Hella Marine 8518 Halogen Flush Mount Deck Floodlight, 12/24V DC, 55W at 12V, 70W at 24V, H3 Bulb Included, IPX4, 155 x 128 x 77 mm, Built-In 5 Degree Incline, White Housing

Overview

The Hella Marine 998518001 is a recessed deck floodlight for 12V systems that uses a 55W H3 bulb. It installs through a cut-out on a flat surface and leaves the rear housing open, which makes wiring access straightforward from behind the mounting panel. The angled body aims light about 5 degrees downward, helping you light up a cockpit or transom area without throwing glare back at eye level.

The light aperture measures about 5.3 in x 3 in, giving useful coverage for tasks like docking, rigging lines, or lighting a swim platform step. The housing is built from fiberglass-reinforced plastic that is UV resistant, which matters when the fixture sits where sun exposure is constant.

A mounting gasket and a rubber grommet at the cable entry help keep spray out around the mounting and wiring pass-through. The included H3 bulb is a standard service item, so ongoing maintenance is simple once the light is in place.

Key features

• Recessed, flush-style mounting for cockpit, transom, and other flat deck surfaces
• Open rear housing for easier access when routing and terminating wiring
• Angled housing for an approximate 5 degree downward beam angle to reduce glare
• Mounting gasket and rubber grommet at the cable entry to help keep water out when installed correctly
• Large light aperture (about 5.3 in x 3 in) for broad task lighting
• Fiberglass-reinforced plastic housing with UV resistance for sun-exposed locations
• 12V / 55W H3 halogen bulb included

Installation and setup

Plan the mounting location with two clearances in mind: the front flange needs a clean, flat sealing surface, and the back side needs enough room for the recessed body and wiring. Since the rear is exposed for wiring access, it works best where the backside of the panel is reasonably protected, such as inside a cockpit coaming, transom locker space, or under a covered overhang.

On the electrical side, treat it like any other 12V deck load: use marine-grade connections, support the cable so it cannot chafe, and size wiring and overcurrent protection appropriately for a 55W circuit.

Compatibility and fit

This lamp is intended for 12V DC boats and uses an H3 bulb rated at 12V / 55W. Confirm you have a suitable mounting surface and that the recessed cavity behind the panel can accommodate the light body and cable routing. The visible light aperture is about 5.3 in x 3 in, which is helpful when matching an existing opening or planning coverage for the area you want to illuminate.

Use cases on board

It suits boats that need practical light at the working edge of the vessel, such as cockpit corners, transoms, and steps that get used after dark. It is a good match for owners who want a flush light in place of a bracket-mounted fixture, especially where gear, lines, and hands tend to snag on anything that sticks out.

Maintenance and care

Rinse salt spray off the lens area during regular washdowns and check the gasket line if the fixture is removed and reinstalled. When replacing the bulb, use the correct H3 type and avoid touching the glass with bare fingers to help prevent early failure. Periodically inspect the cable entry grommet and connections for corrosion, especially in high-spray cockpit or transom installations.