[C320-list] Re Solar Panels

[Jeff Hare]

Nice installation Dave!  

FYI: Those are either Tenax or Loxx brand stainless steel fasteners in case anyone is looking to specify or locate them in for your applications (those are both visually similar but not interchangeable).  I've used them for attaching side enclosure panels to fiberglass instead of snaps or lift the dots because they're easier to put on/take off. I'm not aware of Fastex producing this kind of thing.

Cheers!
-Jeff 

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Utility Email
Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2019 2:10 AM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Re Solar Panels

Tom,

Last summer I installed a 125W Solbian Solar panel on the Bimini of our Mark II with Fastex fasteners so it can be easily mounted and removed when the Bimini is deployed.  The stainless steel Fastex fasteners are very durable as they are typically used with convertible tops.  We don’t have or use an inverter aside from a small 12 automotive plug type of one from time to time. 

We have a loaded 2007 C320 MK II model (similar to yours) with refrigeration in the ice box as well as the front loading WAECO refrigerator.  I installed a Genesun MPPT solar controller directly wired to the battery (fused of course) through our Xantrex Link Pro battery monitor so we can see the amps generated.  It works great.  I also installed the solar wiring with a Hella 12 volt plug in the stern near the shore power inlet so the panel can be removed and stowed easily under the after berth.  We connected everything with loomed wiring and A4 connectors.  When deployed or stowed, you don’t even know the 125 W panel is there.  

The best part is that now instead of having to charge the batteries with shore power or morning every three days, we can go for a week without needing to charge if we are judicious about the refrigeration that we use.  I also upgraded all of our lighting, and we won’t use the icebox refrigerator (but still use the front opening refrigerator) while at anchor to reduce electrical demands.  We love the solar panel and the electrical independence and freedom it provides.  

Check out our install photos on our C320IA website.  

https://c320.org/mediagallery/album.php?page=1&aid=293

Have fun with your install.  I used a lot of advice from the Compass Marine website.  

Dave Swanson
S/V Emily Ann
2007 C320 MK II, No. 1107
Mukilteo, WA

Dave


David B. Swanson, P.E., S.E.
Principal, LEED AP, F. SEI
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> On Jun 10, 2019, at 6:24 PM, Tom Grass <tgrass462 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Need advice on solar panels and regulators.  We are thinking of 
> installing some panels on Bucket List.  How many watts did you 
> install?  Did the install integrate well with your inverter?  Where did you mount the
> panels?   Was the wiring a problem?  Any advise is appreciated.  Tom Grass
> SV Bucket List. 2008 Catalina 320 MK II. #1135.
> 
> On Sun, Jun 9, 2019, 11:51 AM Jack Brennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net>
> wrote:
> 
>> Well, I’m finally done with replacing the cabin sole with Lonseal 
>> teak and holly laminate. It was a success, but I have to say it was 
>> the most meticulous, unforgiving project I’ve taken on in three major 
>> refits of sailboats.
>> 
>> Some notes for anyone contemplating this project:
>> 
>> • If I had to do it over again, I would choose the solid teak pattern.
>> Lining up the holly stripes is extremely difficult and time consuming.
>> Remember, there are five hatch covers for the bilge and six separate 
>> floor sections in the cabin … • Thickened West System epoxy worked 
>> great. I mixed four separate batches to keep it from hardening. First 
>> the V berth floor, then the forward cabin area, followed by the large 
>> port and starboard sections in the rest of the cabin.
>> • An expensive, really sharp utility knife is your friend. With a 
>> little practice, you can cut extremely accurate lines in the laminate 
>> if you take your time.
>> • Even if you plan on cutting a new underlayment for the laminate, be 
>> careful to protect the old stuff when you remove it. Making your own 
>> pattern without them would be very time consuming.
>> • On my 320, small screws through the laminate hold the floor 
>> underlayment to the subfloor. I chose to continue doing this, and it 
>> made it much easier to cut and glue down the laminate. I would take 
>> up a couple of screws, lay down the glue and rescrew the laminate down to the subfloor.
>> • Lonseal comes in six-foot-wide sections. Ten feet, costing about 
>> $400, is plenty.
>> • Lastly, if you have a fat bank account, this really is a project 
>> left to a floor professional. I did it myself to stretch my boat 
>> budget and because I’m retired with plenty of time. My guess is that 
>> it would cost 3K or so, based on $800 in material and $2,200 in labor.
>> 
>> Jack Brennan
>> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320, no. 528
>> Tierra Verde, Fl. Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay.
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
>> 
>>