Let’s Talk About Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn
The Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn is a compact, piezo electronic horn designed for smaller vessels. Made by Innovative Lighting, this horn promises reliable signaling for boats under 39.4 feet. It uses “SETS” horn technology, boasts low power consumption, and integrates seamlessly into a boat’s hull.
I’ve spent years outfitting boats, from small fishing skiffs to larger cruising yachts. A reliable horn is critical safety equipment. My current project is restoring a vintage runabout, and the original horn was beyond repair. I needed a compact, reliable horn that wouldn’t detract from the boat’s classic lines. The Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn seemed like a perfect fit.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the horn’s compact size and solid feel. The black plastic housing seemed durable, and the included mounting gasket suggested a weatherproof design. It felt well-made for the price.
Compared to larger, externally mounted horns, the Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn offers a streamlined, hidden installation. Cheaper air horns often require bulky compressors and complicated wiring. This Innovative Lighting horn promised a cleaner, simpler solution.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The horn seemed well-designed and built, but I reserved judgment until I could test its performance and sound output on the water. Was it simply going to make an audible noise, or have the required sound pressure and reach to meet my safety concerns? Only real-world testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn was during a shakedown cruise on a local lake. Installation required cutting a hole in the hull, a task that demanded precision. With the use of a jig saw it was easily mounted. After wiring it into the boat’s 12V system, I was ready to test.
The horn performed adequately. The sound was reasonably loud, though perhaps not as piercing as a larger air horn. It was easily audible over the engine noise at moderate speeds. The weather was calm and dry during this first test.
The ease of use was a major plus. Once installed and wired, the horn operated flawlessly with a simple press of the horn button. No priming, no waiting, just instant sound. My initial concern, however, was its longevity.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn has held up well, despite some harsh conditions. The runabout has seen both fresh and saltwater environments. It’s been splashed by waves and exposed to direct sunlight.
There are no signs of wear and tear on the horn’s housing. The black plastic shows no fading or cracking. The solid-state design seems to be living up to its promise of reliability, and continues to operate flawlessly.
Maintenance is practically non-existent. The built-in water evacuation system appears to be doing its job, preventing any water from accumulating inside the horn. This horn requires far less maintenance than the old mechanical horn it replaced. I’d spend time lubricating and adjusting the old horn to keep it in operation.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper horns, the Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn has exceeded my expectations. I’m used to horns failing after a season or two. This one appears to be built to last. It’s also much more convenient than the canister air horns I’ve used on smaller boats in the past, eliminating the need to carry spare air canisters.
Breaking Down the Features of Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn
Specifications
Designed for 12 or 24V DC systems: This horn is versatile, compatible with most boat electrical systems. This allows for easy installation in a wide range of boats.
For use with vessels under 12 meters (39.4 feet): This horn is designed for smaller boats. This makes it ideal for runabouts, fishing boats, and small sailboats.
Uses “SETS” horn technology: This technology contributes to the horn’s low power consumption and reliable operation. Fewer moving parts also mean less maintenance.
Draws less than 1/2 an amp: This incredibly low power draw won’t strain your boat’s electrical system. This is especially important on smaller boats with limited battery capacity.
Requires Jig Saw or Router for installation: This horn requires a cutout in the hull for mounting. Precise cutting is essential for a clean and secure installation.
Horn Color: Black, White, or Chrome: The availability of multiple colors allows for matching to boat aesthetics. This provides a seamless and visually appealing installation.
The specifications reveal a well-thought-out design. The low power consumption is a major benefit. The hull-mount design ensures a clean, unobtrusive installation.
Performance & Functionality
The Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn performs its primary function admirably. The sound is loud enough to be heard over engine noise and wind. This ensures compliance with boating safety regulations.
The horn’s strengths lie in its reliability and ease of use. It works every time, without fail. The only minor weakness is that the sound is not as deafening as a larger air horn.
The horn meets my expectations for a compact, reliable signaling device. It provides peace of mind on the water, especially in crowded areas. Its size is compact for installation purposes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn features a simple, functional design. The black plastic housing is unobtrusive and blends well with most boat hulls. The design is small enough to fit into tight locations.
The horn is incredibly user-friendly. A simple on/off switch or momentary push button is all that’s needed. There is absolutely no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn appears to be built to last. The solid-state design minimizes moving parts, reducing the risk of failure. It looks to outlast the boat that I have installed it in.
Maintenance is minimal. The built-in water evacuation system prevents water damage. A periodic wipe-down is all that’s required to keep it looking new.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn comes with a mounting gasket. This provides a watertight seal between the horn and the hull. There are no other included accessories.
There are no specific customization options for this horn. However, it can be easily integrated with any standard boat horn button or switch. The color option is the only available aesthetic variation.
Pros and Cons of Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn
Pros
- Compact and unobtrusive design: Fits easily into smaller boats without detracting from aesthetics. The smaller design can be placed in locations out of sight.
- Reliable “SETS” technology: Solid-state design minimizes moving parts for long-lasting performance. Its lower rate of failure is highly desired in safety equipment.
- Low power consumption: Draws less than 1/2 an amp, ideal for boats with limited electrical capacity. The amperage savings allows use of more safety gear and equipment.
- Easy installation: Straightforward wiring and included mounting gasket simplify the installation process. This horn can be easily installed with basic tools.
- Built-in water evacuation system: Prevents water damage and ensures consistent performance in wet conditions. Prevents the need for costly repairs of safety gear.
Cons
- Requires cutting a hole in the hull: Requires skill and precision for proper installation, a potential drawback for some boat owners. The boat needs to be taken out of the water for the install.
- Sound output may not be sufficient for larger vessels: Best suited for boats under 39.4 feet, may not be loud enough for noisy environments. This limitation is key to this horn’s application.
Who Should Buy Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn?
- Perfect for: Owners of small boats (under 39.4 feet), vintage boat restorers, anglers, and anyone seeking a reliable and unobtrusive horn solution. Ideal for anyone looking to upgrade a broken or non-functioning horn with a long-term solution.
- Who should skip this product? Owners of larger vessels requiring a louder horn, or those unwilling to cut a hole in their boat’s hull. People who need a temporary solution or a horn that can be easily moved between boats.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality jig saw or router for precise hull cutout, marine-grade wiring, and a reliable horn button or switch. Use high quality wiring connections when installing.
Conclusion on Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn
The Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn is a well-designed, reliable, and affordable signaling solution for smaller boats. The “SETS” technology and low power consumption are major selling points, as is the unobtrusive hull-mount design. While the sound output may not be sufficient for larger vessels, it’s more than adequate for boats under 39.4 feet.
The price of $44.90 is justified by the horn’s quality and performance. This product should be a worthwhile investment in boating safety. The piece of mind in having a functional safety device cannot be measured.
I would personally recommend the Innovative Lighting Marine Hull Mount Horn to anyone seeking a compact, reliable, and easy-to-install horn for their small boat. It’s a simple, yet effective solution that provides peace of mind on the water. If you’re looking for a new horn for your boat, give this horn a try. You will be glad you did!