solar charger- where to place?

[jtm]

I am in need of finding a location for a solar charger on the 28.5.I have one of those 2w Sensei(or something like that)units and place it inside the southern exposure window over the stove. It worked fine all winter... but its not quite enough as my bilge pumps tends to draw and don't have just enough kick (sometimes) to turnover the iron jenny.So I bought a larger 5w panel from Harbor Freight($50+/-) - but its tough to fit internally. One possibility was to use "s" hooks and straps to hang it under the forward hatch-by drilling a hole in hatch's underside cross meners..... but it isn't angled to a southern exposure enough as one might like. Then I thought to mount it unto 2 upside down "j" brackets( like the ones with a hook sold to hang over a door) and have it hang on the outside over the companionway cover(Eastern exposure)where there's some opening between the lexan slide cover and the top board. It will get direct morning light and be less visible to theft from the dock on the bowside....but its not a real expensive item - and it will keep up with the periodic bilge draw and.... (hopefully) then some. The transome doesn't have enough space between boat name and the ladder wrung at the cockpit gunnal.And I bet its a matter of time before someone kicks it. A dock neighbor suggested mounting it to the "V" on the aft spreaders...... but the out "haulup" line is bound to tangle sooner or later if I'm not very careful.Any other thoughts?

 

[s sauer]

Bilge Pump Draw?

Might be easier to fix the leak that feeds the bilge pump.Check the 28.5 web site for detailed discussions specific to the 28.5:www.huntertwentyeightfive.com

 

[Warren Milberg]

I use a 5 watt ICP

rigid solar panel. I added some hardwood feet to raise it up a bit and leave it on top of the main companionway hatch when I leave the boat. I alternate connecting it to one of the two batteries each time I am at the boat. This panel is weatherproof and seems to do a very good job of keeping my two Group 24 batteries charged. I have no idea how well this panel would work if there was a frequent draw from the bilge pump and agree with Stewart's comments below that finding the source of water getting into your bilge would be a good first step.I do not leave any power on when I leave my H28.5, inlcuding the bilge pump. If I had any leak serious enough to threaten the boat I feel quite confident the small Rule pump in the bilge would not be able to handle it in any event.

 

[Jim Wasko]

not sure

not sure where to mount a panel if your worried about theft.Companionway hatch, or even on top of the dodger (if you have one) is a good spot no matter the orientation.Do you have one of those magnificent 'computerized' bilge pumps that turn on every 30 seconds or so to figure out if you have water? if so, go with the traditional float switch and pump that doesn't draw unless theres water to draw.

 

[jtm]

need to repack

Well this year I haven't had much opportunity to get to the boat- and the packing box is the source of the leak. Haulout and repack may not happen this year. I don't like being cabled to shorepower for reasons that a) the possibilities of galvanic action is increased and b) there's always somebody that would unplug my shore line so that he can use it( there are several dead outlets on the dock) and not plug me back in when he's finished with it.Thanks for the comments and the picture- (I can see someone stepping on the panel eventually- Arrgg). I think the forward hatch "hanger approach" may be best for my purposes.

 

[Ross B.]

Why haul out?

Most stuffing boxes are a lot tighter than most people think. You might have a waterpic size stream of water when you pull out the old flax. If you have everything ready in advance, it might take a whole 5 minutes to pull the old packing and get a couple of new rings in place. Probably won't get a gallon or two of water in that time. Don't feel alone though, I was just as nervous the first time I did it; had plumbers putty and a wet suit ready in case I had to swim for the shaft tube to plug it. I was moving so fast I probably did'nt have a quart of water come in - LOL.

 

[s sauer]

Beware Nylon Stuffing Boxes!

If you have never replaced the packing in your (assumed) original equipment nylon stuffing box; don't try it in the water for the 1st time.A. There isn't much room to work and there is a nylon washer that is the devil to get out, typically in front of the packing. The original shaft log could be about 20 years old and need replacement as well.B. Should you decide to proceed anyway, and get the three rings of packing out, the water has continued to progressively flow in quick enough to start you on a panic attack if you haven't done this before.C. It might be worthwhile just to back off the aft portion of the nylon packing nut see what you have in there and how much water is flowing. If you're not comfortable, just tighten it back up a quarter turn more than it was when you started.Check in on the Hunter 28.5 web site for a blow by blow from someone who has recently replaced the stuffing box. Lots of other details and discussions SPECIFIC to a Hunter 28.5:www.huntertwentyeightfive.com

 

[Grizz]

Same as Warren, but tied to a can...

3rd season tied to a mooring (no shore power) and my 5-watt has kept the battery(s) topped off, located on the companionway hatch. I mounted rubber feet to protect the gel-coat and provide air flow beneath the panel. It's just laid in place prior to departure and hasn't moved after winds exceeding 60+ knots, which I attribute to mooring with the bow predominantly oriented into the wind. I run the ICP through the cigarette lighter outlet by the nav station and the bilge pump is the only item that consumes power while I'm away...until the ice melting in the ice box has been pumped overboard; all the other switches on the panels (2) are 'off'.Longest time away between starts to date = 2+ weeks and the Yanmar fired right up, using only 1 of the 2 batteries avaialble (guest 1-2-both switch a key component). Theft not really a concern when moored, though it may be an issue if docked. But docks usually afford the option of shorepower...Good luck & take care.