Hole lights added to finished Ice Castle

[OutlawBiz]

Just thought I'd share a few pics & info of my latest DIY project. I bought a used Ice Castle a few months ago...it's in great shape but I have a few mods I wanted to make some of which included upgraded lighting. I wanted to add hole lights, but knew it would be difficult to run the wiring in the walls seeing how the inside is all finished.

So, I borrowed the diamond plate 'baseboard' concept from the Lodge shacks. Not only looks cool , but also helps with water splashing onto the wood walls when augering etc. too.

Step 1 - I glued an 8" tall piece of diamond plate to the existing wall.

Step 2- I bought 8' long sticks of pine 1x2 & stained them to match the interior walls.

Step 3 - I cut a 1/4" wide x 1/4" deep channel/groove in the backside of the 1x2 full length to serve as a wire channel.

Step 4 - Screwed the hole lights to the boards and wired them all in series.

Step 5 - Wired both sides to a toggle switch that is connected to my 12v system under my rear bench seat/bunk.

I was really happy with how it looks and works. And best part it...it was pretty cheap & easy.

[fishing tech]

Looks good. Are the lights bright enough for the middle of the night?

[OutlawBiz]

Haven't actually used the shack since installing...will give it a try this weekend.

They are the same lights used in the Lodge's...so I assume they will be!? They are brighter than they look in th epic.

[BLACKJACK]

Looks good!!!

Beware of the lights when drilling your holes!!! On my old house I knocked a couple off when drilling but they were more in the corner.

On your IC, you have three holes down one side, how big is your IC? My 6.5 14 has 2 on each side, then one more by the door. One of the main reasons that I may buy a bigger house some day....

[harvey lee]

What brand of lights did u use. I purchased a used IC this winter and have made all the changes and upgrades I wanted but the hole lighting.

What you did look's great, wondering about the brand or where you purchased the lights and switch.

Thanks

[OutlawBiz]

What brand of lights did u use. I purchased a used IC this winter and have made all the changes and upgrades I wanted but the hole lighting.

What you did look's great, wondering about the brand or where you purchased the lights and switch.

Thanks

Not sure on the actual brand of the lights harvey...I got them directly from the guys that build The Lodge shacks (here in town). I can see if I can find a name/brand. The switch was just a 12v lighted toggle switch from any automotive store.

[OutlawBiz]

Looks good!!!

Beware of the lights when drilling your holes!!! On my old house I knocked a couple off when drilling but they were more in the corner.

On your IC, you have three holes down one side, how big is your IC? My 6.5 14 has 2 on each side, then one more by the door. One of the main reasons that I may buy a bigger house some day....

I thought I may need to be a little extra careful when drilling...but they don't stick out too bad...

My IC is a 6.5x14 as well (2006 model). HAs 2 holes on the door side and 3 down the right side. I coudl easily punch a 3rd on the doors side if I wanted but it's kinda nice having a spot to put a chair, minnow bucket etc.

This is my 1st wheelhouse...bought it used for a great price. I too will someday 'upgrade' i'm sure.

[johns73]

I put blazer brand super bright led's in mine. I bought them at The tool place that is northern. They were $7.00 each and put out amazing light. They are license plate lights used on trucks. The come with a chrome cover that directs the light down to the hole. They look just like the ice castle lights pictured. I used a shallow electrical box with a toggle switch.

[OutlawBiz]

I put blazer brand super bright led's in mine. I bought them at The tool place that is northern. They were $7.00 each and put out amazing light. They are license plate lights used on trucks. The come with a chrome cover that directs the light down to the hole. They look just like the ice castle lights pictured. I used a shallow electrical box with a toggle switch.

I was advised to NOT use LEDs on the hole lights as they produce too much of a 'beam' light pattern rather than just a 'flood' pattern that is less likely to spook fish!?

[johns73]

The crappies don't seem to mind led's.

[eagle_3464]

john, that sounds very much like I am planning. Do you happen to have pictures of your light and switch setup along with how they look when turned on in the dark? I am assuming you mounted the switch and light in a blank cover plate?

[johns73]

I don't have a picture right now. I will try to remember to take one this weekend. I bought the shallow blue light/outlet box and a blank switch plate cover. I drilled the blank switch cover to make access for the led light wiring. I also drilled a hole for the toggle switch in the blue outlet box. Pulled the existing twelve volt wiring thru the box and wired the light and switch together. Works really well and I'm pretty sure it does not spook the fish. Total cost for each hole light is $8-9.00 The added bonus it uses very little battery.

[Up North2]

Nice job I like it! Been telling my son he should look for a led replacement for the incandescent eyeball lights that came in his IC. They get hotter than heck! To the point where they can melt a sleeping bag or a jacket if it gets draped over them unnoticed for too long.