED lights, consider their function and the areas of the boat you want to illuminate. For example, you might want to place lights near the deck for better visibility when tying baits or unhooking fish. You should also ensure that the lights are not obstructed or diminished by other equipment in the boat. Measure and mark the positions for each light, considering their vertical and horizontal placement.

Additionally, think about the colour of your LED lights. You can opt for single-colour lights or RGB (Red, Green, Blue) colour-changing lights. If you choose RGB lights, ensure you have a light controller that allows you to change colours, adjust brightness, and create different lighting effects.

Finally, consider the mounting method for your LED lights. If you're using LED strips, the adhesive backing or mounting clips might be sufficient. For individual LED lights, you may need to drill holes and use screws to secure them in place. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper mounting procedures.

By following these steps, you can effectively plan the placement of your LED lights on your ski boat, ensuring a functional and aesthetically pleasing lighting setup.

Drilling holes

Prepare the necessary tools and safety gear:

Before you begin, make sure you have the required tools and safety equipment. This includes a drill, drill bits of appropriate sizes, a face mask, and protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants. It is also recommended to use a chamfering drill bit to smooth the edges of the holes you will be drilling.

Choose the mounting location:

Decide where you want to mount your lights. The location will depend on the type of lights you are installing. For underwater lights, the transom is usually the best location, with the lights separated by at least three feet for optimal coverage. Use a template to check if the lights fit and mark the location of the power cord hole. Do not mark the screw holes at this stage.

Check for obstructions:

Before you start drilling, check inside the boat to ensure there is enough room to feed the power cord through. Also, make sure you are not drilling into anything important, such as wiring or hoses. If there are any doubts or obstructions, consider choosing a different location for your lights.

Drill the hole for the power cord:

This is often the most nerve-wracking part of the process. To avoid cracking your gel coat, it is recommended to use a new carbide or diamond tip drill bit and drill in reverse through the gel coat, which is usually about 1/16" thick. Once you have countersunk the gel coat, switch your drill direction to forward and finish drilling through the hull.

Mark and drill the screw holes:

After drilling the hole for the power cord, you can mark and drill the holes for the screws. First, determine the depth of the screw holes by holding the drill bit next to the screw and placing a piece of tape on the bit just above the end of the screw. Use a drill bit that is properly sized for the screws. Feed the power cord through the hole and position the light to mark the screw holes. Drill the first screw hole, insert the screw, and then mark and drill the second hole.

Mount the lights:

Finally, you are ready to mount the lights securely. Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the power cord hole and each screw hole. Fill the screw holes with caulk, press the light into place, insert the screws, and tighten them down.

Wiring the lights

Step 1: Planning and Preparation:

Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and supplies, including wire strippers, electrical tape, wire connectors, extra wire (red and black), a marker or lumber crayon, and heat shrink butt splices. Ensure you have the correct type of LED lights for your boat and determine their placement. Decide whether you will tap into existing lights or install a new switch.

Step 2: Disconnect the Battery:

For safety, disconnect the battery or batteries running power to your boat. This will protect you and your equipment in case any wiring work doesn't go as planned.

Step 3: Plan the Route:

Locate the nearest existing lights and wiring you can tap into. If you're installing a new switch, identify a suitable spot near the console and determine the route for running the wire.

Step 4: Feed and Connect the Wires:

Feed the LED light's wiring through the mounting backer piece. Ensure you have enough wire to reach the tap-in point; if not, add extra wire by stripping and connecting it securely.

Step 5: Connect to the Power Source:

If tapping into existing wiring, follow the wires to the power source. If installing a new switch, run wires from the switch to each side of the boat, using a multi-wire butt connector.

Step 6: Splice and Secure Connections:

Use butt connectors to join wires, and crimp and heat shrink the connections to seal them. Ensure all negative wires are connected to the boat's negative bus bar.

Step 7: Test and Mount the Lights:

Reconnect the battery and test each light to ensure they are functioning properly and coloured as expected. Once you've confirmed they work, drill holes for the mounting hardware and secure the lights in place.

Step 8: Final Checks and Maintenance:

Check that all lights are working properly every time you take your boat out. Regularly inspect the wiring, lights, and reflectors for any damage or corrosion. Ensure your trailer lights comply with legal requirements and are maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.

By following these steps, you can confidently wire the lights on your ski boat, ensuring a safe and stylish addition to your vessel.

Frequently asked questions