Hunter 260 Solar Battery Charging on Mooring

[John Marrone]

Have seen several images of smaller than usual rigid solar panels attached to Mast Crutch. In addition, I'd assume there is also a way to modify the Crutch support pole attached to the transom to accomplish both tasks.
What wattage do I need to keep batteries charged?
The outboard has an alternator and the only power I would need is for Navionics, USB Ports for devices, VHF Radio and evening hot weather fans.
Don't want to do Wind Generator do to it's size and expense.
I am a NewBe. Your patience would be greatly appreciated

 

[Stu Jackson]

Welcome.

You could start with these:

Solar Systems: Selection, Installation & Controllers by Maine Sail SUPERB

Installing A Small Marine Solar System by Compass Marine How To

Do I Need a Controller for Solar?

Do I Need A Solar Charge Controller ??

Sizing wiring for solar Wire sizing calculator for Solar Panel Arrays

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These links come from:
Electrical Systems 101 Electrical Systems 101

 

[Johnb]

On my travel trailer I have a 50 watt panel that easily keeps the battery charged and will replenish it to full charge after a weekends lighting use in 2 to 3 days. The refrigerator is LPG/110 volt. We do charge phones/tablets/kindles from the battery.

On my boat, where we live aboard, we have a 180 watt panel that provides enough power for 3 cubic foot refrigerator, lights, domestic water pump and miscellaneous electronics, typically fully replenishing overnight use before midday, even in the winter.

Both have MPPT (maximum power point tracking) controllers.

 

[John Marrone]

Appreciate the wattage help........looking for a Mast Crutch pole application. Plug it in when leaving the boat and storing away while underway.
Have a great weekend

 

[Doug J]

Appreciate the wattage help........looking for a Mast Crutch pole application. Plug it in when leaving the boat and storing away while underway.
Have a great weekend

I have a 80 watt panel mounted on the mast crutch pole. It is easily removed, but I leave it on while sailing.

Here's a link to this mod posted in the mods section. I have since upgraded to a Victron MPPT controller with Bluetooth and Android app to be able to monitor solar on my smartphone. I also installed a Victron BMV 700 with a Bluetooth adapter to monitor the batteries.

Checkout the mod here for more details.
Hunter 26 Owner Modifications and Upgrades

 

[John Marrone]

Just what I am looking for. Did this panel, bracket and controller come from Hunter Owners?
Why are you charging Golf Cary Batteries on a Boat?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Why are you charging Golf Cary Batteries on a Boat?

Because golf cart batteries are very, very good deep cycle batteries.

 

[John Marrone]

Good to know, assume they are more , less or the same expense> note your link regarding batteries. You mention 6-Volt batteries, are Sailboat Batteries not 12Volt.

 

[Stu Jackson]

You mention 6-Volt batteries, are Sailboat Batteries not 12Volt.

John, yes, most US sailboat systems are 12V. One puts two 6V batteries in series to make a 12V battery. I suggest you buy Charlie Wing's Boat Electrical Systems book for starters.

 

[Doug J]

Just what I am looking for. Did this panel, bracket and controller come from Hunter Owners?
Why are you charging Golf Cary Batteries on a Boat?

Not sure what you mean by Hunter Owners. I sourced the parts myself. Understand that is a mod I did to my boat and posted in the Hunter Owners section of this web site to help others that may be interested in doing something similar to their boat.

Thanks Stu for helping to explain.

 

[Doug J]

Good to know, assume they are more , less or the same expense> note your link regarding batteries. You mention 6-Volt batteries, are Sailboat Batteries not 12Volt.

Prices vary widely. As Stu mentioned 6v Golf cart batteries are designed to be recharged many more times than a standard deep cycle battery, 6v or 12v. If money was not an issue I would like lithium Ion batteries - even better, which can be discharge to almost zero and recharged many many times. Lead acid batteries can only be discharged to about 50% or damage can result, shortening the life of the batteries. Lithium Ion batteries are about 1/3 of the weight of a lead acid battery. The cost though is much higher. Bottom line, you get what you pay for.