I'm thinking about ways to mount my solar panel (about 14"X 36") on the stern of my boat (so the wire run is very short - the battery is in the stern). I want the bracket removable so I can stow the panel when inclement weather (e.g., hail) is expected. I thought about buying a couple of brackets made for mounting a Magna gas grill - the kind that have a horizontal circular fitting you screw to a horizontal surface like under the lifelines and have a maybe 3/8" stainless rod bent at 45 degrees. My question is: can I bend this stainless rod to 90 degrees without breaking it? Any ideas how to do it so I end up with a clean bend and straight legs? Many thanks
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T
TimmR
easy way
The easiestway would be to takeitto a local weldshop.They could either bend it or cut it and weld it at a ninety degree angle .Very reasonable.If you can't find one send it to me and I'll do it for you,free of course
The easiestway would be to takeitto a local weldshop.They could either bend it or cut it and weld it at a ninety degree angle .Very reasonable.If you can't find one send it to me and I'll do it for you,free of course
J
john
solar mount
HI Rich I have aC30 1988TR and I mounted mine on the stern rail over the drivers seat above the bimine behind the rear stays Its on 1" ss pipe that I bent with a 11/4" elec conduit bender from the home depto (the bender did not fit the pipe but It was ok It would be easer to use a3/4 pipe with3/4 bender)I used a1" SS flag pole holder from WM for uprights for the larg U shaped pipe to hold the pannel and bimine hardwhere on 1"SS pipe to make a bracket from just aft of life line hooks to about 21" up on the larg U I think the mount is about 33" off stern rail on the outside of the vertical tubs that hold up the stern polpitI can stand and fish off the seat under the solar panal and stay out of the sun and rain My panal is aKOY 70 watt 25" by 35" but It looks small on the boat I think alarger panal would be better more power more shade and its flat so you cant see it I mite try two 70watt pannels side by side this year I have a flex panel on the boom that plugs into alead on the bottom of the 70watt pannel Boaters world sells 20' sspipe and my solar panels came from www.Alternative Enerrgy store.com John PS the magma cutting bord mounts are the way to go fo mounting and buy some 3/4" conduit and make a pattern The bender has startings marks and bending marks to make 90o
HI Rich I have aC30 1988TR and I mounted mine on the stern rail over the drivers seat above the bimine behind the rear stays Its on 1" ss pipe that I bent with a 11/4" elec conduit bender from the home depto (the bender did not fit the pipe but It was ok It would be easer to use a3/4 pipe with3/4 bender)I used a1" SS flag pole holder from WM for uprights for the larg U shaped pipe to hold the pannel and bimine hardwhere on 1"SS pipe to make a bracket from just aft of life line hooks to about 21" up on the larg U I think the mount is about 33" off stern rail on the outside of the vertical tubs that hold up the stern polpitI can stand and fish off the seat under the solar panal and stay out of the sun and rain My panal is aKOY 70 watt 25" by 35" but It looks small on the boat I think alarger panal would be better more power more shade and its flat so you cant see it I mite try two 70watt pannels side by side this year I have a flex panel on the boom that plugs into alead on the bottom of the 70watt pannel Boaters world sells 20' sspipe and my solar panels came from www.Alternative Enerrgy store.com John PS the magma cutting bord mounts are the way to go fo mounting and buy some 3/4" conduit and make a pattern The bender has startings marks and bending marks to make 90o
S.S. tube and angles.
Rich: Have you considered using S.S. tubing and angle fittings. The come in 30,45,60 & 90 degree angles. I think you fill find that there are many more brackets that will fit tubing of this size and you can probably find scrap pieces at the marine canvas shop too.
Rich: Have you considered using S.S. tubing and angle fittings. The come in 30,45,60 & 90 degree angles. I think you fill find that there are many more brackets that will fit tubing of this size and you can probably find scrap pieces at the marine canvas shop too.
I used the tubes and angles
Had a good portion of it welded and then thru-bolted the rest. The angles are not cheap. For mounting the panel to the tube, there are brackets made for mounting stuff to the 7/8 or 1 inch tube. (Worst Marine carries them) They are black nylon and since they are out of the sun they seem to be working OK. Mine is more permanentlt mounted. I think there is a version of these mounts that is more temporary - with wingnuts to remove the mount.
Had a good portion of it welded and then thru-bolted the rest. The angles are not cheap. For mounting the panel to the tube, there are brackets made for mounting stuff to the 7/8 or 1 inch tube. (Worst Marine carries them) They are black nylon and since they are out of the sun they seem to be working OK. Mine is more permanentlt mounted. I think there is a version of these mounts that is more temporary - with wingnuts to remove the mount.
R
Rich
Many thanks - any pictures?
thanks - anybody have pictures of what they've done with SS tubing off the stern pulpit?
thanks - anybody have pictures of what they've done with SS tubing off the stern pulpit?
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