I'm afraid I have a negative experience with Superbrightleds. A year and a half ago, I bought a couple of their bayonet bulbs from another cruiser I met in the Cape Verde's (west coast of Africa). He had ordered more than he needed and was covering his costs by selling them to other cruisers.

The LED's failed within a few months, burning out in groups of three. I sent an e-mail to Superbrightleds describing the problem and specifically pointed out that I was NOT looking for a refund. I was simply asking for advice, as I was interested in replacing the bulbs, but did not want a repeat of the failure. I received a very curt e-mail where they basically said I must have used a product meant for cars rather than boats and that it was not their problem if I chose to do something so stupid.

Well, I have lived on a boat for quite a few years now, and I believe I know a bit about the electric systems of both boats and cars. The main difference between the systems is that a boat usually has more battery capacity, a higher capacity alternator to match and other (normally well regulated) charging sources in addition to the alternator.

I can not see any difference between a car and boat electric system that would affect the performance or longevity of LED bulbs. The bulbs I installed were never subjected to higher voltages than normal alternator charging in a car. Unlike a car installation, I never started my engine from the same battery as the LEDs were operated from, so there would be no transients.

I took their e-mail to mean that they did not want my business. I have decided to honour their wish.

Regards,