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Re: Davits & solar panels

Dean Gillies
 

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
Re: Annapolis Boat Show

Rob Hughes
 

yes we are owners SM Luna
Re: Davits & solar panels

David Crisp
 

Thanks Thomas,
Can you tell me anything about your solar system - panels, controller etc. please?
I'm looking online at lots of different panels, the choice seems endless!

Best 
David 
SY Wilna Grace
Re: 12V supply near 24V panel on Amel 54

CW Bill Rouse
 

I really like the Victron Energy Orion-Tr 24DC-12DC 20 Amp Converter (Isolated). It can be programmed as a simple 24-12 volt converter, or can even be used as a charger for the 12V starting battery. Even in the Isolated version, these are less than $100.

Bill
--
CW Bill Rouse Amel Yacht Owners School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   


On Thu, Oct 3, 2019 at 1:22 PM SY STELLA <stella@...> wrote:
Hi Thomas,
Since your current requirement is negligible you could steal 12V from one of the 12V instruments, but that is a really messy solution in my opinion.

Like others, I installed a 24/12 DCDC Converter module in that cupboard and used it to power 12V outlets.  I used the Victron Orion TR 24-12-5 (60W) module. This is non-isolated, but that’s probably not an issue for your requirement.

Dean
SY Stella
A54-154

 
Re: Companionway screen

Rick Grimes
 

Here’s our solution: Stitched a weighty stainless steel chain into no-see-em screen...(Did the same for all hatches.) Works great; easy to store away.


SV Rascal ASM2K #404



--
Rick & Linda Grimes
S/V Rascal ( http://svrascal.com/rascal-listing )
2003 ASM2K #404
Re: 12V supply near 24V panel on Amel 54

Dean Gillies
 

Hi Thomas,
Since your current requirement is negligible you could steal 12V from one of the 12V instruments, but that is a really messy solution in my opinion.

Like others, I installed a 24/12 DCDC Converter module in that cupboard and used it to power 12V outlets.  I used the Victron Orion TR 24-12-5 (60W) module. This is non-isolated, but that’s probably not an issue for your requirement.

Dean
SY Stella
A54-154

 
Re: Rudder seal

Paul Brown
 

Your a champ Bill, thanks

I must mention, this is a great community and forum, very very helpful and kind - excellent 

Regards Paul 


On 3 Oct 2019, at 7:51 pm, CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> wrote:

<image.png>
Same from my files...be sure to check internal batteries often and change maybe every year.




--
CW Bill Rouse Amel Yacht Owners School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   


On Thu, Oct 3, 2019 at 11:09 AM Paul Brown <feeder.brown@...> wrote:
Thanks Joerg 

I will purchase the same 

Regards Paul 


On 3 Oct 2019, at 5:44 pm, Joerg Esdorn via Groups.Io <jhe1313@...> wrote:

Yes, Paul I have an alarm.  See pic. <912F20F9-0240-49B1-BFCA-A690DB64B35F.jpeg>

Re: Rudder seal

CW Bill Rouse
 

image.png
Same from my files...be sure to check internal batteries often and change maybe every year.




--
CW Bill Rouse Amel Yacht Owners School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   


On Thu, Oct 3, 2019 at 11:09 AM Paul Brown <feeder.brown@...> wrote:
Thanks Joerg 

I will purchase the same 

Regards Paul 


On 3 Oct 2019, at 5:44 pm, Joerg Esdorn via Groups.Io <jhe1313@...> wrote:

Yes, Paul I have an alarm.  See pic. <912F20F9-0240-49B1-BFCA-A690DB64B35F.jpeg>

Re: Companionway screen

Arlo
 

Why not just use a two piece screen (2 screens that are 1/2 the companionway height ) with or without a hinge?
Re: Companionway screen

Mark Pitt
 

Will do tomorrow.

On 10/3/2019 12:39 PM, Denise McGovern wrote:
Sound good.  Can you post a photo?
 
Denise McGovern
CARA, SM440, Chesapeake Bay
Re: 12V supply near 24V panel on Amel 54

Mark Pitt
 

The cleanest way to make up a pig tail for the 24 volt outlets is to buy a molded Italian Type L wire and cut off one end.  The last one I made up used this from ebay:

DELL 6FT 3-PRONG TYPE L 10A 220V ITALY CHILE AC POWER ADAPTER CORD CABLE 23322

that costs only $5.39 including shipping.  It cheaper than a Btinico Italian Type L plug and because the plug is molded to the wire, there is no issue with moisture.  The cigarette lighter plugs are easy to find everywhere,  I have purchased 12 volt extensions and cut off the male plug ends so both ends of the pig tail are molded and weatherproof.

Mark Pit
"Sabbatical III" SM419, Wickford, Rhode Island
Re: 12V supply near 24V panel on Amel 54

Mark Pitt
 

I use the Anker PowerDrive 5 USB chargers with 5 ports and 24  volt capabiliiy (actually 12-30 volts).  They come with a 2 foot wire connecting the charger and cigarette plug so it reaches further.  I am not sure if there are sold any longer.  But Jelley Comb has a 6 port charger with the same input voltages on Amazon for $12.74. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0141Y4IRG/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?pd_rd_i=B0141Y4IRG&pd_rd_w=Gx6Q4&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=qYZqq&pf_rd_r=K3H3Q1GQ5W51A7A3XPSC&pd_rd_r=18e903f5-e704-47de-a951-5131590be64a&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExNDVaR0E3T0tROEZRJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDYwOTU2M0s4ODUzUlVBMFpYSiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTE4Njg0M0lMR1UxTzZJV1RTTyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1

Mark

"Sabbatical III" SM419, Wickford, Rhode Island


On 10/3/2019 12:54 PM, Matt Salatino via Groups.Io wrote:
We found these, that work on 12 or 24 volt input (8-30).
The lowest price I saw was on eBay.
https://www.ravpower.com/p/ravpower-24w-4.8a-dual-usb-car-adapter.html

~~~⛵️~~~Matt

On Oct 3, 2019, at 12:11 PM, Mark Pitt <mark_pitt@...> wrote:

I often hang a light-sensitive David Megalight 6 feet above the cockpit while at anchor.  I provide the 12 volts required with this item from Amazon:

"24V to 12V Step Down Converter,60W 5A BUENNUS 24V DC to DC 12V Power Transformer Turn 24V Trucks Cigarette Lighter Male Plug to 12V Female Socket Adapter for 12V" ($25.99)

This step down converter has a 24V male cigarette lighter (banana) plug an one end and a 12 volt female cigarette lighter plug at the other.  You can cut off the male end and replace it with an Italian 3-pin Type L plug so it fits into the fan outlets and the outlets at the nav station and adjacent to the companionway stairs.  I just use a Italian 3-pin to cigarette lighter pig tail that I made up.  With this I can use 12 volt accessories anywhere in the boat where there is a 24 volt outlet.

Mark Pitt
"Sabbatical III" SM419, Wickford, Rhode Island

Re: 12V supply near 24V panel on Amel 54

Matt Salatino
 

We found these, that work on 12 or 24 volt input (8-30).
The lowest price I saw was on eBay.

On Oct 3, 2019, at 12:11 PM, Mark Pitt <mark_pitt@...> wrote:

I often hang a light-sensitive David Megalight 6 feet above the cockpit while at anchor.  I provide the 12 volts required with this item from Amazon:

"24V to 12V Step Down Converter,60W 5A BUENNUS 24V DC to DC 12V Power Transformer Turn 24V Trucks Cigarette Lighter Male Plug to 12V Female Socket Adapter for 12V" ($25.99)

This step down converter has a 24V male cigarette lighter (banana) plug an one end and a 12 volt female cigarette lighter plug at the other.  You can cut off the male end and replace it with an Italian 3-pin Type L plug so it fits into the fan outlets and the outlets at the nav station and adjacent to the companionway stairs.  I just use a Italian 3-pin to cigarette lighter pig tail that I made up.  With this I can use 12 volt accessories anywhere in the boat where there is a 24 volt outlet.

Mark Pitt
"Sabbatical III" SM419, Wickford, Rhode Island

Re: Companionway screen

Denise McGovern
 

Sound good.  Can you post a photo?
 
Denise McGovern
CARA, SM440, Chesapeake Bay
Companionway screen

Mark Pitt
 

The problem with inserting an insect screen into the vertical companionway slider is that the solid dodger impedes insertion and removal of a hull height screen.  I recently ordered and received a custom screen that has sufficient flex that it easily bends backwards to clear the dodger. The frame is made from "spring steel."  I ordered it from https://flexscreen.us/.  You need to send them your measurements (up to the 1/16th of an inch).  In my SM, the companionway is a bit narrower at the bottom than at the top.  So make an allowance for that.  The track for the slider is sufficiently deep that the screen still fits snugly. The screen is easy to remove from inside or outside the boat.  Its not cheap ($75) but a second screen is 20% off.

Mark Pitt
"Sabbatical III", SM419, Wickford, Rhode Island, USA
Re: 12V supply near 24V panel on Amel 54

Matt Salatino
 

Good idea!

~~~⛵️~~~Matt

On Oct 3, 2019, at 12:11 PM, Mark Pitt <mark_pitt@...> wrote:

I often hang a light-sensitive David Megalight 6 feet above the cockpit while at anchor.  I provide the 12 volts required with this item from Amazon:

"24V to 12V Step Down Converter,60W 5A BUENNUS 24V DC to DC 12V Power Transformer Turn 24V Trucks Cigarette Lighter Male Plug to 12V Female Socket Adapter for 12V" ($25.99)

This step down converter has a 24V male cigarette lighter (banana) plug an one end and a 12 volt female cigarette lighter plug at the other.  You can cut off the male end and replace it with an Italian 3-pin Type L plug so it fits into the fan outlets and the outlets at the nav station and adjacent to the companionway stairs.  I just use a Italian 3-pin to cigarette lighter pig tail that I made up.  With this I can use 12 volt accessories anywhere in the boat where there is a 24 volt outlet.

Mark Pitt
"Sabbatical III" SM419, Wickford, Rhode Island

Re: 12V supply near 24V panel on Amel 54

Mark Pitt
 

I often hang a light-sensitive David Megalight 6 feet above the cockpit while at anchor.  I provide the 12 volts required with this item from Amazon:

"24V to 12V Step Down Converter,60W 5A BUENNUS 24V DC to DC 12V Power Transformer Turn 24V Trucks Cigarette Lighter Male Plug to 12V Female Socket Adapter for 12V" ($25.99)

This step down converter has a 24V male cigarette lighter (banana) plug an one end and a 12 volt female cigarette lighter plug at the other.  You can cut off the male end and replace it with an Italian 3-pin Type L plug so it fits into the fan outlets and the outlets at the nav station and adjacent to the companionway stairs.  I just use a Italian 3-pin to cigarette lighter pig tail that I made up.  With this I can use 12 volt accessories anywhere in the boat where there is a 24 volt outlet.

Mark Pitt
"Sabbatical III" SM419, Wickford, Rhode Island
Re: Rudder seal

Paul Brown
 

Thanks Joerg 

I will purchase the same 

Regards Paul 


On 3 Oct 2019, at 5:44 pm, Joerg Esdorn via Groups.Io <jhe1313@...> wrote:

Yes, Paul I have an alarm.  See pic. <912F20F9-0240-49B1-BFCA-A690DB64B35F.jpeg>

Re: Rudder seal

Joerg Esdorn
 

Yes, Paul I have an alarm.  See pic. 
Re: 12V supply near 24V panel on Amel 54

Gary Wells
 

I had to run some 12v wiring on my SM.  It's not difficult but will require a bit of patience and a good work light :).
I would definitely recommend that you tap  power from a converter and not from the starter battery. 
At least in my experience it was a frustrating chase to find a current leak in the starter circuit due to an accessory failure that the previous owner had installed.  A dead starter battery is not a high problem, but it is a nuisance.
 At any rate, I would keep the starter circuit dedicated  and isolated to the one task. 
Just my €0.018275 (current exchange rate notwithstanding) worth :
Gary W.
SM 209, Adagio
Annapolis, MD
10281 - 10300 of 58466