366 engine room light replacement

[Carverlvr2]

Ok. Give up. How the H E double hockey sticks do you get to the aft engine room wall to replace the light bulbs or work with any of the electrical systems? I honestly think the entire exhaust would have to come out to get to either side and that can’t be right, right? Port side has a light and both chargers with the muffler damn near touching them. Stbd has its own light and all the switches and breakers and it’s own muffler blocking too. I even figured out how to pull up the stairs but the exhaust was still in the way. PLEASE tell me there’s an access panel over it I’m missing or maybe got covered up on a re carpet?

[Midnightsun]

Have the same lights in mine which shine about as bright as a candle in the wind, pretty much useless. Ended up installing led new strip lights stuck to the aluminum floor subframe. I can now get a tan in the bilge.

Seriously, well worth the upgrade as it really lights up everything the way it should be. Just splice it in to the existing wiring of the lights you already have. No issue with overloading as these rope lights draw next to nothing.

Something like this will do the trick.

https://www.amazon.ca/EverBright-Silicone-Waterproof-Signboard-Decoration/dp/B08BFW8JLZ/ref=sr_1_5?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OO7lzoFeAmJUmS6kFp5X_9j8JKdyMfo6B99beKBrIs9ZkTeKGg5cSizmgUPGdszCEvM5V6OYr98AO0tVWz1yWQDtcqeDBA8tNgkajLDf6oNUsmr6GEu0n7AaFbEKTKt5Kb2dGKv14WnOUFil7_XJbTpMT9Q2rtVpmxaL8QfQu85_mH4Hod_h30p6orlFBVceyd0OXN8mT3fU99977yE22tf44fYo-OggytU-4ABnoxryr3NkuXO0Pa-9DTHiVLmLTv2GlsQluQtVOQnvYSYE0fy04gKA9kYa0Ue0C3mzR_Jeuqzn9I5AsBg1M6jVvNkfgFisa2lbZDWjWhAamHLZNp0E4gYW2QTllsW5ONu0QQwFiCc2lvJpr8yw874KeSkRG8BpJnG1wKOpNpgPcjAhUQ153Ak_T_-vq6HOLiw3IFItC6Us-QeWjGTqcyD8nZ-d.dEjsD79p7N6DF5t_lqvlpCJSBLUGbJVoz3NexqCnosY&dib_tag=se&keywords=silicone%2B12v%2Brope%2Blight&qid=1738698568&sr=8-5&th=1

[Carverlvr2]

Thanks for the link! And yah, I was able to get to the forward light by the genny and found the bulb was fine but the base had broken and no longer holding the contacts in place. In fact, when I tried swapping in a led replacement, I heard and saw it arcing…..I ran the blowers for a good 5 min before I started but still…it could have done that on its own because the plastic disc that holds them had disintegrated. I replaced the entire base/socket and used the led bulb. Big difference. But That’s why I really want to get to the other two figuring they’re just as likely falling apart if not more so being by the exhaust.

[g36]

Led strip lights in bilge one of the best upgrades ever. Bright as crap and no dark spots in there anymore.

[Carverlvr2]

Will definitely do the led lights! But I also still need to get to the chargers on the port side aft wall. Is there a secret that doesn’t involve removing the exhaust? Has anyone had to deal with this yet on these boats?

[Carverlvr2]

I’m bumping this back into activity because I’m heading out to the boat this weekend and really want to get at the chargers o see what setting they’re on. I realize there’s not many 346/366 owners on here but I have to imagine the 396 has similar accesses. How have you folks been able to get to your aft engine room walls?

[thatchh]

Carverlvr2, I have a 2004 396 with Crusader 8.1's. Based on your pictures, I don't think the 396 exhaust is the same. My mufflers are in the walls halfway back in the aft cabin. I have Y pipes to join the exhaust hoses in the engine room. Access to my aft bulkhead is relatively easy. Sorry I can't help much. For seeing hidden items I use mirrors or a cheap inspection camera that plugs into a phone. That might help you see your settings, but might not help much if you need to change them or work on the wiring. For inaccessible items in far corners, I have been known to cut a panel out of the cabin floor and turn it into a hatch.