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Hi All,

I have a BP solar 160 watt panel that I want to mount on my
I am looking at a frame of alloy tubing over the transom probably bolted to the vertical surfaces below the captains seat, then I thought I might build another tube frame to go from the factory stern rails up level with the first frame and mount the solar panel to the both of them, I want the whole frame lower than the stowed mast but higher than my head when I walk through the transom which appears quite feasable, I am sure others have already done something similar so I am asking for photos of your frame to assist in the design of mine please. Also include any pitfalls you encountered in mounting your frames.

Thanks, Dennis.

I'll second that request for pics... This mod is on my list after the galley

Particularly where you would mount the posts I'd like to see..

With 3 solar panels approx 16" X 48" waiting to be installed I,ll be followin this post with interest

J

Hi Dennis,

This is my solution (2 x 135W pannels):

Looks pretty sturdy and offers some shade also. How much more of an angle is Your mast now with the roller moved forward like that , or is than an optical delusion Ron. Dauntless.

Thanks for the pics Calin but I already have a bimini so I am looking to mount the panel aft of the bimini probably level with or just behind the captains seat back. This would place the panel over the engine basically.

More pics please.

sunshinecoasting wrote:Thanks for the pics Calin but I already have a bimini so I am looking to mount the panel aft of the bimini probably level with or just behind the captains seat back. This would place the panel over the engine basically.

More pics please.

The solar panels on Dauntless are maybe more what You have in mind. I extended the mast support rigging and framed them on both sides of the roller, then supported them again from the frame down at about a 45degree angle. If You have instagram , I can send pics. mrrontx.

mrron_tx wrote:Looks pretty sturdy and offers some shade also. How much more of an angle is Your mast now with the roller moved forward like that , or is than an optical delusion Ron. Dauntless.

The roller is forward. But I use it just to lower the mast. Once lowered I pass the mast under the panels (the mast is not in the picture) and attach it before and after the panels. This is also reducing vibrations.

Glad to hear that You put the mast under the panels The way mine is that I extended the mast support by about 14 inches ....still above the motor.....and it makes the mast very high when towing.....forget about the Whataburger drive thru Ron

I don't have any solar panels yet, but I do have radar on a pole that is mounted in the back. Maybe you could put a pole on each side and make an arch to put them on. Below are pictures of how it is mounted.
Top and bottom mounts

Bottom mount

Top mount


When putting the mast up, my top shroud gets under and around this pole. You will want to take some dimensions with the mast in the trailering position and in position to be lifted with the base pinned.

Jeff

What's that Texas boat doing in California? (Panel installation looks good).

BOAT wrote:

What's that Texas boat doing in California? (Panel installation looks good).

Hey Boat...... glad to see someone else notice the Lottery sign also

yEAH!! There ain't no lottery in Texas is there?

Both places are good for Solar Panels though. , , I'm still holding out for something special on the solarpanel thing.

BOAT wrote:yEAH!! There ain't no lottery in Texas is there?

Both places are good for Solar Panels though. , , I'm still holding out for something special on the solarpanel thing.

Oh yeah....There is a lotto drawing most every night I think My setup still allows for the bimini and full enclosure to be used

BOAT wrote:

What's that Texas boat doing in California? (Panel installation looks good).

Thought you have noticed the boat name - more visible than the lottery logo.
I am born in Romania. Moved to Canada. Bought the boat in 2006 from Bill (BOATS 4 SAIL Wisconsin). Sailed in Canada for 3 years till I moved to Texas. Then in 2014 moved to California and back to Texas in 2015.