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Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Solar Panel Location

James Alton
 

Steve,

   Sorry to read about the fit problems with the Emek arch.  I wanted to make you aware that there is a pretty easy solution in dealing mounting pad  fit issues if they are not too severe.  The process is to first correct the fit so that you are within 1/4” or so since 5/8” is too much IMO.  Then locate and drill to install the arch as you would if it fit properly.  Insert some bolts to locate the pads and make a mark on the deck for the pads.  Remove the arch,  tape off the area that were marked for the pads and clean/abrade the area for bonding.  Wax the bottom pads of the arch, then mix up a good epoxy such as West and thicken to a consistency about like peanut butter using colloidal and high density additive.  I also like to add some barrier coat additive to provide more UV protection in case the surface coating ever fails.  Apply copious amounts of the epoxy in a way to minimize air entrapment and then set the arch back in place and temp. secure with enough bolts to accurately locate the pads.  Do not tighten the bolts since you do not want to put stress in the arch but do wax the bolts before inserting.  Neatly tool the epoxy to shape. I usually use about a 30 degree bevel so that the epoxy pad is a bit wider at the base for additional strength so if you use this adjust the sanded area on the deck as needed.  Let your epoxy cure and then pop your arch back off.  You know have an absolutely perfect fit between the arch and the deck.  Sand up your epoxy pads, protect the edges of the pads with paint or gel coat and bed/install your arch as you normally would.  I have so far never had a problem with any of the epoxy pads and like to use them under hardware mounted to the deck that is going to be stressed since with a perfect fit you don’t have hard spots where one edge of a pad is pressing into the fibreglass which often causes crazing or cracks over time.  

Best of luck,

James

SV Sueno,  Maramu #220

On Nov 29, 2017, at 3:04 PM, Patrick Mcaneny sailw32@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

Steve, I was the first one to purchase and install an Atlantic arch, and I was concerned about how it or any arch would look. We now actually think it looks fine and has not interfered with the lines of the boat. I cut the tubes and reduced the height and I believe it looks better and I still have plenty of headroom to pass under. Reducing height also brings the weight lower , especially with the dinghy hoisted. 

Good Luck,
Pat SM#123


-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen Morrison steve_morrison@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...>
To: amelyachtowners <amelyachtowners@...>
Sent: Wed, Nov 29, 2017 11:14 am
Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Solar Panel Location

 
I just this morning removed one of Emek’s stainless arches we had made. He made it up and sent it in the spring but it has been nothing but issues. The fit was horrendous and though he made gestures to get it sorted, he never followed through. All 4 feet sat poorly with gaps to the inside or out ranging from 1/8” to 5/8” on the starboard forward mounting foot. The geometry was so off that every time I brought welders out to look, they either went into hiding and never returned calls and emails, or they promised to make it right but said it would be thousands (5+) to cut, refabricate, weld, polish and mount. As it is holding us back from sailing at the moment, I pulled it all off and put it in storage to sort out next summer. Though I don’t love the look o the Atlantic arch, I know several boats who have gone that route and do not complain. I would look at the new LG 350w panels from nearing in Ft Lauderdale. Two will fit nicely atop the Atlantic and give you good power. 

Steve Morrison
SM 380 TouRai
Ft Lauderdale marine center


On Nov 29, 2017, at 10:46 AM, osterberg.paul.l@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 
Hello Mark
We have 450 w solar panels on an Arc from Emek marine, works great, I added 2x100 watt on the rail and 2x100 watt flexible panels on the Bimini. Now we have two groups 450 and 400 watt, we are very pleased with the setup.
Considering adding 2x100 watt flexible panels on top of the spray hood.
Paul on SY Kerpa SM 259
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