Davit and solar panels Oh My

Freesail99 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

I have a davit on my boat. I had it made by Garhauer marine. When making my davit they made it so it had an extra horizontal bar/tube. So where many davits have 1 support bar I have two. It was done to aid in mounting my two 130 watt solar panels to the davit. I have not mounted the solar panels yet and I now have a question.

I will also be installing a bimini on my 30.5 foot boat. So here is what has been on my mind. If I put the solar panels on the davit, I would then need to move or even buy a new latter to board the boat. I believe the solar panels would stop me from boarding the boat from the stern. So I would need to mount a latter on the side of the hull to get into the cockpit. That also means I would need to lower my dinky from my davit and somehow drag it around to the side of the boat to get in.

I could mount the solar panels on the roof or top of the bimini. The problem I see there is the boom shading them too much. So I am looking for some insight in how to handle this.
Thanks in advance,
Paul

chucklesR · #2 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

FreeSail.
My panels and davit are like yours, I don't have the same problem you have because I have a catamaran - but...
My panels rotate Horizontally - meaning I can tilt them. You might be able to get enough tilt to board under them. Of course you'll have to go with one bar instead of two..

Alternatively, mount the panels on the side rails, leave the ladder where it is.

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

Free-

Can you post a photo of the cockpit of your boat??? That would make it easier to see what you're talking about.

Mounting it on the bimini might be one option, and then you could always move the boom over using the traveler and mainsheet to keep it from shading the panel, when you're at anchor.

Mounting them on the side rails is also an option, but in general, only one of the two panels will be usable, since chances are good that one will be shaded when the other is in the sun. I have the panels on my boat setup that way...sort of.

They're actually mounted on rails that go between the ama and the cockpit.

Cruisingdad · #4 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

My first reccomendation would be to have a solar arch built. I too have a davits (mine are made by Kato). I could have mounted them on the davits, but did not for similar reasons to you and becuase they would be shaded by the bimini depending on the point of sail.

Panels are VERY affected by shading. Even a small perentage will vastly reduce (if not eliminate alltogether) your ouput. I did not put on a wind generator because at some points of sail (or angles to the sun) I would be shaded.

Boarding from the side is not a big deal. We do it from dad's boat. Boarding onto a sugar scoop is MUCH easier though - especially if you are loading/unloading or in any seas. I would say to try putting it on the davits first and if that does not work out, look into a solar arch.

BTW, what are you using for a charge controller? Blue Sky or Outback? MPPT, right? Are you wiring them in series or parallel?

- CD

PS Here is a shot of my arch, kinda hard to see but gives you an idea:

Freesail99 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

I have a outback controller. My side rails are really just life lines, there isn't much stainless tubes to mount anything to. I didn't even bring up the BBQ. I will see if I can find a picture of the cockpit or take one in the next day or two. Also my second horizontal bar is movable. I can slide it forward away from the stern.

Cruisingdad · #6 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freesail99

I have a outback controller. My side rails are really just life lines, there isn't much stainless tubes to mount anything to. I didn't even bring up the BBQ. I will see if I can find a picture of the cockpit or take one in the next day or two. Also my second horizontal bar is movable. I can slide it forward away from the stern.

Definitely wire in series and with NO shading.

- CD

PS I put out 208 ah last week with my panels... 4 KC-130's into the Outback MX60. You should do over 100 with yours.

Freesail99 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruisingdad

Definitely wire in series and with NO shading.

- CD

PS I put out 208 ah last week with my panels... 4 KC-130's into the Outback MX60. You should do over 100 with yours.

I hope I get a little bit more when I am down in Florida and the islands. I need to figure out what my usage will be when on the hook. I know I will use much more while underway.

Cruisingdad · #8 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freesail99

I hope I get a little bit more when I am down in Florida and the islands. I need to figure out what my usage will be when on the hook. I know I will use much more while underway.

I doubt you will get much more out of 2 130's. Try adding another panel or two. The MX60 will take up to 6-130's in series.

- CD

Freesail99 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruisingdad

I doubt you will get much more out of 2 130's. Try adding another panel or two. The MX60 will take up to 6-130's in series.

- CD

Thanks CD, but 2 are a lot on a 30 foot boat, it seems.

camaraderie · #10 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008

I think it unlikely that you will consistently get even 100ah's out of your panels. 80-90 over time in the tropics is probably as good as you will average (which is NOT to say that 100 is not possible).
I would be looking at wind on a 30 footer or a Honda 2000 if you need more amp hours on a daily basis. If you have refrigeration...it is likely you will need more.