[C320-list] solar panel

[John Nicholas]

Scott, I had my solar panel professionally installed. I will try and get
some photos which I am happy to forward to you and put on the website. The
panel is a 34 watt Solara unit. It is a slim line & semi-flexible unit which
is I guess about 1/4" thick. It is mounted on rubber backing and fitted to
the top of the bimini, out of sight. The wires run a short distance along
the bimini frame secured by cable ties before entering the hull through a
neat stainless steel gland. It has a separate regulator & fuse and is
connected to the 4 x AGM 100 amp/hr house bank. Based on the readings of the
battery monitor, if the weather is okay it is putting out between 1.5 and
2.5 amps for about 6 or 7 hours a day. I find this is more than enough to
get to and keep the house bank at full charge when the boat is not in use. I
thought I might put a switch in which allows the panel to feed the start
battery & top it up periodically to maximize its longevity. I have been very
happy with this installation. It looks tidy and has solved the problem of
maintaining battery charge on the mooring. The only drawback is that to fold
the bimini up you need to remove the panel, something I don't plan to do
until it's time to replace the fabric. I read on the web that Solara had
closed down which is a shame because it seems to be a good product. I guess
the guarantee is now worthless.      
John Nicholas
Sojourn #929
Sydney Australia

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Scott Thompson
Sent: Monday, 15 December 2008 6:23 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] alternator upgrade

John:  I'd appreciate learning more about your solar panel.  What kind, 
and how did you wire it in?  I have the same issue with wanting to top 
off batteries while on a mooring.  Any details would be appreciated. 
Thanks.

Scott Thompson
Surprise, 653

John Nicholas wrote:
> Hi Stephen,
> No, there were some nice extras but that was not one of them. I have
> upgraded the battery banks and added a battery monitor. I also added a
solar
> panel on top of the binimi which keeps the house bank full when the boat
is
> at the mooring.  The alternator upgrade is next on the list.
> John Nicholas
> Sojourn #929
> Sydney Australia
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Stephen Cox
> Sent: Tuesday, 2 December 2008 11:57 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] alternator upgrade
> 
> John,
> 
> When Sojourn was for sale my memory was that it was supposed to have a
> Balmar alternator and smart regulator fitted already.
> 
> 
> Stephen Cox
> Canberra 
> 
>> My Y3GM30F is fitted with the stock 55 amp Hitachi alternator 
>> which I want to upgrade to a higher output unit with an 
>> external smart regulator. I know that many on the list have 
>> made this improvement. I am looking at the Balmar range. Can 
>> anyone tell me what model would suit? I am looking for 
>> something that is easy to install. Any recommendations or 
>> advice will be appreciated.
>>
>>  
>>
>> John Nicholas
>>
>> Sojourn #929
>>
>> Sydney Australia
> 
>