I used the Versa Track grove as well. But I used a roll of vacuum rubber hose and ran my wires though the tubing. I ran a power wire (Red & Black) all the way around both sides. Then spliced my lights into it at the light location. I ran a power wire from my lithium battery in my Starboard side rod locker to the panel on the bow. There I put a on off switch and a dimmer switch. I didn’t put any lights in my lockers or floor areas as you did. But I can do that by tying into my power wire on each side.
This is a great video. Really appreciate it. I’m getting my new PT 175 next month and was thinking to add lighting as my first upgrade. This explains so much. Thanks!
I've actually since switched it out. I found a nice 3/8" braided wire loom that works even better. The rope was fine, but from time a hook would get caught in it. And hooks in ropes really suck.
Dude, you have done it again. You have exactly precisely taught me how to do two things that I could not find out how to do any place else. Yes, like you I would have figured it out on my own but you save me a lot of time. The first one was the gear shift video and this one here really nails down a great way to install those deck lights. Thanks so much for your time and by the way you are a great instructor. I do have a couple questions if you don't mind one is what gauge wire did you use to run all the way around the boat and two is have you done with those blue lights I am planning on getting red lights cuz I am of the belief that they attract bugs a lot less than blue lights. Thank you.
I'm actually not sure what gauge the wire was. I ordered the 25 foot lengths of connecting wire from Blue Water LED, Since that is the wire that comes with the kit in the first place. Forgive me, but I never actually looked at the gauge. I did a fairly sloppy job the first time through and was not satisfied with it (although not bad for a non-electrical type of dude) so I re-did them, learning from the mistakes I made the first time around and so far, so good. That being said, I'm sure there are better and/or more efficient and/or "correct" ways to install these...but for a Ham 'n Egger like me who likes to tinker with stuff, they work...so, there's that.
Here's the link to the TH Marine Connecting wire. Looks like 18/2 wire....thmarinesupplies.com/products/bluewater-led-connection-wire-18-2-shielded-25-feet
Nice job! Love the tip of staggering the butt connectors in the track! Im a little confused as to why you had to drill a hole for the wires if you put them in the track. What am i missing?
The reason I did that is because I didn't want the wires from the individual light strips visible. Without the holes, after you mount the strips to the rail, you can certainly then simply put the wires up into the versa track...however then that section of wire would be visible (and also, I imagine, would be prone to getting a hook caught on it, or whatever). It's only a small section of wire, so it's probably not a big deal in all actuality - but I'm nutty like that. So, my solution was to drill a small hole so the wire from the LED strip could run directly from behind the strip and into the versa track...concealed and protected.
For the in-line fuse you simply cut your red wire and insert the fuse making new connections to literally put the fuse "in-line". For the dimmer switch, if you got the BlueWater LED one, it is clearly marked. There are three connections that are labeled. One for power, one to the lights, and a negative. So you'll have two reds and a black. A red from the power bank, the red from the lights and a negative from the switch to the power bank.
Great video! I have the same boat that you have, I about to do the led light strip install, I have a question, did you have too add another bus bar under the steering wheel for you new light connections? If so what kind? Thanks in advance
Hello, great vid, I got a Tracker Classic XL at the end of last summer and looking to do this install right now to prepare for summer night fishing. Your metal tack strip idea is exactly what I was looking to do myself. I'm trying to find the same thing you used but no luck yet. Do you happen to know the manufacturer, part number, anything at all that might help me find those metal transition strips? I want to use them just like you did. Thanks so much!
I had some sections left over from a home improvement project, but not enough for both boat and trailer. I tried to find some to buy but they were impossible to find without buying the actual thresholds that come with them. I even called several floor manufacturer distributers. Apparently, no one sells them by themselves. So, I went to a local small business floor guy in town and asked him if he had some laying around. I told him what they were for. He went out back and came back out with like 12 feet of strips for me. He gave 'em to me with a handshake and a smile. So...you might try that.
Great video!! Very well explained!!!
Glad it was helpful!
I used the Versa Track grove as well. But I used a roll of vacuum rubber hose and ran my wires though the tubing. I ran a power wire (Red & Black) all the way around both sides. Then spliced my lights into it at the light location. I ran a power wire from my lithium battery in my Starboard side rod locker to the panel on the bow. There I put a on off switch and a dimmer switch. I didn’t put any lights in my lockers or floor areas as you did. But I can do that by tying into my power wire on each side.
Very detailed video, and great job for being the first time 👏👏👏
Glad you liked it!
This is a great video. Really appreciate it. I’m getting my new PT 175 next month and was thinking to add lighting as my first upgrade. This explains so much. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
That black rope in the versa track was pure genious!
I've actually since switched it out. I found a nice 3/8" braided wire loom that works even better. The rope was fine, but from time a hook would get caught in it. And hooks in ropes really suck.
Very nice sir
Thanks and welcome.
Dude, you have done it again. You have exactly precisely taught me how to do two things that I could not find out how to do any place else. Yes, like you I would have figured it out on my own but you save me a lot of time. The first one was the gear shift video and this one here really nails down a great way to install those deck lights. Thanks so much for your time and by the way you are a great instructor. I do have a couple questions if you don't mind one is what gauge wire did you use to run all the way around the boat and two is have you done with those blue lights I am planning on getting red lights cuz I am of the belief that they attract bugs a lot less than blue lights. Thank you.
I'm actually not sure what gauge the wire was. I ordered the 25 foot lengths of connecting wire from Blue Water LED, Since that is the wire that comes with the kit in the first place. Forgive me, but I never actually looked at the gauge. I did a fairly sloppy job the first time through and was not satisfied with it (although not bad for a non-electrical type of dude) so I re-did them, learning from the mistakes I made the first time around and so far, so good. That being said, I'm sure there are better and/or more efficient and/or "correct" ways to install these...but for a Ham 'n Egger like me who likes to tinker with stuff, they work...so, there's that.
Here's the link to the TH Marine Connecting wire. Looks like 18/2 wire....thmarinesupplies.com/products/bluewater-led-connection-wire-18-2-shielded-25-feet
Have a link for the metal strips? Just bought the reverse led strips, trailer light kit and deck light kit
Nice job! Love the tip of staggering the butt connectors in the track! Im a little confused as to why you had to drill a hole for the wires if you put them in the track. What am i missing?
The reason I did that is because I didn't want the wires from the individual light strips visible. Without the holes, after you mount the strips to the rail, you can certainly then simply put the wires up into the versa track...however then that section of wire would be visible (and also, I imagine, would be prone to getting a hook caught on it, or whatever). It's only a small section of wire, so it's probably not a big deal in all actuality - but I'm nutty like that. So, my solution was to drill a small hole so the wire from the LED strip could run directly from behind the strip and into the versa track...concealed and protected.
Getting ready to do this install this weekend, 3amp in line fuse how does that get wired in as well as the dimmer switch?
For the in-line fuse you simply cut your red wire and insert the fuse making new connections to literally put the fuse "in-line". For the dimmer switch, if you got the BlueWater LED one, it is clearly marked. There are three connections that are labeled. One for power, one to the lights, and a negative. So you'll have two reds and a black. A red from the power bank, the red from the lights and a negative from the switch to the power bank.
Great video! I have the same boat that you have, I about to do the led light strip install, I have a question, did you have too add another bus bar under the steering wheel for you new light connections? If so what kind? Thanks in advance
I wired my lights into the existing power bank….
@@chickenthighfishing Thank you for the information and good luck on the fishing 🎣 keep the good videos coming
@Jason Poe Right back at you. I just posted a new video on installing reverse lights on your trailer...check it out. What a difference it makes.
Hello, great vid, I got a Tracker Classic XL at the end of last summer and looking to do this install right now to prepare for summer night fishing. Your metal tack strip idea is exactly what I was looking to do myself. I'm trying to find the same thing you used but no luck yet. Do you happen to know the manufacturer, part number, anything at all that might help me find those metal transition strips? I want to use them just like you did. Thanks so much!
I had some sections left over from a home improvement project, but not enough for both boat and trailer. I tried to find some to buy but they were impossible to find without buying the actual thresholds that come with them. I even called several floor manufacturer distributers. Apparently, no one sells them by themselves. So, I went to a local small business floor guy in town and asked him if he had some laying around. I told him what they were for. He went out back and came back out with like 12 feet of strips for me. He gave 'em to me with a handshake and a smile. So...you might try that.
@@chickenthighfishingThank you for the information. :)
what lighting kit did you use?
Bluewater LED.