Re: Submersible lights
To tell if you've got the truly submersible lights you have to look inside the outer red lens. If you see that the bulbs are encased in an inner clear module, then you've likely got the true submersible lights where the bulbs are sealed inside that clear module. (Don't try to take the bulbs out of the clear module or you'll destroy its watertight integrity.) If the bulbs are just sitting in their sockets like in your car, then you do not have the truly submersible lights, but probably the kind that depend on having a pocket of air at the top to keep the bulbs dry.<br /><br />The bulbs popping on contact with water is a function of how hot the bulbs are, so it doesn't happen all the time. In most cases they won't since the time spent setting up the boat prior to launch is enough for them to cool somewhat. What does happen, especially in saltwater, is that the connections in the air pocket type lights eventually corrode to the point where there is no contact and the lights quit. The sockets also get so corroded that you can't get the bulb out if you ever need to. The true submersible lights keep that from happening, with the only drawback being that you have to replace the whole inner module if one bulb eventually does burn out. And the true submersible lights, having a separate sealed inner module, are also less prone to hot bulb popping, but unless you need the lights to see by, it's not hard to disconnect them when prepping for launch.<br /><br />Supposedly LED lights are the best of both worlds, sealed so no corrosion, and no heat so no popping.