Useful Info
1
What you need to know about Underwater Lights
1. They are becoming more and more popular, to the point where they will be used as standard accessories of a vessel. The development of Led technology has contributed significantly to this, as they are powerful light sources, of exceptional brilliance, and have minimal power consumption compared to conventional sources.
They are useful, especially when mooring at night in unfamiliar waters, for possible repairs at night on the rudder or shaft, offer safety when swimming, attract fish when fishing at night, but most importantly for many, the beauty they offer with the underwater illumination of the sea and the boat is unbeatable.
2. Choosing the best type (Thru Hull or Hull), which means they would be mounted through the hull or on it, is mostly of personal preference. In the case of the Τhru hull type you should understand that despite the fact that those lights require a large hole to be opened on the hull they offer the advantage of repairing or replacing them easily even while the vessel is still in the water. In the case of the Ηull type, usually must be replaced with the exact same ones and almost always the vessel must come ashore. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Τhru hull type lights might be more expensive but they are more long term reliable.
3. Choosing the emitting color, the shades of sea blue (Royal Blue - Blue) offer mainly beauty, while the shades of white (Cool White - Natural White) offer visual clarity. The shades of blue (Ice blue or Aqua Blue) are something in between. The choice here again depends on the needs and preferences of the user, i.e. whether their use will be for safety or beauty or both in part.
4. For their smooth operation, and their proper functioning, underwater lights must be cleaned from time to time. The sea water and light favour the synthesis of marine micro-organisms called 'algae' and gradually which gradually hardens becoming 'white coralline algae'. As a result, the lights' performance is limited and they become overheated. This reduces the life expectancy of the light sources. To prevent this from happening, in case they are not cleaned and remain covered with 'algae', our models that are likely to suffer this (usually the very bright ones) are fitted with a thermal protection system to automatically shut down in case of overheating, and restart when the temperature drops. This is also a warning that they need to be cleaned.
5. The main problem with Underwater Lights, is their sealing. We are particularly careful in this respect, using double and triple sealing. This consists both of conventional means (e.g. O-ring, marine type insulating sealants) and of liquid glass poured onto the glass, usually covering it like a 'sheet'.
6. In relation to the preferred wattage of the lights, this depends primarily on the luminous efficacy of the Led (Lumen/Watt). A 50 Lm/Watt Led is different from a 100 Lm/Watt one, as the latter produces twice as much light. We prefer to use the brightest Led with the lowest possible consumption. Our lights range in brightness over 100 Lm/Watt) reaching in some cases 174 Lm/Watt (!!!) with the latest technology (COB) Led coming from the most reliable manufacturers (Cree, Bridgelux, etc.). In this way we achieve the highest brightness with the lowest power consumption. In this manner we also give an answer to the question ¨why Vega lights are brighter¨, having the same consumption as some others.
7. Regarding the preferred beam angle we consider the wide beam angle (e.g. 115-120°) to be more practical, as the light can even be installed on the transom of a speedboat and can illuminate the bottom when anchoring. Narrow angles (e.g. 30-60°) are not considered so practical, unless they serve a special purpose (e.g. for focused illumination in depth). Nor do we consider lenses and mirrors important, as they are usually used to seemingly enhance the inadequate illumination of the light source.
8. As far as the current requirement (Ampere) is concerned, it is known to be determined by the formula: Ampere=Watt/Volt. This means that if a light has a power of 50 Watts and operates at 12 Volts, the current requirement is: 50/12 = 4.16 A, while at 24 Volts it is reduced to half (50/24 = 2.08 A). This is one reason why large boats and speedboats use 24 Volts in their electrical systems. Apart from that, the fact of low power - high brightness, which means less energy yields more light, makes the efficiency (Lm/Watt) play a decisive role, especially at sea. We are very particular with the principle "lower consumption with more power".
9. Why, especially on "bare boat", to use Timer & Dimmer
The Dimmer is like the volume control in music. It is not only for demanding users, but is useful because lighting needs are different in some cases. When sailing, for example, you need a strong light, while in swimming it needs to be weaker. Sometimes, because of limited battery capacity but necessary continuous use of lighting, such as in fishing, the power consumption needs to be controlled and that is only achieved with a dimmer. In addition, the lights work smoother when delivering part of their power. We consider the timer, especially on bare boats, almost indispensable. Many times the underwater lights are forgotten ON by renters, and are noticed the next night, whatever that means for the batteries. There have been cases where they have been left ON for more than a week! For this reason, it is advisable to have a pre-set timer (e.g. for 1-2 hours), to automatically turn them off, and only turn them on again after they have been switched on again via the OFF/ON switch. The timer should be placed, if possible, in an inaccessible "hidden" part of the boat so that customers do not change its presets. The number and type of Dimmer and Timer required for our models depends. In the case of Timers, depends on the total power of the lights, and in the case of Dimmers, it can be up to 1 for all underwater lights, as they send a simple signal to their Drivers (or power supplies).
10. As for the so-called Power Supplies or Drivers or current regulators, they are components that the Leds need to operate to their specifications, providing a constant current of certain amps. These components on the one hand heat up during operation, on the other hand they are another point of potential malfunction. For these reasons it is preferable, especially in powerful lights, that they are external components rather than integrated into the fixture, so that: a) they do not impair the cooling of the light source, and b) in the event of a malfunction of the driver, only this driver can be replaced rather than discarding the entire light.
11. Regarding the number of lights that need to be installed on the boat, it depends on what and which areas we want to illuminate. The necessary ones or the whole boat? Small to medium sized boats (6-15 m) do not carry the capacity and feasibility to illuminate the whole boat, as much as mega yachts that additionally run generators continuously. For small boats, 2 rear lights are sufficient. For ordinary to medium sized sailboats (10-15 m), again 2 but stronger ones are needed, between the shaft and steering wheel, which we consider more necessary and functional. For medium to large sizes, 2 more are recommended, in front, near the Bow Thruster, useful also for the anchor. On large catamarans, up to 8 can be put in, 4 on each hull, fore and aft, out and in. For speedboats up to 20 m, 6 are usually sufficient, and for over 20 or 25 m, consider 8. For full illumination of the hull, considering the wide beam angle (120°) specification, 1 light per 2.5m approximately, is needed so that the illumination appears homogeneous.
12. In relation to the "annual" maintenance of the light fixtures, when the vessel comes ashore, it is advisable to clean them thoroughly and polish them with a special coating, usually silicone based and antifungal, in order to reduce their pollution. They may also be painted with a lightweight antifouling hull paint, but of thin thickness so as not to reduce their thermal conductivity.
Attention: Never apply high pressure water-jet or sand blasting directly to the surface of the lights. Their sealing might get compromised.
They are useful, especially when mooring at night in unfamiliar waters, for possible repairs at night on the rudder or shaft, offer safety when swimming, attract fish when fishing at night, but most importantly for many, the beauty they offer with the underwater illumination of the sea and the boat is unbeatable.
2. Choosing the best type (Thru Hull or Hull), which means they would be mounted through the hull or on it, is mostly of personal preference. In the case of the Τhru hull type you should understand that despite the fact that those lights require a large hole to be opened on the hull they offer the advantage of repairing or replacing them easily even while the vessel is still in the water. In the case of the Ηull type, usually must be replaced with the exact same ones and almost always the vessel must come ashore. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. Τhru hull type lights might be more expensive but they are more long term reliable.
3. Choosing the emitting color, the shades of sea blue (Royal Blue - Blue) offer mainly beauty, while the shades of white (Cool White - Natural White) offer visual clarity. The shades of blue (Ice blue or Aqua Blue) are something in between. The choice here again depends on the needs and preferences of the user, i.e. whether their use will be for safety or beauty or both in part.
4. For their smooth operation, and their proper functioning, underwater lights must be cleaned from time to time. The sea water and light favour the synthesis of marine micro-organisms called 'algae' and gradually which gradually hardens becoming 'white coralline algae'. As a result, the lights' performance is limited and they become overheated. This reduces the life expectancy of the light sources. To prevent this from happening, in case they are not cleaned and remain covered with 'algae', our models that are likely to suffer this (usually the very bright ones) are fitted with a thermal protection system to automatically shut down in case of overheating, and restart when the temperature drops. This is also a warning that they need to be cleaned.
5. The main problem with Underwater Lights, is their sealing. We are particularly careful in this respect, using double and triple sealing. This consists both of conventional means (e.g. O-ring, marine type insulating sealants) and of liquid glass poured onto the glass, usually covering it like a 'sheet'.
6. In relation to the preferred wattage of the lights, this depends primarily on the luminous efficacy of the Led (Lumen/Watt). A 50 Lm/Watt Led is different from a 100 Lm/Watt one, as the latter produces twice as much light. We prefer to use the brightest Led with the lowest possible consumption. Our lights range in brightness over 100 Lm/Watt) reaching in some cases 174 Lm/Watt (!!!) with the latest technology (COB) Led coming from the most reliable manufacturers (Cree, Bridgelux, etc.). In this way we achieve the highest brightness with the lowest power consumption. In this manner we also give an answer to the question ¨why Vega lights are brighter¨, having the same consumption as some others.
7. Regarding the preferred beam angle we consider the wide beam angle (e.g. 115-120°) to be more practical, as the light can even be installed on the transom of a speedboat and can illuminate the bottom when anchoring. Narrow angles (e.g. 30-60°) are not considered so practical, unless they serve a special purpose (e.g. for focused illumination in depth). Nor do we consider lenses and mirrors important, as they are usually used to seemingly enhance the inadequate illumination of the light source.
8. As far as the current requirement (Ampere) is concerned, it is known to be determined by the formula: Ampere=Watt/Volt. This means that if a light has a power of 50 Watts and operates at 12 Volts, the current requirement is: 50/12 = 4.16 A, while at 24 Volts it is reduced to half (50/24 = 2.08 A). This is one reason why large boats and speedboats use 24 Volts in their electrical systems. Apart from that, the fact of low power - high brightness, which means less energy yields more light, makes the efficiency (Lm/Watt) play a decisive role, especially at sea. We are very particular with the principle "lower consumption with more power".
9. Why, especially on "bare boat", to use Timer & Dimmer
The Dimmer is like the volume control in music. It is not only for demanding users, but is useful because lighting needs are different in some cases. When sailing, for example, you need a strong light, while in swimming it needs to be weaker. Sometimes, because of limited battery capacity but necessary continuous use of lighting, such as in fishing, the power consumption needs to be controlled and that is only achieved with a dimmer. In addition, the lights work smoother when delivering part of their power. We consider the timer, especially on bare boats, almost indispensable. Many times the underwater lights are forgotten ON by renters, and are noticed the next night, whatever that means for the batteries. There have been cases where they have been left ON for more than a week! For this reason, it is advisable to have a pre-set timer (e.g. for 1-2 hours), to automatically turn them off, and only turn them on again after they have been switched on again via the OFF/ON switch. The timer should be placed, if possible, in an inaccessible "hidden" part of the boat so that customers do not change its presets. The number and type of Dimmer and Timer required for our models depends. In the case of Timers, depends on the total power of the lights, and in the case of Dimmers, it can be up to 1 for all underwater lights, as they send a simple signal to their Drivers (or power supplies).
10. As for the so-called Power Supplies or Drivers or current regulators, they are components that the Leds need to operate to their specifications, providing a constant current of certain amps. These components on the one hand heat up during operation, on the other hand they are another point of potential malfunction. For these reasons it is preferable, especially in powerful lights, that they are external components rather than integrated into the fixture, so that: a) they do not impair the cooling of the light source, and b) in the event of a malfunction of the driver, only this driver can be replaced rather than discarding the entire light.
11. Regarding the number of lights that need to be installed on the boat, it depends on what and which areas we want to illuminate. The necessary ones or the whole boat? Small to medium sized boats (6-15 m) do not carry the capacity and feasibility to illuminate the whole boat, as much as mega yachts that additionally run generators continuously. For small boats, 2 rear lights are sufficient. For ordinary to medium sized sailboats (10-15 m), again 2 but stronger ones are needed, between the shaft and steering wheel, which we consider more necessary and functional. For medium to large sizes, 2 more are recommended, in front, near the Bow Thruster, useful also for the anchor. On large catamarans, up to 8 can be put in, 4 on each hull, fore and aft, out and in. For speedboats up to 20 m, 6 are usually sufficient, and for over 20 or 25 m, consider 8. For full illumination of the hull, considering the wide beam angle (120°) specification, 1 light per 2.5m approximately, is needed so that the illumination appears homogeneous.
12. In relation to the "annual" maintenance of the light fixtures, when the vessel comes ashore, it is advisable to clean them thoroughly and polish them with a special coating, usually silicone based and antifungal, in order to reduce their pollution. They may also be painted with a lightweight antifouling hull paint, but of thin thickness so as not to reduce their thermal conductivity.
Attention: Never apply high pressure water-jet or sand blasting directly to the surface of the lights. Their sealing might get compromised.
2
Why Vega...
1. Because our products are crafted by individuals with expertise in maritime matters, who are well-acquainted with the essential requirements of seafarers: Being equipped with strong underwater lights preferably compact in size, featuring an appropriate beam angle and do not excessively protrude from the vessel. This equipment should boast excellent hydrodynamics and robust construction, ensuring resilience even in the event of collisions. The installation should necessitate a minimal number of small apertures. Furthermore, if feasible, they ought to be amenable to repair in case of malfunction, with spare parts readily available at a cost-effective rate. Additionally, provisions should be made for supplementary accessories that enhance usability, safety, and precision. Last but not least, these products should come with a more comprehensive warranty of satisfactory performance than is typically offered. All of these attributes should be made available at a competitive market price relative to their quality. We would advise examining the offerings of each respective company in this regard.
2. Because we are, literally and figuratively, "close to you". Both as a distance as a producer based in Europe and as former yachting professionals, which means that we have a deep understanding of the challenges and needs that may arise "at the last minute", especially if you are professionals. This translates into a commitment to comprehending your needs and providing swift solutions. Our aspiration is for you to regard us as your trusted partners.
3. Finally, as regards competition, we modestly consider ourselves to be, at the very least, the "best value for money", and in certain instances, even superior to the more expensive European alternatives. Additionally, our guiding principle is not only to provide high-quality products but also to cultivate the culture of Underwater Lighting. This constitutes yet another reason for the composition of this text.
For more information or any feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us
2. Because we are, literally and figuratively, "close to you". Both as a distance as a producer based in Europe and as former yachting professionals, which means that we have a deep understanding of the challenges and needs that may arise "at the last minute", especially if you are professionals. This translates into a commitment to comprehending your needs and providing swift solutions. Our aspiration is for you to regard us as your trusted partners.
3. Finally, as regards competition, we modestly consider ourselves to be, at the very least, the "best value for money", and in certain instances, even superior to the more expensive European alternatives. Additionally, our guiding principle is not only to provide high-quality products but also to cultivate the culture of Underwater Lighting. This constitutes yet another reason for the composition of this text.
For more information or any feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us
English 
Ελληνικά