Hey'all, I'm aiming to mount my new Renogy 100 w solar panel on my starboard side stern pulpit rail with some SeaDog round rail clamps that I can mount securely on the outer frame of the solar panel. The problem is that my '83 Catalina 30 is currently a 6 hour drive from me and from the drill and other tools I have where I'm at, and Google searches haven't revealed the length of the straight part of that upper rail forward of the bend at the back corner of the pulpit. The solar panel is fully 106 cm (42") long, which I think might be slightly longer than this straight section of rail. Does anyone know the length of the straight part of that rail? If shorter than 106 cm, I could potentially mount a bracket across the panel for an additional place to mount the round rail clamps. Are there any other suggestions? Bonus question: Do you have any suggestions on the best kind of gland to get the two 10AWG wires through the deck, or any other ideas for that? In case you're wondering, I also bought a 3' telescoping pole extension, which I plan to mount to the other side of the panel underneath to adjust the angle of the solar panel. Thank you very much!
Mounting a solar panel on the stern pulpit rail
- Thread starter Tom Okey
- Start date
Tom, I don't have measurements, sorry. However, I think I'd take a different approach. The clamps will work, of course, but I would build a frame to mount the panel that would allow you to place the clamps at whatever width you prefer. A simple frame will also allow you to include additional supports for angle support, using the vertical stanchions. I envision a flat metal bar running the length of the panel with cross pieces at each end and perhaps a couple intermediates. The clamps can be fixed to any point on the longitudinal piece, the support brackets on one or two intermediates. There's also the additional benefit that you'll be able to relocate the panel if desired. Good luckl.
I no longer have my C-30 but I don't think the length of the top pushpit tube from the stern forward is 42" - on my current boat it is 18", I don't think the C-30 could be that much longer if at all. Here's the best picture I have showing my C-30:
I mounted a 50 watt panel on the pushpit at the stern, I don't have room for a 100 watt panel there. I attached aluminum bar stock to the bottom of the panel so I could attach the mounts where I wanted them. You could use aluminum angle "iron" for more strength. Here's the cable gland I used, plenty of room for two 10 awg wires:
www.seaviewglobal.com
I mounted a 50 watt panel on the pushpit at the stern, I don't have room for a 100 watt panel there. I attached aluminum bar stock to the bottom of the panel so I could attach the mounts where I wanted them. You could use aluminum angle "iron" for more strength. Here's the cable gland I used, plenty of room for two 10 awg wires:
STANDARD VERTICAL CABLE ENTRY
The Seaview Cable Seals / Cable Clams provide waterproof cable routing. Made of UV stable ABS plastic, 316 stainless steel and black anodized aluminum.
www.seaviewglobal.com
Thank you for that info! I think my model of pulpit has longer upper tubes than pictured in your photo, but point taken: I don't think they are nearly 42" in length. So I'm pretty sure I'll have to find a solution like you suggest. And thanks for the cable gland tip! -TomI no longer have my C-30 but I don't think the length of the top pushpit tube from the stern forward is 42" - on my current boat it is 18", I don't think the C-30 could be that much longer if at all. Here's the best picture I have showing my C-30:
View attachment 215005
I mounted a 50 watt panel on the pushpit at the stern, I don't have room for a 100 watt panel there. I attached aluminum bar stock to the bottom of the panel so I could attach the mounts where I wanted them. You could use aluminum angle "iron" for more strength. Here's the cable gland I used, plenty of room for two 10 awg wires:
STANDARD VERTICAL CABLE ENTRY
The Seaview Cable Seals / Cable Clams provide waterproof cable routing. Made of UV stable ABS plastic, 316 stainless steel and black anodized aluminum.
I'm glad you've picked up on my thought. I'm confident you'll design something that will be easy to put together and serve your purpose for an improved installation. I've seen some pretty extravagant structures that seem overly complex and quite expensive. At least for a 30 to 40 year old boat like mine. I think you're gonna have fun putting this together. You will end up with something quite functional, that'll enhance your boat also.