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Solar Questions

S

scupper

Vern Gliot
I want to add solar to my 382. So I'm looking for any information/photos on installation locations and solutions. Looks like Bimini might be the best option to me. Since I need new Bimini now would be the best time to meld the two together. Thanks in advance, any help is appreciated.

Vern
 
Here's a link to three photos that may give you an idea how we installed two 100 watt panels on our bimini. We left the middle open in order to see the top of the mast.
https://cruisingonthemaryt.com/solar-panel-installation/
The key thing for us was a having a canvas guy that had done this before and was very familiar with how to support the panels. He claimed that they could withstand 50 knot winds but we never tested that. If we thought a hurricane or tropical storm was getting too close, we removed them.
 
Vern
Dana has 225 watts of solar panels on the bimini. A couple of things we found out the hard way. Be able to remove the bimini cover from the frame without having to remove the panels. Install the panels with rail clamps so they can be removed fairly easily in the case of a hurricane approaching. Set things up so that if the boat is in a yard covered for the winter, the panels stay exposed to the sun. That way your batteries can stay on board and be always topped up. The solar regulator is very important, don't scrimp on a cheap unit. Having a solar rig on the bimini makes the boat look like the space shuttle with the cargo bay open. The look sucks but the almost free amps allows you to turn a blind eye. Good luck with the project. Let me know if I can be of any help.

Jim
 
I have 2 100 watt panels. We had an existing radar pole. I added another pole on the other side of the stern and had my my maxhinist built a bracket to hold the panels. It is a cheap alternative to an expensive arch. I did not use the dodger or bimini because neither were big enough to hold the two panels and I wanted to be able to strike the bimini in strong winds (which I have never had to do.). I think Jim’sset up, where the panels sit above the sun Brel last bimini on stainless tubing is a good approach, although not as strong perhaps as my two poles and stainless cross piece. His probably is more attractive, too.
 
SUN POWER Panels are the strongest power made. Yes purchase a good controllers. SUN POWER .COM
 
Thanks to all. Ken your install looks really nice. I might have more of a challenge with my boom end sheeting on the 382 though. Hate to see solar panels being ripped off and heading into the deep. Jim and Terry, if you have any photo's it would be helpful. My concerns are around the standard bimini framework being able to take the extra load. Did you need to make any mods like heavier tubing to the framework? Thanks again to all. This site has the some of the most helpful folks ever!

Vern
 
Vern
Here is a photo of the solar panels mounted over the bimini. I'm being launched early tomorrow and I'll take some better shots for you.

Jim
 

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Jim,

Thanks, more photos would be great. It looks like your panel sits behind the aft stay. Could you send the dimensions of that panel. Seems it might overhang the stern but doesn't look excessive in the picture. A side view would help I guess. Thanks again, I don't mean to put you out what with the splash going on.

Ken,

If you could send the dimensions on your panels sitting outside the backstay as that is also appealing to me. I feel like i'm being a pain in the butt, please forgive me if I am.

Thanks, Vern
 
Hi guys
I just want a small solar trickle charger to keep our 3 batteries topped off ...I was going to do this last year s8ncecwe moved to a mooring. I don’t want a “GE power factory” on the boat just something I can tuck away when we get there. Has anyone used anything like this? Any recommendations?

There are small ones that can be left on that connect to your 12 volt cigarette style connection in the cockpit and then unplugged when not in use. They don’t overcharge because they are very low amps...
 
Vern
Dana went in the water yesterday but the weather has been rainy. I'll get to take photos of the solar panels when it clears some.

Jim
 
Thanks David. I hadn't seen this thread before. Missed it some how. So much great info and helpful people on this forum!
 
Hi John, you might want to check out this website. They did experiments with trickle charging panels and found out it would still cook the batteries without using a controller. The controller is not that expensive $50. He also has pictures of a small solar installation. phase.com
 
Vern
I was finally able to snap a few photos today. The aft panel is a 140 watt unit. The forward panel is an 85 watt unit. The very fine wires you see above the aft panel are ss wires to keep the seagulls and cormorants from roosting. Let me know if this helps or if you need more info.

Jim
 

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Thanks Jim. Nice installation. Just what I needed. Great looking boat too! I like the addition of the hatch forward in the cabin. Is it mounted outside of the head door?

Vern
 
Vern

The hatches replaced a pair or Nicro vents that the previous owner had installed. The vents never worked well and provided little air exchange. The hatches, one in the head and one just outside the head, provide a lot of air and can be secured down tight in not so good weather. They are the smallest Ocean series models made by Lewmar. With a flat flange they were very easy to install. One drawback is that they have to be closed when sailing with the jib or the sheets get caught.

Jim
 

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