www.iFourWinns.com

I don't think we have ever had a serious discussion here about using solar panels to keep the batteries charged up. I am thnking of adding a couple of panels to the Chap for this purpose. Does anybody here use some? I have a little one that I bought years ago and have never used.... Going to use it on the gen starter battery because if it fires i'm all set. I was just going to Velcro it to the dash under the windshield but am concerned about reflection. What about on the top of the arch? Will the pounding break it? I would like to place a couple of larger units somewhere too. Do you need fancy controllers? I know only the basics regarding these things ---> Sunshine = Power. If I can make the batteries last without having to run the gen or motors then I can have more $ for travelling fuel and beer. Plus I am planning on adding a couple of 6 volt batteries in series so maybe one day I can add a big inverter too. Maybe all these items tie together and should be bought as a "system"?

_________________
Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

Top of the arch is the best location on your boat. Here is a good article that might be of interest to you.

http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/30.htm

And another good reference site.

http://www.mrsolar.com/

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Thanks Cap'n! those links are going to be helpful especially the first one. I will try and find somewhere in Canada that has panels at a reasonable cost Otherwise i'll have to order from the US.

I hope there is some more input here with some actual installs. Not sure if many of the guys here are using solar chargers since they have slips with electricity and run their generators regularly when on the hook.

_________________
Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

Don't throw anything at me, but search the sailboat forums, they use these panels/systems all te time. Afertall, they take 5 times as long to get to the same destination as a powerboat, so the cells charge up nicely.

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

halarious cap....

_________________
Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

I guess I was partially right about never having a serious discussion here

Seriously does nobody on a Four Winns Cruiser use solar panels?

_________________
Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

ran across this article this weekend at the marina. At the end is a couple solar panels. Pretty inexpensive I thought.
http://www.boatingmag.com/gear/electronics/ultimate-12-volt-power-guide

_________________
Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

Very small bit of information there... but every little bit helps (or confuses )

Thanks for posting Jeff. It seems that I will have to make this a priority project since I didn't turn off the stereo switch and the display killed the batteries over the last week! Not a big deal now that it is in my yard.... But at my slip I have no power so I would have had to start the generator and wait for the batteries to recover.

_________________
Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive