DIY: SOLAR ON A BUDGET [Adventure #35]

[@lrs8369]

I admire the way you two take on a project and learn as you go, and not hire people to do it all for you, saving a ton of money. Plus you have a very good relationship and that is obvious in your videos. Good luck to you both.

[@martinengelbrecht5384]

For people who are clueless but fearless and learn on the job you guys make an excellent team.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Martin you made us laugh, thanks for the compliment we are totally clueless and have to be fearless or go without a head :)

[@johnkenneally4942]

Excellent job on the solar panels and radar. Especially since you did it from scratch. Wiring is never fun, but what feeling of accomplishment when it works properly. Great teamwork and smarts!

[@ChristopherYoung5977]

Amazing job on the solar panel arch. I highly recommend that you get rid of the radar reflector. It's not going to help anyone see you and just get blown around and break things and hurt people. Modern radar is so sensitive that you are easily seen by other boats without it. Note that when you run your radar you can see other boats that are not using a reflector just fine!

[@jacknimble1]

Maybe sailing around Cali you will find other boats with fancy radar but when you get to all the other rural areas around the world they will mostly only have older units. Keep the reflector.

[@000001willy]

I found this a very informative video. It would be helpful to have a simple electronic diagram that explains what you learned about wiring up your solar panels. It helps rookies like me to get a better understanding of what you actually did. You guys are pretty smart. Bravo!

[@fxpthl]

When in doubt, turn it off! Hope you didn't have a shocking experience from that! I am amazed at how brave you are to attempt such an in depth & technically detailed project like this. Something tells me that there is more expertise than you let us believe. I hope your next leg turns out as positively as this one did. Mexico can be a wonderful country but just be aware that there not-so-nice folks down there just looking to take advantage of travelers like you! Fair winds & gentle seas kids.

[@insaynbcr]

Something I found helpful years ago when purchasing handfuls of commonly used nuts and bolts was to just purchase the box of 50 -100 at a time. Much much cheaper in the long run, especially if they are stainless steel.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Would agree with you there, we need to find a good system of labeling and storing them. Might need another toolbox of some kind.

[@thomaschandler7820]

Hahaha... Guess you found the answer to the "Is the Power off" question. Great Job on the self installations.

[@theislandpackrat]

Well if that's not enough power you better get a BIG generator. Would have loved to buy your old battery's. Great to see the pipe slide thru the T fittings, I'm going to replace my cable with pipe on my stanchions and raise the hight of them. By the time you get to Mexico every thing will be new! You did a great job on that.

[@labrat3305]

You sure got some good friends I'd be pissed if you used my drill in the rain, always respect the tools man, drill and crimpers are like basic tools you should always have on board.

[@MrSerbious]

currently ( get It ) full-time in a fifth wheel, looking to make the jump. Melissa and I have been watching and thoroughly enjoying the series. Bimini removal idea is exactly what I had imagined we'd do. only problem. Our 1.2kw setup consists of 4 315w 24v panels measuring about 3W X 6L lol. not sure I'll fit em all. digging the vids 😀

[@DDixon3121]

Later in your video when you where at the dock completing the solar panel and battery installations, I noticed the boat on your port side is a Beneteau 42s7. That boat is just like mine!

[@apasterizer6614]

I have to say i watch a lot of these sailing channels and yours are right up there enjoyed it

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

No better compliment, thanks mate!

[@HammerRocks]

OMG! I thought I was listening to Steve Irwin when Tai was narrating Hillary's seal encounter. :)

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

This sounds like a really good compliment ;)

[@barb9124]

Great job guys, your getting everything done and learning as you go. Just remember..its not an official project unless you make 3 trips to the store.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Thanks Barb, we sure have the store visits covered.

[@tahoo2121]

Excellent vid concerning permits and solar upgrade! fyi update... later today we are going inspect 'our' 1973 Buchan 37' sloop AND we've secured a 38' slip in Anacortes, WA!

[@nheeren1]

Butyl tape works great and last forever on keeping water out where things are bolted together. When working with stainless I find making a dimple with a center punch first makes drilling much easier. High pressure slow speed. Good drillbits. Awesome job on the solar panel install. Really cool to see. Have seen so many paperwork horror stories from sailors trying to do the right thing. Seems to be the worst part with cruising.

[@lynndonharnell422]

And use a cutting compound. Moly disulphide for example.

[@redroofretriever]

Great job on the Solar rack build. I enjoy your videos more every time you post. Keep em coming.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Thanks mate, really nice to hear.

[@bensteel3944]

For a DIY job the solar panel tubing project looked very professional ... awesome ..

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Cheers Ben, we were surprised how the finished product turned out.

[@hv2sailsvsweetpea680]

Happy holidays to the two of you! But then I guess everyday is like a holiday when you get to do the thing you love. Once again, great video with some great humor and instruction. Can't wait till it's my turn. Fair winds and following seas!

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Thank you. Happy holidays to you as well, wishing you the best and another year coming to get you closer to your adventure.

[@SailBeforeSunset]

I've been an engineer for around 30 years now (EE), and I can tell you that you've done a really nice job in laying out your charging system.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Could we ask for a better compliment? Thanks mate, really appreciate it.

[@baseballDUDE32]

Shockingly good stuff.😎

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

:) anything for your entertainment.

[@PhillipHoskyn]

Anything? so a mast jump by Hillary isnt out of the question for Entertainment

[@jimjones6915]

You guys are amazing. I was really upset with the anchor pulpit deal but this solar deal makes up for it. Well done

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

:) ups and downs Jim, we were very pleased with how well the solar install came out.

[@subdrvr]

great work on the new solar structure and whole solar panel electrics install! very nice.

[@downtubecrank103]

Sparks Cracked me up!

[@jimmyz688]

Loctite is a sailors friend....especially with self tapping screws. You need to check these screws frequently as not as good a rivets. But blue loctite will be fine. Never go red loctite especially to aluminum or softer metal. Even when you use red loctite heat is needed to break the bond without stripping the fasteners.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

We totally forgot to bond the screws, our plan was to use lifeseal to help create a barrier between the two metals and it somehow got forgotten. We will add it to our list, we used loctite on all our solar screws, for the mast we are thinking lifeseal.

[@burkcw]

Always and only thumbs up. I like the technical stuff. It will be nice when one day lithium batteries are the standard and can easily be installed.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

We have heard of some people doing this lately, but bloody expensive for the average joe right now.

[@RedemptionReady]

Nice work guys, can't imagine 640 watts solar... Heck I might run the A/C for a few hours a night with that amount of power. Or if the batts are full by noon, all day while sipping some decent dark rum down below reading... Ahhh... Heaven.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

We can power the little towns we are visiting along the way, well not quite. We are very happy with the power and have not had any issues yet.

[@svbarryduckworth628]

Nice. You made me jump and automatically move my face and head away from the screen when you arced that wire. As a commercial electrician I've got that reaction hard-wired into my nerves. Seen that too many times to count.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

So that could hurt right or is that "normal"? Thanks for feeling my fear.

[@cruisesail4310]

Ty, your repair skills and innovation is growing with each day your on the water. Great video. Loved the shocking awareness that comes with having solar panels generating and battery connections being made below. If that is the worse shock you get you are a master.... Fair winds and a Merry Christmas. Or should I say Feliz Navidad seeing as you are south of the border following the sun...

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Thanks John, we amaze ourselves and although a lot of work we are pleased with the results (aside from the shocking). Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@brianmooney4133]

Good job on the solar install and radar relocation, by the time your finished there won't be much you can't do.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

The radar was the one that was giving us the most stress, a big move and relocating the cable then attacking the poor mast is never a good feeling.

[@SailingBrothers]

Great stuff. We just got our boat and will be installing solar as well.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

We couldn't live without the quiet sun power.

[@WakeforMe]

This is my comment. There are many like it but this one is mine. Awesome job on the stainless for your solar panels. Very satisfying.

[@mm-my7jh]

Impressive

[@thatdutchguy2882]

It's good you two did the work yourselves. It cuts down on the cost, but more importantly you know how it works now, so good on ya 👍 😆. (Next time, you'll remember to take the power off to,....hahaha, whoops;)

[@matthewwright57]

It may be worth installing the panels on a swivel so you can more easily point them at the sun, it really makes a big difference. Also, a single shaded cell will tank almost all of the amps from the whole panel.

[@johnlord7854]

Great, informative video, thanks :) My new wind generator arrived Thursday, and an additional 200 ah house battery should arrive Tuesday ! Boat was hauled out this morning, so have been water blasting, sanding, and first coat of new anti foul went on this afternoon :) Nearly set four our summer cruise in 10 days time !!!

[@sailingvesselsouthernlady447]

Very nice work on the solar installation. It will serve you well.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Thanks, so far so good it is doing really well.

[@PhilTaylorPhotog]

Nice work on the solar. Just did mine on our camper here in Vic. Pretty fun learning electronics the hard way ;-) Much better to DIY though - you can fix it later with no questions. Keep up the good work.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Phil we agree, the more DIY the easier to fix when needed. Thanks and Cheers.

[@chasemixon6327]

Nice Job! So excited for you two!

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Cheers right back at you.

[@glassman51]

Another great video guys, you never cease to amaze me with your skill and ingenuity. I'd love to come visit in Mexico during the winter, if you foresee yourselves spending time in somewhere accessible just let me know. In the meantime happy holidays and best wishes from Ventura and your friend Scott

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Sent you an email mate, thanks for the well wishes and happy holidays back at you.

[@symgardiner]

Lovely work. Looks really tidy.

[@sjackson99]

Love these videos. They have just the right amount of info.

[@terrywilliams6923]

Great work on your solar install it's great way to learn diy trial and error!

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Thanks Terry, lots of fun and of course we look back and think how happy we are we tried.

[@Grandpacarlreacts]

Nice install guys. Good job.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Cheers.

[@ericyvanteiva]

Awesome,your vids are so real,waiting for the next episode impatiently .....⁉️......with impatience...⁉️ Is that sound good..⁉️ Anyway best rgds from downunder.Eric

[@onthebeaches]

By the time you're finished will all these repairs and mods, you'll be able to build an entire boat from the ground up! HA HA! Good job on the DIY!

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

We keep thinking the same thing, well there was that crazy Mexico idea.

[@hv2sailsvsweetpea680]

Great update! Really enjoyed it. Keep up the great videos.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Cheers Ludy.

[@USMCCGAGNG]

Tefgel. Use when screwing two different metals together. Those SS screws will not come out easily in a couple years and if left too long in will have to be drilled out. The rigid bimini frame looks pretty good so far. Since I need a new one I will be watching how yours works closely. Thank you for ALL the links! As always, nice job. I look forward to hearing from you guys.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Thanks Dean, we used some lifeseal on the radar wiring hole that came out from the mast. We were suppose to use it on the SS screws as well which should work the same as tefgel(?) but we somehow forgot so have added it to our list.

[@USMCCGAGNG]

You guys are great t watch. Always looking forward to your next video. :)

[@sailingstrangemagic1594]

Nice job sparky.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Ouch!!!

[@kenschmitt7442]

Well done guys! Keep them coming!

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Cheers!

[@svZia-Switch51]

Nicely done!!

[@silver-hr9yt]

Love you guys.

[@williamfiegener8601]

so impressed. you guys going to make it over to the Caribbean this year?

[@howardbodiford7130]

Neat job on the panels !!

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

thanks Howard, this was one of our most successful and practical projects yet.

[@ScotWalt858]

Very nicely done!

[@shipskepr1]

great vid guys

[@xavierbell3526]

nice job!

[@fanisrc]

Great work Guys!!!! You are amazing!!!!

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Thank you and Happy Holidays

[@fanisrc]

Happy holidays to you my friends!!! Have fun!!!

[@round51]

I think I would have used lock tight on those screws for the radar mount.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

We need to get back up and we will probably use lifeseal for the screws, we forgot that.

[@W4ABN]

Very cool! Nice job upgrading your electrical. I had recently bought new batteries and decided to install a shore charger I bought two years ago. Working out nicely, I think. Just trying to decide how I'll do solar, but that's further down the project list. I've thought of getting a new radar unit and locating it up the mast but having just had my mast refinished, that will wait too. Enjoyed seeing how your project went.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Sounds like you have some great work already done with some good plans for the future as well, will you pull the mast and refinish it yourself?

[@W4ABN]

Looks like I had to correct my first comment... "but haven't just.." changed to "but having just"... Anyway, I already got work done on the mast. Rigging shop is dropping it back off to the boat/marina on Monday. Had some modifications done to it and repainted. You could look for a previous video I posted of, let's say, "The before" view. Looking to post a video after I get it back, but here's a snap shot of how it looked when I was at the rigging shop yesterday. 2.bp.blogspot.com/-n8vUH1GVxB8/WFVLlWXK3dI/AAAAAAAADpc/X1RTKeCqq1wZr16B2K3rUtUyZ7XeiIfsACLcB/s1600/IMAG2042.jpg also wanted to note, that I thought of doing the mast work myself, but glad I hired this project out to someone else. Don't really want to spend too much time on my refit, while at the same time, trying to get it done right in the first place.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Wow looks beautiful, nice work. Back in the water and off to sail hey?

[@W4ABN]

Thanks. I like how it turned out. I still have several projects, a couple major too, before she's ready to sail again. I'm hopeful to launch in the spring but will have to see what happens until then. Despite freezing temps on the east coast, the refit continues. :-) Take Care, both of you. Enjoy your holiday season. :-)

[@billlane2006]

You guys are awesome. keep it coming i'll keep watching. Would like to see some line tending.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

noted.

[@davecote21]

Thank You both sooo much for these excellent vids!!

[@simonbaker6072]

thanks bloke love the Australian accent mate

[@talderson1]

That's a great price for a solar setup. I didn't watch closely enough to give any opinion other than on aesthetics but it does looks really good. What is the panel backing (the plywood?) attached to? It looks like its screwed directly to the hull but that can't be right.?

[@ronalmon3319]

Love your vids

[@leeomurchu1213]

Excellent work lads well done. Although I can't help but feel you'll regret having no bimini. Good excuse to follow the sun I guess. ;)

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

We are going to create some sort of removable sunshade/bimini covering mostly for shade. We have a few ideas but have not started on anything yet.

[@jacknimble1]

I agree. I would have tried to make the frame that holds the solar panels over the top of the bimini so I could keep the bimini itself.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Nice job

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Cheers guys, loved you Ha Ha video. We just heard someone went aground in the ha ha fleet just before Turtle Bay, is that true?

[@svemuna274]

Great video! We have solar panels on our to do list and we are totally unskilled in electronics too. Wish us luck! ^_^

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Thanks guys, best of luck with your project. You will love the solar upgrade, we do not worry about our power consumption now.

[@000001willy]

I appreciate your videos and the content and your effort to share your adventures. I would like to offer some advice to Hillary which has to do with your spoken delivery. You have a staggered style/staccato style of speaking which isn't easy to listen to. Work on constant flow in your sentences focusing on what words you emphasize and where you take pauses. I think that will improve the quality of your videos. A good example of someone who presents well is Elayna on the La Vagabone sailing series. All the best. You guys are courageous.

[@neptunesfancy]

Ty what type of safety harness are you using with your bosons chair? Nice work you folks , resourceful and well executed.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

To be honest not really sure, it is a climbing harness from a consignment store that is rigged to a second halyard. We have recently got some ascenders to use to single hand climbing the mast as well.

[@jessicakirchoff2536]

Nice job on the solar panels. The paperwork for the boat sounds like a nightmare. How do you know when purchasing a boat if she has a cancelled TIP? Have you had a chance to sail yet to make sure everything is clear of the frame work? Cheers! Jess

[@jessicakirchoff2536]

I am no electrician but my partner is. He uses the test light of the volt meter to know whats going on before he touches anything. We keep it on our boat. Very handy and helps keep you safe. Freaked me out when I saw that ZAP!

[@wallabyshane]

I think you should have used Butil on those through deck screws. You will now get water seepage. Maybe something you should address sooner rather than later. Also, what was the spark from? Great job on the install of the solar panels. What brand are the panels please?

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

We did use butyl on all the through deck screws, may not have seen that in the video. Hillary placed the butyl on up top and layered it around the screws. The batteries were wired to the relay and then I think my positive I was wiring touched the negative bus. LG NEON 2 320 watts, very happy with these so far.

[@spindreams]

Great vid BTW, I love boat DIY. Just a quick question, I have seen on another YTer that just blocking 1 cell of a panel will block the whole panel from producing, so it seemed to me that lots of smaller panels would provide more consistent power. Any ideas on this, are there panels made out there that are wired differently so that just shading a single cell won't block the whole panel? Seems like a good idea to me. I'm no solar expert so maybe there is a reason, efficiency or something. My plan when I finally find my boat is to take a few panels from my house to use on the boat but they are LARGE residential panels like yours. Maybe you can do some tests?

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Yes shading one cell or even part of one cell reduces the output incredibly, at a rough guess from what we have seen probably close to 75% drop when the shading is in effect. We are no experts but this is the reason we opted for two controllers as opposed to wiring the panels together, we wanted to avoid the series/parallel debate and build in some redundancy. I think although individual smaller panels would work you would then have to add the extra wiring and such to support this and it may not be worth it. Again no expert but solar panels come with "bypasses" that should switch between the good cells and the shaded cells to not lose all output, we have a 60 cell panel which has 3 bypass on a 10x6 cell setup. Hope some of this helps, we will look and see if we can do some tests in the future and see what we get.

[@spindreams]

I would expect simply wiring them in parallel into 1 controller would be fine as long as the cable is thick enough for the current from the number of panels on it and the voltage and amps from the main line does not exceed your charge controllers maximums. There are specialist controllers (Morningstar SunSaver Duo) out there that will charge separate sets of battery banks (Engine & house). remember in parallel the max voltage remains the same only amperage increases, unlike in series where the voltage is multiplied (Just like batteries) Our residential install has 12 full size panels with 3 each in parallel each connected to 1 of 4 lines that connect directly into an inverter (Instead of a charge controler) so your 2 panels really shouldn't be an issue. I don't think the wiring would be an issue either, for say 4 or even 8 smaller panels. Just run the core cable along the center and connect them at points along the core, better then losing half your power when one of your panels is partially shaded.

[@shannonparker7404]

Hey Ty, just a tip from bitter experience. Did you use stainless self tappers to mount your radome? Did you use a protective coating? What happens, and only really in a saltwater enviroment, is you will get electrolytic corrosion between dissimilar metals. The saltwater acts as a conductor/electrolyte. What happens is the hole around the stainless screw is exposed aluminium and begins to corrode, the hole gets larger and the self tapper falls out, radome falls on ya head. Then your left with major potential stress points in your mast as well.... Sorry to be doom and gloom. Aluminium rivets would have been best, but you'd have to beg borrow steal the big ass rivet gun. Id get Hillary, preferably in suitable safety ppe like denim hot pants and bikini top :-) :-) back up the mast and coat the screw threads and holes with a good product like the god awful yellow autolac (boat shop will have a kabillion types). Hope I haven't patronised you. Oh, was that stainless for the solar panels 316? Thats the grade best for marine. No biggy if not, just watch for minor corrosion and it's associated staining on decks etc. Love the vids guys.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Great suggestions Shannon, we have it on our list to coat the SS screws with something like lifeseal but we forgot to do it somehow or perhaps we were waiting for the right weather so Hilary can do it in a bikini top and denim hot pants. The tubing for the solar is only 304 which was the same that we could get from the marine shop funny enough. You are not patronizing at all, we coating the radar mount itself and we somehow forgot the screws.

[@shannonparker7404]

Adventure Adrift Thanks guys, I keep forgeting it's Winter where you are. Stonking hot here in western QLD where I'm working... Mid to high 30's. (centigrade) Thanks again for the vids!

[@waynedavidson9185]

So I have always wondered how one comes down from the mast under control. I understand how she can use the winch to lift you up. Does the winch work in reverse to let you down?

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Yep, the more wraps the increased (tension/friction?) holds the weight for easy lowering. that being said we always have two lines and one is a separate harness with a safety line cleated off incrementally.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I'm curious why you used separate charge controllers for each panel, rather than connect both panels either in series or parallel to a single controller?

[@DesertSquid]

Probably took a cue from Scott on Muskoka, and his system....that way, if one panel is shaded, it doesn't cut down on the entire system. Also, if you lose one controller, you still have a redundant system.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Pretty much what DesertSquid said, shading was the main reason and redundancy the other. Having them both independent would allow us to maximize the power without concern over a connected system with shade. Either Parallel or Series both would have shading issues, having the extra controller will be helpful in a pinch if we ever lose one when far from home.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Adventure Adrift Fair points, thank you!

[@dphotos007]

Did you have a lithium battery option. You can power more quicker and the weight is a lot less.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

No in our budget, though something for the future.

[@joeblow1942]

Where did you buy the connectors for the stainless steel tubes? Did you consider using aluminum tubes to save weight instead of stainless?

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

The connectors we bought direct from SeaDog but we have since bought also from Bosuns Supplies which have some more specific items. I think to get the strength the aluminum would have to be much thicker.

[@gr8212]

Why did you need 2 charge controllers? Could you not wire the panels in parallel and connect to one charge controller?

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Could have indeed, we chose the two as a redundancy to avoid any concerns over shading with either series or parallel and a backup if one goes bad.

[@gr8212]

Interesting. I"m doing a very similar install. I purchased this arch: www.fishonsports.com/140.html I also purchased two 320 watt panels with frames: www.ebay.com/itm/320-Watt-Semi-Flexible-Frameless-Solar-Panel-24-Volt-Made-in-USA-MonoCrystalline-/272329685331?hash=item3f681d3953:g:uXgAAOSwhOdXoihJ And the BlueSolar 50 AMP MPPT charger with the bluetooth dongle. www.amazon.com/Victron-BlueSolar-MPPT-Charge-Controller/dp/B01BPLJASU/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484071882&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=blue+solar+50+amp+mppt I'm also installing the panels side-by-side with a 8" space between them for the backstay and to give me a view of the mast. I'm installing a piece of clear acrylic over the gap to prevent rain from entering the cockpit. I going to try and install a rainwater catchment system consisting of a small rain gutter connected to a hose that drains to one of our water tanks. The solar panels also functions as a bimini, providing shade in the cockpit. The total size is 86 x 77 inches. The arch also has davits for the dinghy, LED flood lights, Radar dome mount, and a couple fishing rod holders. I'm about half way through with this project. Like most things it's taking quite a bit longer than anticipated. Cheers.

[@GeorgeGraves]

How did you make bends on the stainless tubes? I know there are several ways to do it, I just didn't see that happening with a trash can and a saw at the slip.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

No bends, we used all cut straight cut tubing with pre determined angles to build it. We could not find an easy cheap way to do any bending ourselves, especially on stainless.

[@drgreen609]

Hi thank you for your videos. Do you still have the drawing, and parts list for your SS solar panel arch.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

We still have the drawings somewhere we think, the parts list is by memory or receipt mostly. It was added to and subtracted as needed while creating.

[@drgreen609]

If you could give me the fittings I can figure it out from there. How far above your head is it? I'm 6'2"

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Look up Sea Dog rail fittings, they are a company out of Seattle area I think. The height from the cockpit sole is just over 7 feet maybe 7 1/2.

[@kirbythomas5993]

I know this is really late, but why didn't you go to the consulate in San Diego?

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

The one in San Diego was not able to help, there was actual a specific team from Mexico City that came up to LA for two days to assist people who were leaving on the Baja Ha Ha rally. No idea why they didn't go to San Diego as that would make sense.

[@zzzxxzzz4797]

A Canadian company started them. The technology is from NASA. Carbon foam is what makes the heat shield tiles on the space shuttle. These batteries have been around a few yrs. And are gaining in popularity with RV and long haul trucks with sleeper cabs. As word gets out and distribution of this battery is more widely advertised , people will find them. Ocean planet is a distributor in the marine market. The videos about this battery are more informative than me . The numbers from lab tests tells it all.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Thanks for putting us onto these, we had no idea and now have found lots of information online to read about them. We even have some tests from practical sailor and other good publications, something to seriously consider on the next replacement.

[@IandiBoats]

Did you say $1,400 for 3 batteries including installation? Where they AGM or wet cell batteries?

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

AGM's the two AGM 6Volt's were the spendy ones. Installation was $150 I think.

[@iangoodnow6500]

you guys should have used silicone on those screws in the mast for the radar mount. Anytime you do any electrical may it be AC or DC power should be turned off. Everybody creates Sparks in the beginning .

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Ian thanks for this comment, you just jogged our memory and I think we had lifeseal which we used around the radar cable and hole going into the mast. I think we were suppose to and forgot to put it on the screws into the mount. Thank you we will put this on our list for a project up the mast.

[@iangoodnow6500]

Your welcome. Part of boating is a learning process. I'd recommend picking up the 12 volt Bible , How boat things work and boat owners mechanical and electrical manual by Nigel Calder. They're nice to have around to make reference to if you have a question about an application.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

I think Nigel Calder's books are on our wish list for the future and we have Don Casey's sailboat maintenance book, the more the merrier to reference like you said.

[@iangoodnow6500]

If I was a man of means I'd buy you guys the books. But all my money is tied up into a DownEast Lobster Boat restoration. I wish you guys the best of luck and really enjoy watching your Channel.

[@wilfdarr]

so what you're supposed to do is keep the cardboard the solar was packed in, and tape it on to the panels to "turn them off" while you wire them in. Also, use a meter to test for power instead of your fingers. Glad you weren't hurt. Please be careful with electrical as it is one of the few things that can kill you at the dock. But beautiful job wiring it in!

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Thanks Wilfred, electrical scares us just as you said and it is not something we like playing with. Good news is we have no AC onboard unless plugged in (besides a small 400W inverter we run the laptop from) of course DC is still dangerous but the AC would make us even more nervous.

[@smokedoliver1]

What are your plans for a bimini?

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

None as yet, we saved our old shade panels that will work with a little addition we can sew onto the them. We plan to create some kind of additional shaded top when we get around to thinking about it more.

[@frankd2301]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen Hillary angry, upset, or down in any way. Always positive and smiling even when she 🤮 puked on the way south. 👍

[@spinnaker5514]

First of all, great video! I'm just getting to that stage on my re-fit. I've purchased a Kid MPPT Solar Charge Controller to install into my electronics panel and run some wire to wire I plan on putting my new house batteries. I still need to purchase batteries and panels. How did you decide what size panels to get, did you go by the biggest that would fit? Do you have refrigeration on your boat? I haven't decided whether to convert my ice box to a frige or buy an engle 12v portable. Any thoughts on that? What is the capacity of your solar batteries? Oh, did you use monocrystaline or polycrystaline panels and why?

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

The basic answer is "Biggest that would fit". We decided to remove our wind generator and relocate our radar so we could do that while keeping clear of boom shadow, we weighed up what we could produce with bigger panels vs the wind genny and decided that was the better route. Also we went with large 40V panels, Monos that would in theory produce around 26 amps each in 100% perfect conditions with a 20% efficiency. Wiring was a big part of the install running the wire and making sure we had the correct gauge wiring to prevent amperage or voltage drop and also wiring two controllers to prevent any loss in partial shading. We have a seafrost fridge, we have looked at the engles but just don't have the space. IF we did have space we prefer the engles, from what we have seen they are just better at cooling and much more efficient even when we have a well insulated refrigerator. Our battery capacity is 400AH and we have no problem keeping them full, we have yet to go below 75% on them which is how we like it.

[@spinnaker5514]

Thanks so much for the well thought out answer. Thanks to you, I will now be adding an additional charge controller even though it a big expense. I figured amoritized over a ten your period it will be well worth it. I do have one additional question. When you said you have a seafrost fridge but would prefer an engles.....did you mean the portable type of fridge? I wasn't aware that engles made a built in model, but of course you can't keep track of everything. And after all I think a big part of this videos are to help others so thanks because your thoughtful answers have really helped me! God Bless and Best Wishes for continued success!

[@geanozz8940]

Sweeeeeet install.........but arn't you going to miss the shade heading down South ??

[@jacknimble1]

I think they are really going to miss the shelter of that bimini. Having a fully enclosed area that the bimini provided is key for protection from the sun, wind, cold, and ocean spray. Not what I would have done.

[@svdellajean253]

Where did you get 1" sst tubing for $1.60 per foot?

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Sorry for the delay, we have been out of internet for a while. We used "Industrial Metal Supply" in San Diego and I think you would be able to find it at any industrial metal company in your area, at the very least they should be able to point you in the right direction.

[@hoverjocki]

Why 2 x 6v batteries and not 1 x 12v?

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

The type of battery we picked is a good battery, if one goes bad you just replace one and don't need to be down to zero. So redundancy I guess is one reason, space is another with more options to fit them.

[@MrJp318]

The youtube guy next door to you commented on his channel about the mess on the dock. But you guys do excellent work on your projects, so he can buzz off. Are there any concerns about the lack of shade from the new solar panels from the old bimini cover?

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

We had someone next to us? We must have missed that. We should have given props to the boatyard guys though, they were very helpful and the reason we went in there since they would allow us to mess up the dock. :) No concerns as yet over shade, if anything we prefer the new setup as it provides much better visibility, we have some ideas for adding shading down the road.

[@charlescurtius2261]

that sea lion bit was worthy of monty python :)

[@charlescurtius2261]

heresy :P

[@F1nddatruth]

Why didn't you have Scott help you with the electrical bits? You were using his tools so I know he is around there somewhere.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

He was busy partying ;) , actually he did come by and help out for a morning so I could raise one of the panels. He was happy to help but we were able to do it with the two of us for the most part.

[@deankoch7305]

It looks great but a few inches higher you wouldn't hit your head on it.

[@ecoheliguy]

You love the Lifeline batteries, there aviation division Concord is the life blood of helicopters and airplanes all over North America and the Arctic.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Good to know, are the Concords used in commercial side of those industries or private use?

[@ecoheliguy]

Adventure Adrift just about all commercial and a large percentage of private.

[@journeyistheway]

IMHO Personally I would had used some sort of caulk rather than plumbers tape and same where you mounted those solar panel structure base with the through bolt. Throughout time thee base of where you mounted the solar panel arch and thee base of thee mass will weaken cause slowly but surely water will find its way.

[@sartorst3376]

Careful man I almost threw my laptop down !

[@zzzxxzzz4797]

If you or shall I say when you replace the lifeline batteries, you should consider " firefly Oasis" carbon foam batteries. The longest lasting, maintenance free, safest battery in the world. Why? Because you can 100% discharge these thousands of times and not kill them. And they recharge 3 times faster than lead acid or gel batteries. They stay alive longer when not in use for extended periods time. Ocean planet has a video about them on KZbin for all the information. These batteries are a game changer.

[@AdventureAdriftSailing]

Sounds super impressive, never heard of them and we will be sure to look them up when we can. The video would be a good watch as well, is this newer tech to the market?