I have a 373 with a very tired (broken) little solar panel just ahead of the traveler/dodger. The wiring disappears into/under the traveler track there, and in removing/replacing the old panel/wiring I'm wondering what I'm up against. In a perfect world, I'd be able to pull new wires through, using the old ones for the pulling, but it is extremely likely there are way too many twists and turns (and maybe zip-ties. etc.) for that to work. Anyhow, It looks like the cover/surround for the companionway hatch is easily removable... this is the part that essentially covers the hatch glass when it is open and frames it when it is closed... 8 or 10 stainless Philips head screws hold it in place. This piece is where the solar panel is mounted. HOWEVER, the traveler itself is mounted on the cabin top "straddling" this piece There seems to be at least some caulking (soft and rubbery, not hard) peeking out from under one spot on the traveler. I'm wondering if the traveler is attached along that middle span to the hatch surround, or just at the ends to the cabin top. Can I slip that piece aft out from under the traveler, leaving it in place, or do I need to remove the traveler? I'd love to run new wires with a minimum of surgery to get the wires in place, but when does THAT ever work out as planned. Right? Have any of you with a 373 (or 393 probably) removed that cover? and what was involved? Thanks.
373 - Solar panel wiring under traveler/companionway hatch surround.
- Thread starter ToddS
- Start date
Have you tugged on the wire to see what happens before you start removing things? Your panel and wiring is an after market install so zip ties etc.... probably weren't used like the factory wire harnesses of Beneteau. And if you have to remove something, I'm sure its not too crazy. In the cabin, are there any access areas under the traveler.... pretty sure on my 423 there are for each end. Maybe remove those and see whats what.
Pictures??
Good Luck!
Greg
Pictures??
Good Luck!
Greg
ToddS, let me know what you find once you take on the project as adding solar to my 373 is on my list of things to do and that location is a good one for a panel. It seems to me that you may need to remove the headliner inside the cabin to see where those wires are routed.