news | Underwater Lights ™ (2024)

Does it benefit answering the telephone? Thirty one years ago it did as it was a request to design an underwater light that could be installed into the transom of a 50m yacht.

1991 was when I started designing the underwater light, computers and drawing softwarewere too expensive for me so pencils and drawing board were the tools to begin with. Fortunatelymy employment as a marine engineer and later as a surveyor for Lloyds Register of Shipping(LRS) gave me the knowledge of materials, naval architecture, thermo-dynamics and electrical/optical designs.

Luck was on my side as General Electric had started manufacturing single ended metalhalide lamps which were far more efficient than the halogen lamps of the time and theyhad an output of around 12,000 lumens. Porcelain lamp holders and high temperature/voltage silicone cable were available. Everything you needed to make a light. After a few
days the design was completed and an application was made to LRS to approve the lightsfor installation into the 50m yacht (M.Y. Lady Marina). Sometime later M.Y. Lady Marinaswitched on her four underwater lights whilst she was at anchor in the Bay of Palma and afterthat every yacht wanted underwater lights.

Our next order was for 32 lights on a 100m yacht being built in Germany. The lights wouldbe installed around the yacht. This required the addition of two new welds to compensate for thehull angle. The design and installation layout was approved by LRS. On reflection the 50m had herfour lights on the stern and the next yacht had thirty two lights all the way round. There seemedno end to what one could do providing the system was safeand ‘Fit for Purpose’.

The first underwater light was called the BULLEYT andused a 150 watt metal halide lamp. Minor changes were
made to improve thermal and light output efficiency. In2005 we started to test a 250 watt metal halide lamp
in the BULLEYT and found that the extra power andlumen output (19,000) did not work and deterioratedthe overall efficiency. Basically the diameter of the glasslens (62.5mm) was too small and too much heat wasgenerated. We increased the lens diameter to 75mm.and the insert diameter from 100mm to 120mm. Theseincreases in size had to be made to our screwed versionwhich are installed in composite hulls. These lights wereknown as the UL Ti MATE range.

Having cracked how to use the metal halide lamp along came the LED with new underwaterlight companies entering the market. We started testing LEDs around 2004 and the first thingwe noticed was the economic truth in the LED specifications. We took our time in coming to themarket with an LED underwater light to ensure that all our R&D which had taken place produceda bright and reliable LED unit – the ‘QT Range’ which then followed on with our latest design ofunderwater lights – the ‘QTS’ range.

The new QTS range has taken over 30 years of experience to develop and is arguably themost versatile and complete underwater light ever made for the marine industry. Designed in thesimplest format possible to now accommodate a variety of light power outputs, Colour Optionsand Input Powers. Suitable for any boat from 20 meters up to the largest superyachts.

The through hull QTS 100 is uniquely made from Titanium and can be used directly on metalhulls, subject to surveyor approval, as well as on composite/fiberglass hulls saving yards andinstallers hours/days on installation and potential warranty concerns through galvanic corrosion.

The QTS 75 weldin/cofferdam is machined from 316L stainless steel or 5083 aluminium which is
Lloyds 3.2 certificated.

Fitted with a toughened flat lens the beam angle is an ultra-wide 140 degrees perfect forrunning down the side of a yacht as well as along the stern. Available in low and high powers up to25,000 lumens in blue, white, dual colour and colour change.

The key to developing new products is to ensure that the older generation of Bulleyt andULTiMATE can be upgraded with ease. The aim is to always keep the same threads and internalsizes to allow customers to upgrade units without hauling the boat.

We also understand that some of our first boats, which still have the metal halide unitsinstalled, don’t want to upgrade to LED ‘as they still work’. We can still service these units withOriginal parts such as o-rings, gaskets, lamp holders etc to keep them going until the ballast orlamps no longer exist 30 years on.

At Underwater Lights Limited, we are busier than ever retrofitting all our previous bulb projectswith LED simply by replacing the internals and electrics in an easy plug-and-play exercise.This leads me to mention the importance of the classification societies and MCA. The detailrequired for class type approval has significantly increased. Structural drawings, electrical andmechanical test reports, workshop approval, and installation information are just some of the
onerous benchmarks now required. Attending class surveyors always have the final say whenit is a ‘Classed’ vessel, however, the flag of registration and their surveyors can have a say inall matters of construction and safety aspects and decide what is fit for purpose.

The first few months of 2023 have been groundbreaking for UnderwaterLights Ltd., still a family-owned business, as their new, purpose built 5000sqft manufacturing facility, still called The Great Dunton Forge, has becomeoperational.

As the business had grown over the years it was realised that a new machining, testing andassembly plant would be required to keep up with the growing demand for their products. Theteam at Underwater Lights use Auto-cad and have also been fully trained in the use of Rhino, thelatest 3D module used by designers and naval architects working on new projects. This enables thedesign for a new lights placement to be inserted directly onto Rhino to reveal the beam pattern
of the light.

This year has also seen the launch of the new EXD underwater light and the implementationof ISO9001 that guarantees clients the best of quality and service. The purchase of a fourth MazakCNC turning machine also means they can keep up with the increasing demand for retro fit unitswith almost immediate supply.

The story of Underwater Lights began back in 1991 when founder and M.D. Peter Urquhartdesigned the Original underwater light. His experience as a Chief Marine Engineer (1966-1976)drove him to gain his 1st. Class Steam and Motor Certificate, giving him in-depth knowledge ofship building materials, naval architecture, thermo-dynamics and electrical engineering. Later hebecame a Lloyds Registered surveyor, which gave him the insight and understanding of Rules andRegulations for ships and special craft. All very useful for the design and installation procedures for
his lights.

The very first underwater light was called the BULLEYT and used a 150 watt metal halidelamp. Over time minor changes were made to improve thermal and light output efficiency andin 2005 a 250 watt metal halide lamp in the BULLEYT was tested and it was found that the extrapower and lumen output (19,000) did not work and deteriorated the overall efficiency. Basically,the diameter of the glass lens (62.5mm) was too small and too much heat was being generated.
This led to an increase in lens diameter to 75mm and the insert diameter from 100mm to120mm. These increases in size had to be made to the screwed version installed in compositehulls. These lights were known as the ULTiMATE range.The company began using LED’s and 2010 saw the launch of the QTLED range and retro fitting
the old bulb system to LED began.The key to developing new products is to ensure that the older generation of BULLEYT andULTiMATE can be upgraded with ease. The aim is to always keep the same threads and internalsizes to allow clients to upgrade their units without hauling the boat.

32 years on and Underwater Lights Ltd. developed the QTS range which is arguably themost versatile and complete underwater light ever made for the marine industry. Designedin the simplest format possible the lights now accommodate a variety of light power outputs,colour options and input powers making them suitable for any boat from 20m up to thelargest superyachts.

The through hull QTS-100 & QT-80-Ti is uniquely made from Titanium and can be used directlyon metal hulls, subject to surveyor approval, as well as carbon fibre and composite/fiberglass hullssaving yards and installers hours, if not days, on installation and potential warranty concerns throughgalvanic corrosion.

The QTS-75 weldin/cofferdam is machined from 316L stainlesssteel or 5083 aluminium which is Lloyds 3.2 certificated. Fitted witha toughened flat lens the LED beam angle is 100 degrees , perfect forrunning down the side of a yacht as well as along the stern. Availablein low and high powers up to 25,000 lumens in blue, white andRGB+W. This light also includes an internal ball adjustment for theLED which allows a universal 20 degree beam adjustment. A QTE140 is now in development, derived from the QTS-75 it has an insertdiameter of 140mm which will allow for further beam adjustmentand a wider beam angle that will punch more light into the ocean.

Underwater Lights Ltd. also understand that some of their firstboats, which still have the metal halide units installed, don’t want toupgrade to LED ‘as they still work’. They can still service these unitswith original parts such as O-rings, gaskets, lamp holders etc butthe 150watt ballast and Philips MSD 150watt lamp have now beendiscontinued and they have very limited stock left after buying upall that they could. This has led them to encourage boats with the
old metal halide system to upgrade to LED in the future.

They are now busier than ever, retrofitting all of their previousbulb projects with LED simply by removing the existing projectorand ballast and replacing with the new LED projector anddrivers – all possible whilst the boat is still in the water using theexisting weldins. The underwater light for composite hulls you justremove the internal parts and replace with the LED heat sink whichhave integral driver for D.C power and remote for the high poweredLED. The original hull fitting can be used and the installation can becarried out by the engineers onboard without drydocking the yachtUnderwater Lights Ltd. can also upgrade many of their competitorproducts. Captains often contact them to replace an existing, thirdparty, system with their LED lights having used them on a previousboat with minimal issues, with 100% customer satisfaction andservice. You can be assured that our service for maintaining the lightswill continue for as long as the yacht is in service.

It is worth mentioning the importance of the classificationsocieties and MCA. The detail required for class type approval hassignificantly increased in recent years. Structural drawings, electricaland mechanical test reports, workshop approval, and installationinformation are just some of the onerous benchmarks nowrequired. Attending class surveyors always have the final say whenit is a ‘Classed’ vessel, however, the flag of registration and theirsurveyors can have a say in all matters of construction and safetyaspects and decide what is fit for purpose.

The simplest solution is always the best. But, of course over 29 years of experience in developing underwater light does help.

Still captained by its founder PeterUrquhart, the company has alwaysstriven to lead this competitiveindustry with innovative products, createdthrough meticulous R&D. Urquhart explainsthe journey so far, “When I designed andbuilt a light for my first customer back in1991, I had no idea that marine lightingwas going to become my life. Throughoutthe past 29 years we have managed to keepthe same ethos we started with, by buildingexciting R&D lead products and supplying apersonal service to our customers - that iswhy I believe we are trusted by the world’sleading shipyards.”

Underwater lighting has over the past 10years become a must have item on boatsand yachts of all sizes. There are a plethoraof companies offering vast product rangesto accommodate all hull types, boat stylesand purposes from night time fishing to justlooking good at the dock. However, theybelieve the market has become saturatedwith simply too many options and ownersand captains are often left baffled by thechoices.

Finance Director, Klare Urquhart says,“We’ve always kept our product rangelimited and it’s a welcome relief for new
customers that there is not this steeplearning curve to understand our productnames and hierarchy and how they compareto what is out there.”

This year though, they launched the QTS100thru hull model, which arguably is the lastunderwater light you’ll ever need and hasthe potential to supersede their entirelineup. The new QTS100 model, represents30 years of experience and is the mostversatile and complete underwater lightever made for the marine industry in thesimplest format possible.
One generic housing now accommodatesevery option by simply swapping out inserts.

Each insert gives a variety of options:

• Light power outputs from 10,000 lumensup to a massive 25,000
• Color options – white, blue, dual colorand full color change
• Input powers from 12/24vDC to110/240vAC

This makes the thru hull QTS model suitablefor any pleasure boat from 40’ up to thelargest 300’+ superyacht.

Made from titanium, instead of the traditionalnaval bronze or stainless steel, the lightcan now be used directly on metal hulls(subject to Surveyor Approval) as well ascomposite/fibreglass hulls saving yardsand installers hours/days on installation.

This also alleviates a number of potentialwarranty concerns around dissimilar metalsthrough galvanic corrosion.

Fitted with a highly toughened, flat lens thebeam angle is an ultra wide 130 degreeswhich is perfect for running down the sideof a yacht as well as across the stern.

The next few months will also see thelaunch of the QTS-75 weldin which packsan incredible 25,000 lumens punch, making itthe smallest and brightest LED underwaterlight on the market. This light will featurean adjustable beam angle.

All the old models of our underwater lightsincluding the small and large screwedBulleyts, UL Ti MATE 75’s and 80’s can
be retrofitted to LED. Our main aim is toalways keep the same threads and internalsizes for as many years as possible toallow customers to upgrade units withouthaving to haul the boat.

Urquhart concluded, “Twenty- years on,all those original lights I made for thatfirst superyacht, still work every single
day by the way!”

Naturally the entire range is Lloyds Typeapproved and benefits from 30 years in thefield design and real world testing, indeedthe very first lights fitted back in 1991are still in operation to this day, a truetestament of solid design and engineering.

Everything has led to this being the mostcomprehensive underwater light for themarket at a price point that sets the newstandard for the industry. UnderwaterLights Limited continued to machineand produce underwater lights all the
way through Covid 19 to supply yards allover the world.

August 2019, Sevenoaks, Kent, UK - Underwater Lights Limited has developed another market leading underwater LED marine light taking the standard for the industry to yet another level; their new QTS-100 is small in size yet powerful enough to project a brilliant 20,000 lumens of light output - enough for the largest of composite Superyachts yet compact enough for a mid size runabout.

Making its debut at the prestigious Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this November, the QTS-100 is small in size with a low enough profile to allow it to be flush-mounted in nearly any location on the hull or transom.

The QTS-100 is available in 3 formats and is designed with a hole cut-out of 74mm making upgrading to LED technology easy and without costly hull repairs. It’s proven AB2 housing construction has been a solid performer for 27 years throughout the Underwater Lights Limited product range.

The QTS-100 Internal is the DC model which has a lumen output of 10,000 and is recommended for composite boats up to 30m/100ft. You can space each fixture between 1-5 meters/3-9 ft apart for the best even illumination as it has a standard 140 degree beam angle providing a wide-spreading light pattern preventing dark spots between fixtures. It is controlled by a standard on/off switch with a 11-28V DC power range and is available in a single color white and blue or the new dual color white/blue option.

The QTS-100 External is The AC version (110-240vac) and has an external driver which provides the brightest light output of 20,000 lumens. Suitable for vessels over 20 meters/65 feet with the same 140 degree beam angle. It is controlled by a standard on/off switch and is available in white and blue.

The QTS-100 RGBW is the full color change model available in both DC or AC. Powered via an external driver which is controlled via a DMX controller (sold separately).

QTS-100 joins an impressive line-up of underwater marine lighting products from Underwater Lights Limited including retro-fit models meaning any vessel already equipped with underwater lighting can be easily upgraded to the latest LED technology without hauling.

The complete QTS-100 range has been Lloyds certified for test and design pressures to 100 and 25 bar.

###
Come see the new QTS-100 and meet the Underwater Lights Limited team in the Superyacht pavillions at the Fort Lauderdale International Boatshow booth #692 and booth #10.104 at the Metstrade Show in Amsterdam.

British marine lighting specialists launch new products and 'ease of installation' solutions

PLUS- AERIAL FOOTAGE OF LIGHTING, SHOT FROM A HELICOPTER! : HERE

March 12th 2015 : Sevenoaks, Kent, United Kingdom - Underwater Lights Limited announce new products combined with advanced techniques for 'retro' installation, giving shipbuilders and boat owners yet more opportunities to illuminate their vessels. Over the winter a 100 and 160 metre Superyachts have been upgraded to the high powered Retro underwater lights without hauling the boats from the water.

With the ‘spotlight’ firmly on the Yacht Refit industry, Underwater Lights Limited remain the number one choice for deck and underwater lights. Recent projects include the stunning ‘Il Vagabondo’, utilising the powerful QT LED 75 underwater lights fitted by Ursa Shipyards, Turkey.

Chosen for their illumination, ease of installation and modular design, the LED light range from the renowned British company continues to be used worldwide by large shipyards and individual customers alike in both new commissions and refits.

With ultra high levels of luminosity, 9600 lumens, these LED lights have an incredibly long lifespan of 40,000 hrs, both all important criteria in this environment. The unique lens collects and focuses the light from the LED chip into a crisp 87 degree light beam that makes the QT LED 75 stand out from our competitors. The same LED is fitted to the QT LED 130 for installation into composite (G.R.P and Carbon Fibre) hulls.

Underwater Lights Limited expand ‘Cute in Size Big on Light’ philosophy as they unveil the ‘QT80’ range of submersible marine lights.

Produced to exacting R+D standards, the QT range is an expansion of the current UL TI MATE underwater light range from this world renowned marine lighting company.

These ‘through hull’ submersible marine lights have been tested to 10 bar pressure and are suitable for installation in both GRP-fiberglass and wooden hulls. The light housing Bezel is created from super tough Aluminium Bronze and 5083 Aluminium whilst the lens is produced from Borosilicate glass, with all components surpassing industry norms.

The LED lamp itself has a 20,000 hour light life (at 60 C degrees) and delivers 5,500 lumens of output. The LED has a choice of light colors and is available with three different types of lenses for a range of beam widths.

This light system has been specifically produced to be driven at low outputs to suit boat battery power whilst maintenance of the LED is carried out from inside the hull.

The QT80 range of lights add to Underwater Lights Limited impressive product portfolio designed for owners of small tenders up to the World’s greatest Superyachts. Shipyards the world over have come to trust the quality of the Underwater Lights brand, with the company’s products being featured on such outstanding, award-winning superyachts as the MY Anna, MY Solemar, MY Llona, SY Maltese Falcon, MY Kismet and MY Serque.

To find out more about the QT range of lights visit www.qtled.com

Underwater Lights™ Limited products are produced in Marine Grade high-pressure tested materials including 316L Stainless Steel , Aluminium 5083, Aluminium-Bronze, Titanium and complex plastics.

QT 80 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

• LED lamp life - 20,000 hours @ 60° C
• Bezel Material - Aluminium Bronze & 5083 ALU.
• Glass lens - Borosilicate wide beam glass as standard
• VDC. LED Driver - Min 22- Max 28vdc maximum current 3.3 amps
• Mains Power LED Driver -100-265vac. Output 24vdc, maximum current 3amps
• Lamp types - Single LED chip- 5,500 lm- 7,200K (Cool White)

For more information on Underwater Lights™ Limited and for high-resolution images please contact: Harley Stephens – underwaterlights@holeshotpr.com (Tel: 01732 761006 / Mobile: 07943 059985).

For technical or business queries contact Klare Urquhart - klare@underwaterlights.com Tel : 01732 455753.

Leading Marine lighting company Underwater Lights™ Limited is proud to unveil their ‘PLASMA’lighting range which they will be showcasing at the world renowned Fort Lauderdale and METSMarine shows.

With shipbuilders and owners looking for the latest technology, Underwater Lights™ Limited have developed thisindustry leading lighting system with the company looking for feedback during the Marine exhibitionperiod.

Not only do Plasma lights have a distinctive look all of their own, the latest generation of plasma lightingis the most energy-efficient light source for outdoor, commercial and industrial lighting. This is duenot only to their high system efficiency but also to the small light source they present, enabling veryhigh luminaire efficiency.

Underwater Lights™ Limited have also developed a 100watt flat chip adjustable LED underwater light and the new flushunderwater light for sailing yachts and GRP hulls.

Underwater Lights™ Limited welcome all visitors and feedback at FLIBS (Stand 790) and METS Stand -(Superyacht Pavilion 10-104) events.

Shipyards the world over have come to trust the quality of the Underwater Lights™ brand, with the brand’sproducts being featured on such outstanding, award-winning superyachts as the MY Anna,MY Solemar, MY Ilona, SY Maltese Falcon, MYKismet and MY Serque.

The luxurious, 132 foot Serque features six elegant staterooms, wood panelling throughout, a six-person spa,two jet skis and a 47 Intrepid Sport Yacht for diving and fishing. Refitted at the Fort LauderdaleMarine Centre, this magnificent yacht now has 32 UL Ti MATE 75 SA 150 watt Underwater Lights™installed. The exterior of the boat is shown off by the LED lighting, along with a range of downlightsand mastlights.

Underwater Lights™ Ltd products are produced in Marine Grade high-pressure tested materials including 316L StainlessSteel , Aluminium 5083, Aluminium-Bronze, Titanium and complex plastics.

The 132 foot Motor Yacht Serque is the latest vessel to be added to Underwater Lights™ Limited’sportfolio. Peter Urquhart, renowned for his design work on MY ANNA and MY Solemar, has nowproduced the exterior light design for Serque.

Recently refitted at the Fort Lauderdale Marine Center, this magnificent yacht now has 32UL Ti MATE 75 SA underwater lights installed. The exterior of the boat is shown off by the LEDlighting, along with the range of downlights and mastlights.

We have developed an interactive product brochure showcasingour entire range of original Underwater Lights™, which is available online or on CD.

Click here to view online, or call us on+44 (0) 1732 455753 and we'll send you the CD version.

Underwater Lights™ Limited, makers of the originalUnderwater Lights™ since1991, have further extended their distribution network by opening an office in Dania Beach,Florida.

The Original ‘through-hull’ submersible lights fromUnderwater Lights™ Limited, are now available from the company’snew subsidiary,Underwater Lights™Limited, Inc, based at the Royale Palm Yacht Basin in Dania Beach, justsouth of Fort Lauderdale, USA.

Manufacturing of the lights continues to take place atUnderwater Lights™ GmbH, based inBremen, Germany, to ensure that the highest quality product is produced for customers worldwide.

The new US company is headed up by Martyn Bignall who has vast experience in the marineindustry, as well as in sales and marketing. He has worked on the construction of world-classoffshore powerboats and one-off race yachts and was involved in the launch of a matched resinsystem for boatbuilding.

In 1989 he established Martel Composites in the UK, latterly known as Martel WessexComposites Ltd after the buy-in of shares from Wessex Resins and Adhesives. Martyn resignedfrom that company in 2004 to establish another marine panel manufacturing business in the US.

For further information contact Martyn in the USA on 001 954 663 9450.

- ends -

Note for Editors

For further information, please contact:

Klare Urquhart
Underwater Lights™ Limited
Great Dunton Forge, London Road, Dunton Green, Kent TN13 2TD
Tel. +44 (0)1732 455 753 Fax. +44 (0)1732 743 233
Email. uwl@underwaterlights.com

Click here to read the statement (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Pictures courtesy of George Gill.

Underwater Lights™ Limited, makers of the original Underwater Lights™ since 1991,have further extended their distribution network in Europe by signing new distributioncontracts for Italy and Norway.

Milan based Saim S.p.A, has exclusive distribution for Italy, San Marino, Monaco,Malta and Croatia with immediate effect. The contract also extends into France on anon-exclusive basis. Saim S.p.A provides a complete range of nautical components througha network of 120 dealers and develops customised solutions through its skilled team ofR&D engineers.

The products designed and manufactured by Underwater Lights™ Ltd are also now availablein Norway through Brödr. Hukkelberg based in Aukra, which has a 60 year history ofshipbuilding in the region. Both firms will carry the UL Ti MATE range of Underwater Lights™,comprising of the UL Ti MATE 80 and the adjustable UL Ti MATE 75 SA and UL Ti MATE 130 SA.

Peter Urquhart, founder and CEO of Underwater Lights™ Limited, which is basedin UK, said of the move “I am delighted to announce these additions to ourfast expanding distribution network, and I am sure that both partnerships willenable us to improve the service we offer to our important European customers”.

Underwater Lights™ Limited would like to congratulate Redman Whiteley Dixon Design, Amels and all concerned in the build of MY Ilona which has recently won the the “Best Motoryacht Over 43 Meters” award presented on February 16 2006 at the Miami International Boat Show.

MY Ilona has the original Underwater Lights™ installed which was designed, manufactured and supplied directly by Underwater Lights™ Limited UK. Peter Urquhart, Managing Director, of Underwater Lights™ Limited also worked closely with Amels in obtaining Lloyd's Approval for specially designed underwater lights which were installed in the fuel tanks.