Overview

The Hella Marine Apelo A1 is a surface-mount underwater light for transom installations, built to put usable light into the water for docking, swimming, and night-time visibility around the stern.

It runs on Multivolt 9-32V DC (12/24V nominal) and produces up to 1800 lumen (white output). The housing is sealed to IP68 / IP69K for operation while submerged and for high-pressure washdowns.

Across the range you get the same compact A1 format with a corrosion-proof thermal polymer base, a UV-stable Grilamid lens, and 2.5 m (8.2 ft) of 2-core tinned marine cable for a clean run into the boat.

Key features

• Multivolt input: 9-32V DC (12/24V nominal) for mixed battery setups and charging voltage swings
• Output up to 1800 lumen (white) for practical waterline illumination at the stern
• IP68 / IP69K sealed construction for in-water operation and high-pressure washdowns
• Thermal polymer base and UV-stable Grilamid lens to handle sun exposure and the marine environment
• 2.5 m (8.2 ft) 2-core tinned marine cable for corrosion-resistant wiring runs
• Power draw depends on light color: Blue/White 20W (1.7A @ 12V, 0.9A @ 24V); RGB 15W (1.25A @ 12V, 0.7A @ 24V)
• Voltage protection built in: spike protected to +500V and reverse polarity protected to -700V
• Engineered to suppress potential interference with onboard electronics like radios and chart plotters

Variants

This product is offered in multiple configurations.

Variants differ by trim lens color (White Lens or Charcoal Lens) and by light color (RGB or Blue/White). Power consumption varies by light color as listed above.

• 016146011: White Lens trim with RGB light output. The white trim keeps a lighter look on the transom, while RGB output supports color selection when paired with an analogue RGB controller.
• 016146001: Charcoal Lens trim with RGB light output. The darker trim blends in on many modern hulls, while RGB output supports color selection when paired with an analogue RGB controller.
• 016145011: White Lens trim with Blue/White light output. The white trim keeps a lighter look on the transom, and Blue/White output is suited to straightforward on-board lighting with a clean, functional glow.
• 016145001: Charcoal Lens trim with Blue/White light output. The darker trim blends in on many modern hulls, and Blue/White output is suited to straightforward on-board lighting with a clean, functional glow.

Installation and setup

This is a transom surface-mount light, so it fits where you want waterline illumination without building a pocket into the hull. Plan the position so the light face sits flush against a fair surface and the cable route lands in a dry, protected space inside.

Use marine sealing practice at the fasteners and cable pass-through, and leave enough service loop inside the boat to access connections later without pulling on the lamp.

Electrical and system integration

The Apelo A1 operates across 9-32V DC and is supplied with 2-core tinned marine cable for power. Keep the supply protected with a properly sized circuit and route wiring away from sharp edges and heat sources.

RGB variants support external control from an analogue RGB controller for color selection. Blue/White variants provide white and blue output in the same fixture for a more straightforward lighting setup.

Use cases on board

On cruisers and fishing boats, this style of underwater light is commonly used to light the stern for boarding, docking, rinsing down, and checking lines or gear after dark. It also suits owners who want lighting that stays consistent across 12V and 24V systems and can handle routine washdowns.

Maintenance and care

Rinse the exterior after saltwater use and clean the lens with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive pads or harsh solvents that can haze the lens over time, and periodically check that wiring is supported and that sealing points remain sound.