lights

suckersticker · 07-16-2007, 10:11 PM

i am making a list of what i will need for a good setup for night bowfishing. i am getting a 16-17 foot boat, 3500 genny, and i need to know about some lights. i am looking at some construction lights that are 500 watts. i was wondering what is the smallest bulb i can put in there. also how many lights should i have. i am thinking 6-8 lights but don't want to overload my genny. so what should i do. i just need a little assistance. also if there are any lights that are better that work out better than construction lights then let me know. i am going to start building soon. just another tidbit i am not very plush with cash and trying to get as much as i can for my money.

William

carpsniper · 07-17-2007, 01:38 AM

William, Is 3500W the peak or continuous rating?I'm gonna guess that it's peak and your continuous is 3000 watts. Take 80% of the continuous rating (3000 X .8 = 2400). You should try to limit the load to that number. This means that 5 - 500 wattbulbs would be pushing your genny pretty hard.
G.E. makes a bulb that fits in a standard T3 fixture that draw less current. One is 350 watts the other is 225 watts. I run the 225's on the CIRFCU and really like them. Only problem is they're not cheap. either bulb is gonna cost you in the neighborhood of 8 to 10 bucks. I even seen folks sellin' them online for more.