Frequently Asked Questions
 


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 patent pending 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 or two of theirs.


What's the difference between HID and Halogens lights?

Our High Intensity Halogen Lamps are rated at 75 watts each with a total of 300 watts and have an average life of about 2000 hours. These have an excellent CRI value, angle of illumination, inexpensive to replace and should be changed during your annual maintenance program. We prefer the halogens over LED as they have more punch.

HID, High Intensity Discharge, 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.

The 12 volt 35 watt High Intensity Discharge (HID) Ballast & Xenon Bulb delivers intense brilliant white light which cuts through the murkiest of water. These light sources produce a color temperature of 6,000k or 10,000k, are 3x brighter than a 55W halogen bulb and consume 30% less power thus generating much less heat during operation.


How do the Hurley Tab Lights attach?

This patent pending 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.


Can my lights be painted?

Yes! Your light housing and brackets can be painted and we suggest using PropSpeed by Detco if they are going to be immersed in salt water. No metal should be uncoated in a corrosive environment.

Are the lights tested?

Yes! We pressure test each and every light up to 25 feet.


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 and run.
• Ensure electrical supply has suitably sized fuse or other protective device 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.


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.


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.


When should I change the Halogen lamps?

The Halogen lamps have an average life of about 2000 hours and/or should be changed during your annual maintenance program. Bulbs are not covered by warranty.


Can I order direct or do you have dealers?

You can order direct or 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.