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Sailors go Green, without being seasick
Have you considered added solar to your boat? Do you have solar on your boat? Send reply with your solar project. Solar is here and can help power those needed instruments, radios or sound systems. I know of a few that carry panels on the boats. Share your project.
My Santana 2023R carries a small, fixed rigid panel. Size is about 15" x 15". Produces enough power to re-charge a 12 vDC battery. I have diodes in-line to reduce reverse flow at night thru the solar panel. This setup has worked for many years. I have not looked into a regulator, but may need to add this as my battery life seems low - 2 to 3 years.
Solar
We get enough power from a standard size battery for three instruments, a radio for NASCAR Sundays and AutoHelm. We have replaced all of the cabin lights with LED's this year. BassPro offers a nice retrofit unit that covers a standard 5 inch cabin light. Need to replace the masthead light to get a lower power draw from an overnight anchor.
SolarAs most know this is not my only solar project as Gail and I have installed solar at home - (9) 224 watt panels on a tracker. ROI is 3.3 years with a 12% return after breakeven. Lets all go green without being seasick. If you want more on solar at home email offline at "hilltopsailor [at] verizon.net" Boats have been using solar and wind power for years. The other Santanas on our lake have added panels.
What is your solar project on your yacht?
Added a HQRP Solar Charger Controller and Regulator to the Santana 2023R solar system. Tested the setup on dry land. The controller shut offs the 12 vDC output if the battery level drops too low and shows battery status and charging status. This should help on battery life. Purchased a new battery fro 2010 to complete the 2010 upgrades - LED, controller, moved my mast light wires and a new battery.
On to Gel coat 101 - another forum topic.