Underwater Lighting Systems

The system is based on three models: Standard, Megalight and Megalight Plus.

Standard
1 x 50 Watt unit with one fibre optic fitting connected by a 1.2metre fibre optic cable, powered by a 50 Watt dichroic lamp 12 Volt d.c.

Megalight
1 x 150 Watt unit with two fibre optic fittings each connected by a 1.5 metre fibre optic cable, powered by a 150 Watt metal iodide lamp 220V a.c.

Megalight Plus
1 x 150 Watt unit with three fibre optic fittings, two connected by a 1.5 metre fibre optic cable, the third connected by a 1.2 metre fibre optic cable powered by a 150 Watt metal iodide lamp 220V a.c.

To allow for ease of installation any of the above units can be customized and extended up to a maximum length of 6 metres without loss of light output on each fibre optic cable run.

The Airmar* is the standard through hull fitting and can be fitted to boats up to (and in excess of ) 40 metres. A new stainless steel fitting is now also available.

If the units are required to run on low voltage d.c. an inverter will be required.

*Manufactured by Airmar Technology Corporation, New Hampshire, USA.

System Overview

Benefits

Light Quality

The fibre optic system delivers a much higher quality colour temperature light than traditional systems. The result is light without a characteristic yellow tint.

Efficiency

The light output is far higher than the output from more traditional systems because the light does not have to pass through a large thick toughened safety lens.

Reliability

The Megalight units come complete with a Metal Iodide lamp that has a minimum 6000 hours lifespan. The smaller Standard units are complete with a dichroic lamp that has a minimum lifespan of 1500 hours. All lighting units are manufactured in polished stainless steel and designed for operation in the harsh marine environment.

Maintenance and Cleaning

In the event of lamp failure, the lamp can easily be replaced as the lighting units can be remotely/conveniently located.

Because the unit generates far less heat than traditional light systems the tendency for marine growth to be attracted to the light source is greatly reduced, thereby extending the length of time between cleaning cycles.
Cleaning of the lenses can be completed without having to have the boat taken out of the water. The skin fittings contain a safety valve that seals as the fibre optic cable is removed. A plug can then be introduced into the fitting until the lens is ready to be re-fitted.

Safety

Both the Airmar and the new stainless steel fittings are extremely reliable and easy to install. Neither fitting contains a glass lens but has a captive fibre optic lens, which is less likely to get damaged or allow water to penetrate through the hull than a conventional system.

These pictures illustrate how the fibre optic cable assembly is fitted into the hull skin fitting.
As the element is removed from the skin fitting a simple flap valve is automatically closed by the water pressure. Should it be necessary for the fibre optic lens unit to be removed for any length of time a plug supplied for emergency and service use, can be inserted and secured to ensure that water cannot enter through the fitting into the boat.