Hi David,
The choice is indeed endless.

The structural decisions you make will go a long way to determine the power rating you end up with. Larger heavier panels mean more power, but you need to consider the mounting structure carefully, particularly if you are hoping to mount onto the davits. (as I did) My three panels weigh around 50kg, my stainless tubing weighs about 15kg. 
This weight is not supported at the lifting points of the davits, and so can likely be deranged when comparing to the 300kg weight limit.
I have a 45kg dinghy and 28kg outboard motor.
I am quite happy with these numbers.

Dealing with the non-mechanical factors... 
The key things are reliability, efficiency, access to data and of course safety.

I used the Victron MPPT solar controller with bluetooth interface.  Victron is a reliable brand, (most would agree), and the BT interface gives good access to the system data and allows control without needing access to the hardware.
The Victron unit is efficient, and regardless of brand you choose, you must get an MPPT controller for efficiency. 
Serial or parallel connection is a ubiquitous debate. In a perfect environment, serial connected panels are more efficient due to lower power loss in the cabling and also require lighter (cheaper) cabling due to lower currents (higher voltage).  However, series connected panels are degraded much more by partial shading of the panels.  This is a choice you must decide upon. I chose parallel. 
To tick the safety box you need to make sure you have good quality, properly rated breakers on both battery and panel connections. Properly sized cable with good quality interconnections is also critical.

I used 3x 240W Panasonic HIT panels.

Feel free to ask any specific questions you might have along the way. Good luck.

Dean
SY Stella
A54-154

I agree with Bill R. If you need the power, that’s a great converter. I installed one to support my engine start battery while using my SSB from 12V.
Dean
SY Stella
A54-154

Hi Bill

i only had written contact with Sonja Kessler at amel dot med at amel dot com.  She has managed all my purchases over the past 5 years.  She did write that she confirmed with La Rochelle before replying to me.  I can forward you the email chain privately if you wish.  I did not contact Ultraflex or any other company, besides this forum.

I agree, it is very un-Amel to suggest switching to a hydraulic system:   “ I’m sorry, Amel have unfortunately  none of these parts any more,  I have asked confirmation from my colleagues in La Rochelle.” and  “I think we have found a craftsman who is able to change the system for a hydraulic one. This the only idea we have, since there are no parts available any more.”.

Regards
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain

For the maintenance/repairs “forum” (sounds way too formal) I have RSVP’s so far from Jay Pokorski and Charles (SV Saturn). We’ll meet on Aletes (anchored at the mouth of Back  Creek…unless weather pushes an alternative anchorage…will advise) at 2:00 Thursday afternoon. Anyone land based or dinghy deprived that wants to attend let us know and we can arrange a pickup. Anyone is welcome to join us for beverages and dinner afterwards at Davis’ Pub.

Mike Ondra

Aletes SM#240

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io> On Behalf Of Mike Ondra via Groups.Io
Sent: Monday, September 30, 2019 4:51 PM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Annapolis Boat Show

 

Aletes would like to host an Amel maintenance/repair forum on board either Thurs or Friday afternoon of Boat Show week. The idea would be to share everyone’s experiences with some of the unique equipment on our vessels.

 

Possible topics, and please add to the list, might include:

Bow Thrusters, furling gearboxes (motorized and manual), battery strategies, deck finish (restoration and striping), anti-fouling, hard-won lessons and other tricks.

 

We’ll do it if there is interest, so let me know which day and additional topics. Bring your issues and get the insights of others.

 

Mike Ondra

Aletes SM#240

Rock Hall, Chesapeake Bay

Thanks guys for your welcome input!

I have the Ultraflex M61 FT25 C42M cables.

Although the steering quadrant had no loose nuts and the 2 cables connected to it were well greased, I did notice a problem that I never noticed before and it probably was not there a year ago (maybe this is what Danny referred to).  Both cables leave their plastic sheath and are screwed into shafts with large adaptor nuts; these shafts in turn are screwed through what I would call a ball and socket joint to go through the last bulkhead on the port side just about 30cm before the steering quadrant itself, where they are connected to the quadrant.  In my case, the aft cable shaft had unscrewed itself about 2cm through the ball and socket joint towards the quadrant; I could see the grease mark where it previously was.  I was easily able to turn it back and it made a huge difference, both steering to port and starboard.  If anything, steering to starboard is slightly harder now.  I noticed there is about 1cm of play in the steering wheel.

Then I disconnected the autopilot drive unit and removed the chain from the wheel sprocket.  That eliminated some noise and I guess minimal friction.  It made no difference to the steering feel, but I could concentrate on the remaining noise better.

I noticed that every time there is a change of direction when turning the wheel, there is a quiet clunk (around the 1cm of play on the wheel).  This is regardless if the wheel is already turned to port or starboard or centered.  It might be normal, I don’t know.  I also noticed that the one of the cables moves in or out of the tube containing the rack a couple of mm when the wheel changes direction.  All this while tied up in a marina with no currents.

All in all, I don’t think my situation is as bad as I feared, the wheel is much lighter now, but I would still like to have the new racks and cables.  Nevertheless, the point of this thread to is to establish how we can get these critical spares going forward, knowing exactly what to order from Ultraflex seems to be the way to go (unless Amel takes up the reins again).  I appreciate Bill contacting Amel on our behalf ... I was dealing with Mediterranean sales, I guess Bill has a better network inside Amel.

Also it would be great if Eric or someone could confirm what Jean-Pierre wrote for the Santorin also applies for the Super Maramu, that the rack is 33014R (with T58 steering system trav. 230 ... not sure what that is).

I will contact Steve offline for help dismantling the rack and pinion system, to inspect it further.

Thanks.

Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.

Thanks guys for your welcome input!

I have the Ultraflex M61 FT25 C42M cables.

Although the steering quadrant had no loose nuts and the 2 cables connected to it were well greased, I did notice a problem that I never noticed before and it probably was not there a year ago (maybe this is what Danny referred to).  Both cables leave their plastic sheath and are screwed into shafts with large adaptor nuts; these shafts in turn are screwed through what I would call a ball and socket joint to go through the last bulkhead on the port side just about 30cm before the steering quadrant itself, where they are connected to the quadrant.  In my case, the aft cable shaft had unscrewed itself about 2cm through the ball and socket joint towards the quadrant; I could see the grease mark where it previously was.  I was easily able to turn it back and it made a huge difference, both steering to port and starboard.  If anything, steering to starboard is slightly harder now.  I noticed there is about 1cm of play in the steering wheel.

Then I disconnected the autopilot drive unit and removed the chain from the wheel sprocket.  That eliminated some noise and I guess minimal friction.  It made no difference to the steering feel, but I could concentrate on the remaining noise better.

I noticed that every time there is a change of direction when turning the wheel, there is a quiet clunk (around the 1cm of play on the wheel).  This is regardless if the wheel is already turned to port or starboard or centered.  It might be normal, I don’t know.  I also noticed that the one of the cables moves in or out of the tube containing the rack a couple of mm when the wheel changes direction.  All this while tied up in a marina with no currents.

All in all, I don’t think my situation is as bad as I feared, the wheel is much lighter now, but I would still like to have the new racks and cables.  Nevertheless, the point of this thread to is to establish how we can get these critical spares going forward, knowing exactly what to order from Ultraflex seems to be the way to go (unless Amel takes up the reins again).  I appreciate Bill contacting Amel on our behalf ... I was dealing with Mediterranean sales, I guess Bill has a better network inside Amel.

Also it would be great if Eric or someone could confirm what Jean-Pierre wrote for the Santorin also applies for the Super Maramu, that the rack is 33014R (with T58 steering system trav. 230 ... not sure what that is).

I will contact Steve offline for help dismantling the rack and pinion system, to inspect it further.

Thanks.

Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.

Hi

Steering to port is harder than steering to starboard on my SM.  I cleaned the rudder, checked for loose steering cables, and they seem to be OK.  I do sometimes hear a quiet metallic clunk when the autopilot makes small steering adjustments, in addition to the normal noise from the rack and pinion system.  I read the articles in this forum, especially what happened to Aloha, and the files section for pictures.  Finally I decided I should replace the steering cables and the rack and pinion system to be on the safe side.

Here is the problem.  Amel do not have the parts anymore.  They do not intend to make them anymore.  I asked for the specifications but instead was told they might make something to convert my system to hydraulics, when they have time.

I would prefer to replace the worn (I assume) rack and pinion system.  I never opened it up, since I read it is difficult in the forum, and I was hoping that I could replace the parts at the same time.  I am not keen in changing to hydraulics, I am not sure what that would entail.

Does anyone have the specifications for the rack and pinion system, and the steering cables?  Do you know if Amel actually made them or subcontracted the work to another company?

I have the Rotary drive unit connected with a chain to the sprocket behind the steering wheel.  I replaced the autopilot with the Raymarine evolution 400 package 3 years ago. I do not have a second autopilot.  I have a spare rotary drive unit (would this work with hydraulic steering?).

Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.

Hi

Steering to port is harder than steering to starboard on my SM.  I cleaned the rudder, checked for loose steering cables, and they seem to be OK.  I do sometimes hear a quiet metallic clunk when the autopilot makes small steering adjustments, in addition to the normal noise from the rack and pinion system.  I read the articles in this forum, especially what happened to Aloha, and the files section for pictures.  Finally I decided I should replace the steering cables and the rack and pinion system to be on the safe side.

Here is the problem.  Amel do not have the parts anymore.  They do not intend to make them anymore.  I asked for the specifications but instead was told they might make something to convert my system to hydraulics, when they have time.

I would prefer to replace the worn (I assume) rack and pinion system.  I never opened it up, since I read it is difficult in the forum, and I was hoping that I could replace the parts at the same time.  I am not keen in changing to hydraulics, I am not sure what that would entail.

Does anyone have the specifications for the rack and pinion system, and the steering cables?  Do you know if Amel actually made them or subcontracted the work to another company?

I have the Rotary drive unit connected with a chain to the sprocket behind the steering wheel.  I replaced the autopilot with the Raymarine evolution 400 package 3 years ago. I do not have a second autopilot.  I have a spare rotary drive unit (would this work with hydraulic steering?).

Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.