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What does a handy boat owner need to know about installing the Sport Colours – Camera Edition Underwater Lights?

The OceanLED Sport Colours – Camera Edition combines high-performance full-colour underwater lighting with an integrated underwater camera, offering both illumination and a live video feed with excellent clarity. But if you’ve never installed underwater lights before, you might be wondering what’s involved.

This guide breaks down the installation process into easy-to-follow sections. From preparing the hull surface, through mounting the unit, electrical connections, and setting up your chosen control and camera system. By the end of this article, you’ll have a far better understanding of what’s involved and feel confident about taking the next step, whether that’s doing it yourself or hiring an installer. 

✅ 1. Preparing the Hull

As with any underwater lighting installation, good preparation makes all the difference.

Pick the Mounting Location

  • Choose spots on the transom or hull where the light and camera will face unobstructed underwater views. (i.e. don’t put it behind your outboard engine)

  • Ensure even spacing and depth of each light to ensure consistent lighting and camera angles. Recommended horizontal spacing is approximately 0.5–1.2 m (2–4 ft) apart. 

  • You will need a 12.5 mm (½") drill bit, Phillips screwdriver, pilot hole drill bit (3mm), sandpaper, and isopropyl alcohol.

Mark and Drill the Hole

  • Drill a small pilot hole through the hull at each location to check there are no obstructions inside.
  • Then drill a 12.5 mm (½”) hole for the cable to pass through the hull. 

Clean and Prepare the Surface

  • Sand away any bottom paint around the hole to ensure the sealant sticks properly.

  • Use acetone or another suitable cleaner to remove grease or residue.

🛠️ 2. Installing the Light Body

Sport Colours – Camera Edition lights use a surface-mounted design that’s easy to install once the hull is ready. 

Dry Fit Before Sealing

  • Before applying sealant, position the unit to make sure it fits and that the camera’s field of view will cover the desired area. 

Apply Marine Sealant

  • Apply marine-grade sealant around the rear face of the light where it will contact the hull. (e.g. 3M 4200FS)

  • Apply sealant around cable exits, screw holes, and the light perimeter.

  • The perimeter sealant should be applied in one continuous bead. 

Mount the Light

  •  Feed the cable through the hole first, then push the light body against the hull.

  • Orient the unit so the logo/camera lens is upright for consistent lighting and camera view.

  • Use the supplied stainless-steel screws and hand-tighten. AVOID power tools to prevent over-tightening.

Important: Do NOT apply bottom paint directly to the light body or camera lens. Paint residue can affect seal integrity and optical performance.

⚡3. Electrical Installation

Sport Colours – Camera Edition lights operate on 12 V or 24 V DC and have a built-in driver for easy connecting. 

Power Supply

  • Ensure you have an appropriate cable gauge to minimize voltage drop.

  • Note, each light unit uses around 5.5 A @ 12 V or 2.4 A @ 24 V. 

Wiring Up

  • Run the light cable to a central junction or power distribution point.

  • Use a suitable fuse (provided in the box) or a 4-Way Power Junction Box.

  • Connect positive and negative DC power correctly. The full manual provides colour-coded wire guidance. 

Camera-Specific Wiring Notes

  • The camera’s video output uses an SMB-to-BNC adaptor supplied with the unit. Run the video cable separately from the light’s power cable to your MFD or display screen.

  • Ideally, house all electrical connections (power and video) in a waterproof enclosure rated at least IP66. 

🎛️ 4. Setting Up Your Chosen Control Method

How you control the lights and camera depends on your setup and preferences.

Standard Power Switch Control

  • With a simple DC power switch, you can power the unit on and off and cycle through colour modes.

  • Connect the DC power +Ve (Red Wire) and -Ve (Black Wire) leads according to the full manual’s wiring diagram. 

DMX Control (Optional)

  • If using DMX control, you need to get yourself an OceanBridge and connect the lights through a 2-Way DMX Junction Box Camera Edition.

  • DMX control provides full control, with precise colour selection, grouping, and synchronization.

  • Note that the cable from the light to the junction box must not be extended, and each junction box can control up to two lights. 

Camera Feed Setup

  • Connect the BNC video cable to a display with a compatible video input (BNC, or RCA with an adapter).

  • Ensure the MFD or display device is suitable for the camera’s PAL or NTSC output format. (NTSC for the USA and PAL for just about everywhere else)

  • Keep cables clear of engines, alternators, inverters, and antennas to prevent interference.

Camera Function

  • The camera operates only in RGBW solid colour modes and light-off mode.

  • During colour mixing or dynamic effects, the video feed is automatically disabled.

✅ 5. Final Checks & Testing

Test Before Water

  • Power everything up while still out of the water.

  • Confirm both lighting functions and the camera feed work as expected before the boat goes back into the water.