Solar Battery Charger

[Chuck Turner3968]

I would like to add a solar battery charger to a 22 sport. I have two deep cycle marine batteries. Is an 18w panel enough or too much. What size charger (watts) and what type controller. I would appreciate any info. since I know very little about solar chargers.1VM6

 

[jaydog5000]

More info if you would

This solar unit looks like a great start to solar recharging. I have a Catalina 30 with 2 deep cell house batteries. Is this unit you linked us to a self contained unit. What is mean is that all you need to purchase to get started or is it just the panel. Could you tell me a bit more about it?

 

[Chuck Turner3968]

Thanks for the info

Dave,Thanks for the info. The only dc items that I use on the boat are a Garmin handheld GPS and a handheld marine radio plus of course, the nav lites. It seems that an 18 watt panel might be overkill. One thing that concerns me is whether the unit is designed to be used outside. Some of the reviews I have read mention problems with units that were not weatherproof. Also, I would like to mount the unit on the stern rail. can the panel that you use be mounted there? Thanks again.Chuck Turner