Overview

The Hella Marine Apelo A2 is a 3000-lumen surface-mount underwater LED light range offered in Blue/White or RGB, with a choice of hard anodized aluminium or bronze housing. It runs on 9-32V DC (12/24V nominal) and is rated IP68/IP69K for operation while submerged and for high-pressure washdowns.

It mounts on the transom with a compact round footprint (95 mm diameter, 83.5 mm mounting circle) and includes the Apelo Edge Light, which gives a soft white perimeter glow for low-draw utility lighting (under 2W) when you do not need full output.

Key features

• 3000 lumens (white output) for strong underwater illumination at the stern
• Multivolt input: 9-32V DC (12V/24V systems)
• IP68/IP69K rating for submerged operation and high-pressure cleaning
• Surface-mount transom installation with 83.5 mm mounting circle and 15.5 mm (5/8 in) cable pass-through
• 2.5 m (8.2 ft) tinned marine cable (2-core for Blue/White, 5-core for RGB)
• Edge Light mode draws under 2W for a gentle stern glow when full output is not needed
• Voltage protection: spike protected to +500V and reverse polarity protected to -700V
• EMC approvals listed: EN55015/CISPR 15, IEC60533, IEC61547, ICES-005, CE, RCM, UKCA

Variants

This range is offered in multiple configurations to match hull material preferences and the kind of lighting control you want on board.

Across the range, the output is 3000 lumens (white), operating voltage is 9-32V DC, and the mounting footprint is the same. The housing material and LED color mode are what change between versions.

• 016147101: Bronze housing, Blue/White. Dual-colour output switches between blue and white, and this version includes a strobe mode.
• 016147001: Hard anodized aluminium housing, Blue/White. Aluminium versions are listed as not for permanent submersion in salt water.
• 016148101: Bronze housing, RGB. Full colour and colour-changing modes use an external analogue-style RGB controller; wiring can also be done with individual switched channels.
• 016148001: Hard anodized aluminium housing, RGB. Aluminium versions are listed as not for permanent submersion in salt water, and RGB control follows the same external-controller or switched-channel approach.

Installation and setup

Plan the location on a flat section of transom and keep the lamp face free of curvature so the housing is not stressed during tightening. The recommended mounting depth is 100-500 mm (4-20 in) under the waterline. Use the drilling template for screw positions and the central cable hole, then seal every penetration properly.

Adhesive does most of the sealing and load-sharing on this style of surface mount, with the screws applying even compression while it cures. Keep fastener torque to 3 Nm max. If you are unsure about hull sealing, cable routing, or backing access, involve a marine installer.

Electrical and control

Power draw for Apelo A2 is listed at 30W, with current draw of 2.5A at 12V DC or 1.3A at 24V DC. Choose circuit protection to suit the actual load and wiring size, and route the cable so it stays supported and protected from chafe and vibration at the transom.

RGB versions require an external RGB controller to access the full spectrum and colour-change modes. The wiring style is compatible with common PWM-to-ground analogue RGB controllers, and the lamp uses an additional permanent negative lead. Blue/White versions use simpler two-core wiring and switching between colours can be done from the helm or a dedicated switch panel.

Materials and corrosion notes

The lens is made from UV-stable, impact-resistant nylon (Grilamid). For cleaning, stick to mild boat soaps and common detergents, and avoid harsh solvents like isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and acetone that can lead to lens crazing or cracking.

Housing choice matters on boats that live in the water. Aluminium versions are listed as not for permanent submersion in salt water. Bronze models should only be installed on aluminium hulls when an isolation spacer is used, since galvanic corrosion can occur, especially where stray currents exist. A clean bonding system and good electrical practices pay off with any metal-bodied underwater light.

Use on board

Mounted at the stern, this light is commonly used to brighten the waterline for docking at night, swim platform use, and general cockpit or transom activity after dark. The Edge Light mode is handy when you want a low-glare glow during launch and retrieval, washdowns, or while loading gear.

This range is a good match for boats on 12V or 24V systems that want a surface-mount underwater light with a compact footprint and clear housing and colour options, without stepping into a full through-hull installation.