But you can for sure! I am currently working on a bow light made from superbriteleds green and red festoon bulbs. The original plan was from a back issue of Good Old Boat. While I disagree with some of the hammer mechanic techniques usd in the article, I think the concept od placing red behind red and greeen behind green in the bow light to be a sound one.

I have gone through three prototypes of "Frankenbulb" so far and and have not be satisfied. Total outlay for bulbs was $8.

As far as brightness of these festoons, the LED's are oriented in one direction, which will work in this application becuase there is no reflected light required. Yes, I did make the mistake of powering them up and looking into the bulb to check brightness. Yes, they did zap me so I had an oblong series of bright spots on my retina for several minutes. I am convinced they are bright enough.