It looks like I'm going to be on a mooring again this season. One of the least enjoyable activities I had last season was lugging my battery ashore to take it home and charge. I've since had the alternator(?) replaced in my Honda 4-stroke 8 hp outboard so that it should put out a charge to the battery, though I suspect it might not be sufficient to completely replenish after a day's stereo and depth sounder use. I'm intrigued by these 12v solar panels I'm seeing on eBay that are shipped on the dashboard of VW's and other imports, I presume to provide a trickle charge while the autos sit in the lot. Would something like that work for keeping a charge during the week while on the ball? Thanks!
Solar Battery Chargers - Any good?
- Thread starter bcwave
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VW trickle Chargers
I bought 2 VW trickle chargers last year and they definitely do the job. Over the course of a week, depending on weather conditions, my Battery is always refreshed. I think the best way to go is to get 2 units and hook them up to the battery (don't worry about the solenoid).
I bought 2 VW trickle chargers last year and they definitely do the job. Over the course of a week, depending on weather conditions, my Battery is always refreshed. I think the best way to go is to get 2 units and hook them up to the battery (don't worry about the solenoid).
Some of the Dashboard Chargers
... you mention are not meant to left outside in the cockpit or on the cabintop. Best to make sure before you buy one. I would recommend a minimum 5 watt charger that ICP and others make and sell for around $60. You are probably right that the alternator on your OB will not keep your battery(s) fully charged unless your use your motor a lot. So a solar charger, with enough output, would be a good option.
... you mention are not meant to left outside in the cockpit or on the cabintop. Best to make sure before you buy one. I would recommend a minimum 5 watt charger that ICP and others make and sell for around $60. You are probably right that the alternator on your OB will not keep your battery(s) fully charged unless your use your motor a lot. So a solar charger, with enough output, would be a good option.
SOLAR CHARGER
I ALSO HAVE A P-26 AND USE A CD PLAYER, DEPTH FINDER AND NAV LIGHTS AS WELL AS STARTING MY 9.9 ALL WITH A HOUSE BATTERY. I MOUNTED A MEDUIM SIZED FLEX SOLAR PANEL (11 W) MOUNTED ON THE SLIDING COMPANIONWAY HATCH AND IT HAS KEPT ME FULLY CHARGED WITH A 3 TO 4 SAILING A WEEK KEITH
I ALSO HAVE A P-26 AND USE A CD PLAYER, DEPTH FINDER AND NAV LIGHTS AS WELL AS STARTING MY 9.9 ALL WITH A HOUSE BATTERY. I MOUNTED A MEDUIM SIZED FLEX SOLAR PANEL (11 W) MOUNTED ON THE SLIDING COMPANIONWAY HATCH AND IT HAS KEPT ME FULLY CHARGED WITH A 3 TO 4 SAILING A WEEK KEITH
Tropic top off
BC, It will work fine in the summer, but your winter is a bit barren back there. I used two, then one, I forget the wattage, 80 to 100 maybe (3'X 1') solid frame solar panels and even when down to the one, had plenty of juice on the hook for a month without using my engine. Now this was in the tropics...;-)
BC, It will work fine in the summer, but your winter is a bit barren back there. I used two, then one, I forget the wattage, 80 to 100 maybe (3'X 1') solid frame solar panels and even when down to the one, had plenty of juice on the hook for a month without using my engine. Now this was in the tropics...;-)
good idea on the charger
I'm on a dock with no power and spend a lot of time on the hook, 2 years ago I purchased a solar panel about 14 x 14 and mounted it on the stern rail, it advertised a trickle charge and it has worked great. Both batteries are kept at full charge, The one you spoke of,I believe is not intended for use in the elements, I first purchased that unit, and after getting it home and finding it was not for use outdoors I returned it for the one I have now and I support it 100%. I leave my boat in the water for the winter, so we can take advantage of any warmer weekends hence the batteries are always charged. Good luck.
I'm on a dock with no power and spend a lot of time on the hook, 2 years ago I purchased a solar panel about 14 x 14 and mounted it on the stern rail, it advertised a trickle charge and it has worked great. Both batteries are kept at full charge, The one you spoke of,I believe is not intended for use in the elements, I first purchased that unit, and after getting it home and finding it was not for use outdoors I returned it for the one I have now and I support it 100%. I leave my boat in the water for the winter, so we can take advantage of any warmer weekends hence the batteries are always charged. Good luck.
OK for outside?
BarryL - Is that Harbor Freight solar panel meant to be left out in the elements? How's it holding up for you? The product description indicates it's for dash or visor. Jack
BarryL - Is that Harbor Freight solar panel meant to be left out in the elements? How's it holding up for you? The product description indicates it's for dash or visor. Jack
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