ladder/solar panel/battery charger

[teacher63]

Looking for a ladder that simply hangs over the stern. Any ideas. Also,
looking for a small easy to install solar panel that will keep the battery charged. ALso where do you install it? Looking for a small battery charger, as well as anyone that can give me a clue how to hook it up and use shore power as well.:dance:

 

[Kermit]

I use the ~$100 solar panel from West Marine on my '86 Hunter 23. I run the included cord from the panel directly to the battery terminals. I set it on top of the hatch cover when not in use and stow it under the seat cushion in the cabin while underway. Battery is at full charge everytime I go sailing. To be totally fair, though, I can't know for sure exactly how much good it does since my Johnson 6.0 HP charges the battery while I'm using it. I don't use the motor very much. I have a feeling I would be just fine without the charging system on the motor.

The previous owner gave me his trickle charger that he used with shore power. The specs indicated it was of almost no value so I don't use it.

Hope this helps a little. I'm pretty sure someone else will have definite answers for you.

Kermit

 

[C Jones]

I used to use this 1.8 watt panel bungee'd in my port (south) window
it maintaned it well
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200422045_200422045
In the summer months with a lot of night sailing I had to charge it as well
so I switched to this panel bungee'd to my port deck leaning back about 45 deg.
Still have to charge if I sail over two nights a week but this works better for me
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200422047_200422047
For now on my shore power I purchased a new #12 gauge extension cord.
This will only handle 20 amps. But I never exceed that
I plug my 30 amp shore power adapter with gfi into the shore power and the cord into it. Planning on wiring for a 30 amp. shore power this year
Just ran my cord into the boat where the hatch board starboard top corner meets the companion way cover
It has just enough room to close and lock.
Good luck, Charles

 

[soling42]

Here's a few options for under $100 incl regulator. I use the 5watt panel with the regulator.

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-watt-solar-battery-charger-41144.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-amp-solar-charge-regulator-96728.html

Or you could try this 15w version if shore power is too difficult.

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-watt-12-volt-solar-panel-96418.html

Like CJ if I am out for a few days I need to hit my battery bank with a charger too. For almost all daysailing use either panel would keep it topped off but a regulator is always reccomended either way. Keep an eye on the water levels if you use deep cycle batts like I do. Like most trailer sailors our shore power is also a good cord/GFI/30a twistlock adapter.

Mike

 

[DJN51]

C.Jones.Take a look at EZACDC.com,make a complete kit for adding shore power.Couldn"t buy the parts for what they want for kit.Installed it on my 23.5 this winter ,works great

 

[C Jones]

DJN51, Thanks for the link. I already see the pricing is right

 

[isaksp00]

For those of you that use a solar charger panel, where is a convenient place and what technique do you use to mount it when on the mooring (or in the slip)? Are the panels pretty robust?
Thanks, Peter

 

[DJN51]

I use a 15 watt solar w/Controller mostly leave on seat as it catches full sun 8 hours a day.Keeps two 27 deep cells in parrallel fully charged.Plug it in cig adapter for ease and quick disconnect for storage.Try battery Stuff . com Good prices and service.Bought my 23.5 {Doc Holiday] at your lake 3 yrs ago.Looks like a great lake.Long drive back to Chicago.PA is one scenic state.

 

[teacher63]

thanks for this info

Thanks, I need to get the boat through the weather today and tonight. Living in Maryland lately is becoming a weather experience.

 

[Deucer]

Re: thanks for this info

I use a 10 watt panel I got at Harbor Freight for $29. Installed a power outlet (formally called a cigarette lighter) in the starboard well in front of the motor. Ran a fused line to the battery. I then put a male plug on the solar panel. So, when I want to go sailing, I just have to unplug the solar panel and stow it. When I'm done, I just plug it in and put the panel in the cockpit. While sailing, I now have a semi-protected 12v outlet.

Only two issues. One, I'm getting some corrosion in the outlet, even through it's supposed to be a waterproof marine unit. I think water is leaking from the cockpit into the well. So, I'd probably not put the socket there again. Two, a 10 watt panel probably overcharges six months of the year. So, I bought a regulator from West Marine to keep the batter from over charging.