Video: Onne van der Wal documents how he builds replacement LED light lenses for Snow Goose.
As a photographer who understands how crucial light is to composition and mood, Onne van der Wal gave the interior of his recently acquired 1986 Grand Banks 32 a thoughtful lighting upgrade. The boat’s original fixtures were recessed into overhead boxes and relied on older incandescent technology. Onne and his wife Tenley chose to modernize the interior with LED downlights that deliver brighter, more even light while consuming far less power.
The couple selected the Imtra Orlando 85 LED downlights for several practical reasons. The fixtures are slim and unobtrusive, which suits the classic lines of the Grand Banks 32, and they feature spring-loaded retainer arms that simplify installation and service. They prefer the wide flood pattern of these lights rather than a narrow spot because the broader beam produces a gentle, evenly distributed illumination. As Onne puts it, the effect is a very even, gezellig light — a Dutch term that conveys warmth, coziness and convivial atmosphere. He also points out another practical advantage: “They use 10 percent of the power of an incandescent light,” which helps reduce electrical load and heat inside the cabin.
Tenley selecting the new lights for Snow Goose
In his workshop, Onne measures the diameter of the lights
Marking the dimensions on the birch laminated plywood covers
Drilling the holes for the lights on the drill press
Onne documented the entire process, from planning and measuring to cutting, gluing, finishing and final installation. Because the original lights were set into recessed overhead boxes, he designed and built custom housings for each light rather than forcing the new fixtures into ill-fitting openings. Working in his shop, he carefully measured the outer and cutout diameters of the chosen downlights and transferred those dimensions to birch laminated plywood and teak components he would use for the light covers and mounting boxes.
The workshop sequence combined common woodworking and marine finishing techniques. Onne milled and laminated pieces to form neat, strong boxes that fit the overhead lining, then drilled precise holes for the fixtures using a drill press to ensure straight, true cuts. He used clamps and waterproof adhesive where appropriate to bond layers and to maintain alignment while glue cured. Attention to edge detail and grain orientation helped the finished covers read as intentional, high-quality elements rather than ad hoc repairs.
For surfaces visible inside the cabin he used fine sanding and multiple coats of a clear, marine-grade water-based varnish to protect the wood while preserving the natural color and grain. The varnish choice gives a durable, glossy finish that resists humidity and salt air typical of a cruising boat. Final assembly involved wiring the LED fixtures, checking polarity and connections, and mounting the lights into the custom housings using the fixtures’ spring-loaded retainers. Those retainers made seating each light into its opening straightforward and allowed for cleaner, faster service access in the future.
Beyond the immediate aesthetic improvement, the conversion achieved the practical goals that often drive LED retrofits on older boats: increased light output with a warm, inviting quality; significantly lower energy draw; less heat generated at the fixture; and easier maintenance. By building custom teak and plywood boxes for each light, Onne preserved the appearance and integrity of the original overhead lining while upgrading function and efficiency.
The project is a useful example for owners of older vessels who want to modernize lighting without compromising classic interior details. Careful measurement, properly chosen fixtures, solid woodworking and appropriate marine finishes can produce a professional-looking installation. Onne’s approach emphasizes planning and craftsmanship: select fixtures that match the beam pattern and size you need, measure twice before cutting, use quality materials where they will be visible, and finish with products intended for the marine environment to ensure durability.
With the new LEDs in place, Snow Goose now has a warm, energy-efficient interior illumination that complements its vintage character while meeting contemporary expectations for brightness and reliability.