Solar trickle charger

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KJH

KJH

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Jan 28, 2009
73
Catalina 1983 22 Waukegan Harbor
Just a quick question for any of you who may have some experiences or opinions to share on the subject. I have been using a 5 watt solar panel trickle charger on my 12 volt deep cell battery for about six years now. It works just great for keeping the battery charged to power my radio, small handheld GPS, running lights, and depth sounder. While under sail, I have always disconnected the solar panel from the battery. This I did on the advice from a salesman for West Marine. My "quick question is, is this really neccessary?

As always, I look forward to your varied opinions and experiences. Is there any truth to the rumor that spring is on the way??

Thanks,

Ken
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
23,057
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
No reason at all to disconnect it. Sun's free whether moored, motoring or sailing. Spurious suggestion from the wm guy. On our C25 we had first a 5 watt then an 11 watt panel, always connected. One 90 ah battery. Now, on our C34, we keep the 11 watt panel connected all the time to our house bank of 360 ah.
 
KJH

KJH

.
Jan 28, 2009
73
Catalina 1983 22 Waukegan Harbor
Stu Jackson said:
No reason at all to disconnect it. Sun's free whether moored, motoring or sailing. Spurious suggestion from the wm guy. On our C25 we had first a 5 watt then an 11 watt panel, always connected. One 90 ah battery. Now, on our C34, we keep the 11 watt panel connected all the time to our house bank of 360 ah.
Click to expand
Thanks, Stu
As always, I know I can get good advice from yourself and others.
 
sinnettc

sinnettc

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May 23, 2007
1,306
Catalina Capri 22 Albany, Oregon
I leave mine connected unless I'm dragging the boat down the highway. Made a pvc mount, though I'm working on a stainless one this year.

 
KJH

KJH

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Jan 28, 2009
73
Catalina 1983 22 Waukegan Harbor
sinnettc said:
I leave mine connected unless I'm dragging the boat down the highway. Made a pvc mount, though I'm working on a stainless one this year.

Click to expand
Thanks for your imput and a great photo
 
KJH

KJH

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Jan 28, 2009
73
Catalina 1983 22 Waukegan Harbor
KJH said:
Thanks for your imput and a great photo
Click to expand
By the way, would I be correct in stating that the blue line running to the stanchion block, then to the cam cleat is your starboard traveler control line? Was this the kit from CD or your own design? I love it.
 
Team118

Team118

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Jan 22, 2008
405
Catalina 380 16 Rochester NY
Just a couple of other ideas.

I bought a solar panel from Harbor Freight, plastic cutting board from Home Depot and an adjustable handle (used on Magna Grills) for the stern rail.

The handle allows me to lift the panel up when I'm not on boat and bring it down against the stanchion when I'm sailing. A plus side, was it created a little wall to hold my beer!

I ran the cable through the vent to the battery. I did buy a regulator, but I don't remember where, or what kind.

I cut a hole out of the bottom of the cutting board to let air pass through.

It worked great for 3 years. I used my stereo and VHF radio all summer and used an electric start for motor and battery did fine.

Chris

I really like the panel with the pvc bracket. Obviously a bigger panel, so more charging capacity. I bet you could use the same adjustable handles on top of railing and 'fold' it down when not in use, especially nice when kids are jumping in and out of the boat.
 

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gypsyorchid

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Dec 27, 2006
7
Catalina 22 lake wylie,sc
I upgraded to a 15 watt, it seems to work better and I have a 400 watt inverter that I can use also
 
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