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Thanks Jimmy Alonso!

Jimmy, what did you use to mount those panels where they are? Did you have something custom fabricated or was it a repurpose of something else? I'm looking for a similar/identical setup for my solar panels.

Jimmy, what did you use to mount those panels where they are? Did you have something custom fabricated or was it a repurpose of something else? I'm looking for a similar/identical setup for my solar panels.

This is the under side of the panels. Made the frame with bimini elbows and T connectors placed a 1/4 inch pvc panel to provide support. Later cut holes in the pvc to reduce weight.


I used these Mantus clamps to attach quickly to the two aluminum tubes on the boat. One tube bent like a U from aft stanchions and another on the mast support.



Lastly I used a Marinco Trolling motor plug to connect.

What about the metal tubing? Did you just buy and bend your own or did you buy an existing Bimini and modify it? It looks like you cut up the existing stanchions on the boat itself as well.

What about the metal tubing? Did you just buy and bend your own or did you buy an existing Bimini and modify it? It looks like you cut up the existing stanchions on the boat itself as well.

Yes I bent aluminum tubes and used clamps to fix to the stanchions and mast support. The pictures are a little hard to see how it was done.


These are the parts you'll need. Look for bimini hardware.

Update on upgrade

Been out for 3 weeks now and before leaving I replaced timing belt on my Yamaha F50TLR that involved removing flywheel and stator.
The second day out engine stopped charging the start battery .
So did some measurements to rectifier and stator.
Looks like stator is open.
Not sure until I return to see if this was caused by DC to DC charger or when replacing timing belt.

But I'm able to continue our trip by reversing connections to the DC to DC charger to keep the start battery suppling power to the engine via Lithium battery and Solar Panels.

Hi Jimmy Alonso!

Good save by adaptation of resources and skills!
Smart cookie!

You may have dislodged or separated one of the wires when changing the belt.
If you can find the break one can often salvage it by soldering in a replacement length of wire.
Poly varnishing a couples coats on the smooth exposed transitions should provide sufficient insulation if done carefully.
A bit of parchment paper separator wouldn’t hurt ( yup, same stuff your cook used for baking cookies ).

Good Save!
Hope the rest of the journey is more fun.

Best Regards
Over Easy

Finally removed the Yamaha F50 flywheel to access the stator. To see why I was not getting a charge ..
Turns out I was able to put the stator back on upside down Duh! even tho I had some pictures.
I was so focused on getting the timing belt on right paid little attention to the stator.
Brought a used one from eBay and is working fine now. Repaired old stator it had 2 broken wires and one chewed up some.

Did find out engine uses 5 amps to run. The DC to DC charger kept me going the whole trip.

Hi Jimmy Alonso!

Long time no hear!
Glad you found your culprit!

That DC to DC charger is a champ for saving your trip.
( I once ran a VW Rabbit for nearly 100 miles on just the battery without the alternator hooked up )

Hope you had a great trip!

Best Regards
Over Easy

Great stuff Jimmy! Thanks for sharing all the details and photos!

Update and Upgrade

(2023) Did a 7 week trip to the BVI's having power to spare now. Installed a Victron 500 watt inverter. So naturally got more electrical appliances.

1. Rice Cooker - 200 watts
2. Toaster 1 slice - 400 watts
3. Waffle Maker - 250 watts
4. Coffee Bean Grinder - 130 watts

(2024) Getting ready for another trip

Added:
1. Ice maker - 200 watts why not

Also setup a Raspberry Pi4 to run Victron Venus OS to monitor all Victron devices.
Venus OS also includes Signal K and Node Red
Installed Pi4 here which meant needed longer cable runs.

Screen shot

On my older Raymarine only get SOC, Amps and voltage.

Victron VRM ables me to monitor from home the start and house batteries values and maintains a record of all values.


Signal K with Wilhelm SK app on phone or tablet battery values and with the NMEA HAT installed on the Pi4 navigation and engine can be seen.


In Node Red you can make custom Dashboards. (this one is of my home solar system)

Impressive stuff. I need to learn more about Lithium.

With Node Red there is not much you can't do!

Hi!

Sheesh! This got complicated for an old geezer like me…
I’m still working up to figuring out simple solar panels to charge my two lead acid batteries and mounting my little Honda generator for the Admiralty A/C when we boondock away from a marina on longer trips…

Kudo to yo for getting all that stuff figured out and sharing with the forum!
Thanks!

Best Regards,
Over Easy