Frequently Asked Questions
 


How do I determine which bulb to choose?

It's really pretty simple. The K rating is inversely proportional to the light output, therefore the lower the K the brighter the light output. Some fisherman prefer 12,000k because of it's blue in color which seems to aid in fishing.

How are the Hurley Tab Lights different than the competitors?

Hurley Marine, Inc. is the original designer of the trim tab lights and with our patented design and our research and development (R&D) team has allowed us to provide you with the very best in design and quality for versatility and years of enjoyment. Don't be fooled by pirated imitations!

First of all, and like no other underwater lights, Hurley Tab Lights are fully adjustable using your trim tab controls. Second, hull lights require holes below the waterline and boast that the lamp can be replace from inside the boat. Unfortunately most of us don't have the room in our engine room to perform this maneuver. And third, we offer 4 lights for the price of one of theirs.


What is HID?

High Intensity Discharge (HID), refers to lighting technology that relies on an electrical charge to ignite xenon gas in a sealed bulb, similar to the lightning phenomenon in the sky. HID lighting does not have a filament but instead creates light by igniting an electrical discharge between two electrodes in an air tight tiny quartz capsule filled with xenon gas. HID lighting are also called Xenon lighting, referring to the gas inside the bulb.


HID vs. Halogen Technology
HID lighting improves durability by 10 times as vibrations can cause damage to halogen filament, but there is nothing to break inside HID bulb. These light sources also produce a blue-white light that is safer because it is closer to natural daylight. The color temperatures range from 6000K to 12,000k compared to 2300K for halogen. The light output from a 35W HID Xenon lamp is 300% more light than a 55W halogen bulb or equal to 165W's of output from each lamp. The HID Xenon system will also consume much less power from your electrical system and generate much less heat during operation. That all means four 35w ballasts and bulbs equal 660 watts at 12.8 amp. draw, WOW!


How do the Hurley Tab Lights attach?

This patented revolutionary "rock-like" lighting system is designed to easily attach to the top-side of your trim tabs. There are two sets of mounting holes that are commonly used for the popular Bennett and InstaTrim Trim Tabs. The bracket is easily adaptable to other leveling systems. Does not jeopardize the integrity of the hull as thru-hull lights do.


Do my lights have to be bonded?

No! No bonding to anodes is required because the housing will not corrode. The high-impact Polyvinyl Chloride housing makes Hurley Marine lights ideal for all harsh marine environments.


Can my lights be painted?

Yes! Your light housings and brackets can be painted and we suggest using your bottom paint. No metal should be uncoated in a corrosive environment. Wire loom can be used for barnacle protection.


Are the lights tested?

Yes! We factory pressure test each and every light.


How should I plan my installation?

It's fairly straight forward and should only take about 20 minutes. Install your lights by removing the screws on the bottom of each trim tab ram, insert bracket and tighten screws. Ensure your tabs are completely in the down position when installing to allow for ample cord length. Drill the above waterline wire holes, run the wires up the tab rams and secure using the supplied wire ties. Fit wiring and use either cable clams or apply a marine grade sealant to fill the holes to ensure it is completely sealed.


How do I make the electrical connections?

All wiring must be carried out by a suitably trained/qualified electrician. With low voltage DC wiring the risk of fire may be present if wiring is not correctly installed.

• Ensure power supply wiring is of the correct size for the current draw.
• Ensure electrical supply has suitably sized fuse or other protective device (15 amp.) to provide adequate protection of wiring and connected equipment in the event of circuit fault or short circuit.
• Use only approved marine grade water-tight connectors. All joints must be above the waterline, soldered and sealed with a proprietary compound filled heat shrink tube.

Relays should be considered for long wire runs. Relays are used to switch a lower resistance path for the 12v power to the ballasts for longer runs.
Relay Wiring Diagram
Wire Size Recommendations


Can my lights be used out of the water?

No! The lights generate heat and should remain below the water line when turned on to maintain a safe temperature. However, testing of the lights while on out of the water is okay as long as they are not on for more than 3 minutes.


Will the lights damage my trim tabs?

No! Hurley Tab Lights are perfectly designed for the hydraulics of water flow maintaining balance, stability with no drag at low or high speed running.


ls maintenance required?

Hurley Tab lights are virtually maintenance free.   Each time the lights are activated it goes through a process of self cleaning by reaching an optimal heating peak.   In some saltwater areas of heavy growth or sediment, we recommend that the lights be occasionally cleaned.  One of the great benefits of our design is that cleaning is easy and takes only minutes.  Simply submerge your deck brush with handle and lightly scrub the lens from the swim platform.


What are they made of?

The light housings are Polyvinyl Choride which are tough and chemically resistant synthetic resin made by polymerizing vinyl chloride. The brackets are constructed of stainless steel allowing for a highly durable system.


Can I order direct or do you have dealers?

You can order direct from a dealer or from this web site. However, if you wish to have someone install your system a dealer has the tools and knowledge of your tab light system. An alternative would also be your boat yard mechanic.