Joe, "Gratis" came with a small flexible panel aprox. 9"x24" (sorry I don't know the output) and does a fine job of keeping the batteries topped up. She is berthed in the municipal harbor in New Orleans which has just recently been cleaned up and renovation seems years away, so no electric. Her diesel doesn't get run much as she is still under repair. I do however stay aboard about every other weekend (I refer to her as my "1 dollar condo with the million dollar view"). I've had no trouble with my batteries, and they stay at full charge all the time. The panel is connected to both batteries thru a homemade "Y" connection Mark, "Gratis" (6115) and others Want to keep your WHOLE PAYCHECK? PLEASE VISIT http://www.fairtax.org ----- Original Message ----- From: Joe McCary To: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 8:06 AM Subject: catalina27-talk: Quesdtion about solar pannels
My boat, new to me this past spring, has an outboard (9.9 Honda) and charges batteries just fine. But I am worried about what happens over the winter. I plan to keep her in the water (private slip, no electricity). She will not get the use she has had over the warm months and I am worried about the batteries (2) draining and the bilge pump not working. I have considered a wind generator but think a solar panel would do just fine. The boat point almost due North so the stern will have a nice southerly exposure. I would like to get a solar panel that I could mount on the lazuratte hatch. I know that there are electronic devices to put in line that will prevent over charge and I plan to get one of these also. My question is, can anyone recommend what size solar panel to buy and maybe what brands or models I should look at. I should note that the winters here on the Bay are mild and while we do get snow, it is nothing like our friends in Alaska. I could also mount the panel on the cabin top as well if the thought is that would be better. Also, any thoughts on having the panel connected to both batteries instead of just one. Joe McCary Aeolus II # 4795 West River, MD [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Internal Virus Database is out-of-date. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.484 / Virus Database: 269.12.1/963 - Release Date: 8/20/2007 5:44 PM
