Skip to content
Exit Knowledge Base
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

How to Install OceanLED Sport Series Underwater Lights

Installing underwater lights might sound like a complex project, especially if you’re not the kind of person who likes to tinker with your pride and joy. The good news is that the OceanLED Sport Series, are designed to be straightforward to install, whether you’re tackling the job yourself or working with a professional installer.

This guide walks you through the key stages of installing Sport Series underwater lights, using plain language and a step-by-step approach. You’ll learn what’s involved in preparing the hull, mounting the light body, connecting the electrical system and setting up your preferred control method. 

The goal isn’t to turn you into a technician, but to help you understand the process well enough to make informed decisions and ask the right questions, if you have an installer doing the work for you.

This article will give you a clear, practical overview of how Sport Series underwater lights are installed, before you ever pick up a drill. It’s obvious when you say it, but we know how exciting it can be when you get your new underwater lights and crack on before you’ve read the instructions. 

Preparing the Hull

Before drilling or mounting anything, take a moment to plan out the installation. 

✅ 1.1 Choose Mount Locations

  • Decide where on your hull you want the lights. Ideally evenly spaced (recommended spacing is around 0.5–1.2 m / 2–4 ft apart).

  • Make sure the area is flat and there is access inside the hull for drilling and wiring.

  • Check there are no obstructions inside the hull (like ribs or beams) where the drill will go. 

✅ 1.2 Mark & Drill Pilot Holes

  • From inside the hull, drill a small 3 mm (1/8”) pilot hole square to the surface at your chosen location. 

  • Once happy with placement, carefully drill a 12.5 mm (½”) hole for the light cable to pass through. 

     

✅ 1.3 Prepare the Surface

  • Sand back the hull area around the hole to remove old bottom paint so sealant will stick well. 

  • If there’s grease or petroleum residue, clean it off (acetone is recommended). 

 

Installing the Light Body

Once the hull is prepped:

🛠️ 2.1 Dry Fit the Light

  • Before using any sealant, put the light in place and check that:

  • The light sits flush with the hull

  • The cable goes easily through the hole

  • No structural parts inside interfere with positioning. 

🛠️ 2.2 Apply Sealant

  • Apply a generous bead of marine-grade sealant (such as 3M™ 4200 Marine Sealant) around the out edge of the light where it will contact the hull. (On the back of the light)

  • Also seal around the cable where it meets the metal body of the light before it enters the hull. 

📌 2.3 Mount the Light

  • Feed the cable through the hole first, then push the light body into place on the hull. 

  • Make sure the logo/face of the light is upright proper orientation ensures even light spread underwater. 

  • Using the supplied screws, hand-tighten (DO NOT use power tools) to secure the light. 

  • Suitably sized screws are No.6 (3.5 mm) x 1″ stainless steel pan head — provided with your kit. 

Important: Do NOT apply bottom paint or anti-fouling directly to the light body, this may damage the light and you will void your warranty. 



Electrical Installation

 ⚡  3.1 Power Requirements

  • Sport Series lights run on 12 V or 24 V DC

  • Allow about 6 A @12 V or 3 A @24 V current per light

🔌 3.2 Wiring Up 

  • You will need a 2-Way Junction box (for full colour colour DMX versions) or 4-Way Power Junction box (for everything else).

  • Wire your lights into the junction box. Follow the wiring instructions in the manual if you are unsure about wiring.

Pro Tip: If your Sport lights will be installed on metal or carbon fibre hulls, you may need an optional isolating kit (sold separately) to prevent electrical or corrosion issues, follow the isolator kit instructions if using one. 

 

Setting Up Your Chosen Control Method

With power connected, you’ll want to control and use the lights:

🔲 4.1 Switch Control (Standard Lights)

  • Sport Series lights can be controlled by a simple on/off switch from your helm or cockpit. 

  • Turning power on/off quickly will allow you to cycle modes (e.g. for multi-colour lights) refer to the specific manual section for details. 

🎛️ 4.2 DMX Control (for DMX Capable Models)

  • If you have Sport Colours DMX models, is recommended via the OceanBridge controller. 

  • Use the supplied junction boxes and follow the wiring diagram provided by your OceanBridge manual. 

Final Checks & Testing

Before launching the boat:

✅ 5.1 Test Before Water

  • Power up the system and test all lights while the boat is still on the trailer or boat lift. 

  • Check that each light turns on, responds to switches or controls, and has no flicker.

Summary

Installing OceanLED Sport Series underwater lights is a straightforward process when planned properly:

  1. Select and prepare the hull surface

  2. Seal and mount each light carefully

  3. Wire up correctly with proper DC power and protection

  4. Configure control methods based on your light model

  5. Test thoroughly before and after going into the water

With the right preparation and attention to detail, you can confidently install these lights yourself, or use this guide to communicate clearly with your professional installer.