How Much Does Solar Cost? Solar Panels For Sailboats, For Dummies! Ep 269 - Lady K Sailing

Lady K East Coast Crew Finder: / 297534076474837
Practical Sailor Channel: ‪@practical-sailor‬
How much does solar cost for your sailboat??
This week we're diving into how to put solar panels on your sailboat. Which solar panels to use, how many watts of solar your boat will need, and most importantly, what other sailboats are using in solar panels and charge controllers as well as battery technology for boats including golf cart batteries, AGM, and Lithium batteries. We're making solar on a sailboat easy! Join us by subscribing!
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[@hectorsarraga2475]

Haters will hate you because of your success. You have helped many people including myself to buy a boat and start sailing and I will be forever grateful.

[@IvyMyki]

💯

[@Dillett7799]

I just bought my boat. Two years of watching Lady K sailing made me do it :D If it wasn't for this channel, I wouldn't have done it.

[@MichielKerkhofs]

Keep up the good work Tim. Don’t let the haters discourage you.

[@joeb8301]

I have enjoyed your content over the years, I have been sailing for over 25 years, racing the Great Lakes most of them. I don’t think I have missed a video and congrats on the new job, you deserve to be recognized for your hard work and effort

[@briantrishflay4731]

Tim , you will never please everybody . But I’d bet you please more than you piss off . I’ve watched your info channel for ages and have learnt so much . Thank you

[@tomplauche3940]

When Lattitudes called you a potato head I shut him off. There’s no place for juvenile name calling. Nice response with a “thanks for watching”. High road wins. Keep it up. I’m making my way to the water and appreciate all the cheerleading and coaching!

[@adamshawtmr]

Same🤙

[@jaysonbowerman115]

Love ya back Tim! Unlike some of the ego blown “expert” channels, you cover a lot of really interesting topics in a way that actually makes me want to listen to the entire episode, sometimes more than once. Delivery, style, great writing and editing + positivity count for almost everything when it comes to a recurrent channel, and you have all of those attributes dialed in. Thanks for doing what you do! I’ve learned a lot and found my dream horizons moving beyond our local lake sailing scene after watching your channel, because you make it seem tangible. Cheers from the High Cascade Lakes of Oregon!

[@LadyKSailing]

Thank you sooooo much

[@bernieouellet1653]

It has to come to the point that when I receive the notice a new video is out I have to watch it right away even if it means stopping on the side of the road like now. Well done 😅

[@LadyKSailing]

Hahahhaa really????

[@marcelvdfvandamme5927]

Thanks again Tim for another great explanation. Let the haters be the haters. They still watch your videos 😂 We love you too Tim 🙏🏻

[@davethemmp]

Tim, your channel fills a niche, your numbers speak for themselves, keep up helping the masses as you do, much appreciated from Canada left coast 😊

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@tedunguent156]

"Don't let the haters stop you from doing your thang." There is no better advice than THIS.

[@joegarrick2760]

I stumbled across one of those "he's been to the Bahamas once" guys somewhere here on youtube, saying you don't know squat about blue water sailing because of it. I commented on the video that he never claimed to be a blue water sailing expert, and that's not the point of his channel. I still watch everything you put out, and haven't been back to his channel because 1) you're covering topics I want to know about, and 2) people trash talking others rubs me the wrong way. Anyway, ignore these clowns. You're doing great work and loads of us appreciate it.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thank you!!! Appreciate your efforts.

[@rafaelarrieta3532]

Thanks to you and many others KZbinr we sailors dream more do more ❤

[@LaylaDelMare]

We absolutely love your channel: you’re sharing useful information in a respectable manner! We’re big fans! And thank you ❤

[@LadyKSailing]

Thank you so much!

[@sylvaingagnon3211]

Tim, thanks for addressing these comments.

[@gilbertoescalante4320]

Loved your reply to the Haters. Keep it up!!!

[@todmus8433]

Absolute best response to a troll. Love it dude.

[@user-tq2fq1hc7s]

Thanks for a another great video! I just completed an 800 W solar install on my Beneteau 411 and the cost of stainless steel mounting hardware, marine grade copper cables, disconnect switches, crimping tools, voltage monitor, fuses, etc. was substantial. People planning such a project should budget for up to 50% extra cost over the cost of the solar panels, batteries and Victron depending on how much they need to build from scratch.

[@LadyKSailing]

Nice work!

[@SailSmileReDo]

You're getting better and better, my friend

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks so much 😊

[@user-lk3dg3vl7w]

Love your vids Tim, let the haters hate, that what they do. Keep up the good work so interesting re solar.

[@kates9061]

Thank you for sharing. I live on my boat year round in Ontario. I love picking brains of every sailor and boater I meet . You never stop learning!

[@bhoutdoors507]

Hey I like this channel way more than most other sailing channels. Just got my first sailboat, a Macgregor 25, a few months ago, and currently fixing it up. You’ve been super helpful, and I really appreciate your videos. I went back and watched some of your old videos, but your new stuff is great. Practical Sailor wouldn’t have asked you to be editor in chief if you didn’t know sailing! That criticism is crazy.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thank you so much 😊

[@jamiebizness1]

Man you dont need to answer to the haters like that . You do you .

[@jayhays9192]

You do snarky, with such class and repose. I know I’m truly watching a master at work. Cheers my friend 🥃 Cheers

[@juanvasquez9529]

Haters will be haters its what they are supposed to do personally I find your videos very educational and informative please keep the content coming

[@LadyKSailing]

Thank you!

[@davidmalone9022]

As EVERYONE else is saying, there are a lot of children out there who just don't have their own lives, so take their frustrations out on those who do. Yours is one of my very favorite channels, mainly because you don't rely on bikinis to sell what you offer. I'm always excited to see a new video from Lady K. And this particular video is on a topic I've recently been giving a lot of thought. Thanks for the work you do here.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thank you for your support- appreciate it 😊

[@cameronyeager8129]

The best sailing info on KZbin

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheJamesthe13]

Oh snap, Tim, Jesus, hope Bobby is okay with that! shots fired man! Lol 😂😂. I think it’s a sailing channel! it’s a proper sailing channel where we talk about boats and systems, and suitability of boats and sailing properties. The important stuff. stuff that most other sailing channels don’t talk about.

[@rfen56]

Tim, haters are nothing more that a fraction of a blink in the eyes of your admirers. Keep up the wonderful work!

[@AEFisch]

This is the only sailing channel I watch regularly. I'm 64 & my parents met at a yacht club. I helmed the boat back in college at the "big boat" championships at the Naval Academy. I've own several boats incl an S&S 38 & Laser. Keep it up Tim. Friendly comment: The sound on Practical Sailor has an echo this does not.....

[@yzScott]

Offer accepted on our first boat.

[@juliandrake3159]

Your channel is the best. Don't change a thing.

[@thetraveller3577]

Thanks for the confidedence and inspiration you give us !

[@LadyKSailing]

You can do it!

[@shawnthompson1561]

Thank you Tim for what you do here!!!

[@130bowman]

Well done Tim. Thanks again for not wasting my time. My wwp15 will need to 50w to keep my iPhone charged with 40w to spare. When I get my cape dory 25 will see how many panels I can hang.

[@nodogrunner]

Hey, thanks for answering those questions and throwing in the daughter, college priority. That is real world stuff, and you seem like a standup guy.

[@gjheydon]

This is a good tutorial for solar/batteries. I went thought this exercise about 12 months ago to put battery and solar on my 4x4. One thing you forgot to mention is that lithium batteries last about 2.5 times longer than AGM batteries. So even though the AGM is cheaper you have to replace it more often. I had this dilemma with my 4x4 and in then ended up going with an AGM to reduce my upfront costs. But I made sure I got a dc dc charger which supports both AGM and lithium so that when I need to replace the battery I will get a lithium which I hope will be a bit cheaper a couple of years down the road.

[@Dustin538]

You're a legend Tim. Keep up the great work! We've all learned so much from your channel. There's nothing that even comes close to the quality of this style of content on YT. You know you're doing well when the haters start surfacing 👏

[@2in2008]

Tim, I began sailing just a few years ago and stumbled onto your channel and I'm glad I did. I really appreciate your tact and class. Your humble approach and the fact that you don't constantly brag in every episode about your experience and qualifications speaks volumes to me.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thank you for watching!

[@adamshawtmr]

Appreciate keeping it classy🤙 and deffinitely appreciate what you do! The same hater probably would say Great Lakes sailing ain't serious or real sailing also😂. How about throwing them for a real loop and do an episode how it's not all about the water line but there is often a soulful connection sailors have when the right boat comes along, even if it's a Catalina. To be fair I actually love Catalinas and even some older 80s boats. Been seriously considering a J40 as a family cruiser even at its age but LOOVE the way they sail and all sheets are at the helms reach!

[@bobdailey9533]

Don’t listen to Any of the Trolls! You have helped 100’s, Myself included,to enjoy sailing! Great job Tim!

[@LadyKSailing]

Awesome, thank you!

[@DBoy-ge5kl]

I watch multiple sailing channels with the intent of learning as much as I possibly can before sailing off to the Caribbean. Although there are several good channels that are quite entertaining, I have learned more relevant knowledge from this channel than all the rest combined. Sure, watching other people enjoy the beach and anchor in exotic places is interesting, but actually learning the basics comes down to this channel. Thank you for what you do!

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks again- so much!

[@markjennings2315]

Excellent as ever

[@Monkeywrenchmotorcycles]

Enjoy the channel and content.

[@robertradek5731]

Yeah, no idea of how much I appreciate all your information

[@LadyKSailing]

Glad to help

[@charles.neuman18]

"If we aren't pissing some people off, what are we even doing?" - love it!

[@azul_5157]

Hi Tim, so many things I could say about your channel almost all of it positive. I have one regret and that is I didn't find you sooner. That is due to buying my second sailboat based on lust and not brains. I saw the boat, loved the boat and bought the boat. Now I have put almost the equal amount of money into to her as I spent buying her and, of course I am not done. Needless to say I still love her and she is getting better all the time but boy the money!!! Lucky for me my wife loves her too and supports this effort. I guess my point is, you bring value and knowledge to this market, please don't worry about the haters out there, they exist, there everywhere and social media give them a voice that they would otherwise have not had. FYI, also a long time subscriber to PS as well, looking forward to your contributions!

[@ebutuoyotwen]

I have to say I enjoy your vids and topics more than those that just look up online classifieds and read them out loud into a video camera, while never adding useful advice, and occasionally take pot shots at others for no reason apparent reason. So, thanks for the chuckle today, you are entertaining as always. Cheers!

[@TheEstampe]

I have subscribed to over 60 sailing channels on KZbin and Lady K Sailing is in my top 5 and probably the one I learn the most from. Sure there are no bikini girls and all the bells and whistles of some other channels but who cares as long as the content is informative yet entertaining?

[@LadyKSailing]

thank you so much!

[@Pearly44-nm7kn]

Some bikini girls would be nice. 🙂 Seriously, great job.

[@teardowneverything588]

Me too this is the most useful

[@catothecensor]

Hi Tim. From Italy looking at the menu you edited, we recommend triangoli di boraggine e ricotta di Tallorno al timo serpillo (stuffed pasta borage, ricotta, thyme) followed by punta di fassone cotto al forno a bassa temperatura (Fassona brisket ditch low temp in the oven). I suggest barolo wine with the brisket. And that proves your point, you can always ask guidance without learning every detail. Thanks for the amazing content, keep it going!!

[@LadyKSailing]

Sounds delicious! 😋

[@tat2edbadboy1]

You've got a great channel, keep up the great work!

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks!

[@markk6565]

Keep doing what your doing Bud

[@LadyKSailing]

thanks Mark - will do :)

[@SailingOnward]

One of my favorite sailing “discussion” channels! Thanks for the great information.

[@LadyKSailing]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@hessutah5642]

"If we're not passing some people off, then what are we doing?!" Best line ever!

[@SirCharles12357]

That rant was most entertaining!! Great job!!

[@JoschaSeehausen]

Dear Tim, thank you for all the work you put in this channel. I watch and enjoy every episode. Bought my first 22ft Trailersailer in october 2023 - came back from our first sailing adventure yesterday. We went to hamburg in germany to test out the boat in the river elbe going into the north sea. A wonderful trip. So thanks for your trailer sailer Inspiration as well. Keep on doing what you do - its fun to watch and listen (!) i often just listen to your videos while working in the house. It would be amazing to have a „Lady K Podcast“ to listen to! Best wishes from Cologne in Germany! Keep the heavy side down ;) Josh

[@LadyKSailing]

Thank you so much 😊

[@bitcoin4life]

Tim, I am not a Patreon, yet, but I nevertheless want to express the gratitude and love I feel for you and your wonderful channel. You are by far the best channel for people like me, who have limited sailing experience, but a strong desire to get into it deeper. Many thanks and all the best from Europe!

[@sachamo100]

I grew up sailing in New Orleans, back in the 70’s. Love your material.

[@robertgold2643]

I’m definitely stuck in my ways so thought I’d mention I liked seeing the old familiar office backdrop and t-shirt vibe. I’d soak up every word and happily follow along if it weren’t, but just the same I like the “old” look for Lady K. Congratulations on your recent successes, real very cool stuff for the rest of us 😎

[@kevio6868]

dont let those nay sayers gey under your skin Tim. Thanks for all you do you are getting me closer

[@DBoy-ge5kl]

I even found one channel that actually complained about this one specifically, because as he put it, you're not a professional sailor like him, with years of experience delivering yachts, etc.. Well, I spent 3 years on an aircraft carrier in some of the nastiest weather known to man. You know what that taught me about sailing a small boat to the Caribbean? Not a damn thing! Well, except don't go to the North Atlantic! LOL I'm glad you can help us down the path without talking down to us newbies. THANK YOU!

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching!

[@jesuschrist-alphaomega]

Tim. Thank you for everything you do for us.

[@hogfishmaximussailing5208]

600 watts, 600 bucks. 800AH Lithium, 3,000, charge co troller and inverter 1000, 500 misc. 5,100 total about a year ago. Happy with this system, can go many days without sun and have power to waste

[@karlmiller7804]

Tim. Love your work. Before you buy Battleborn please check out Signsture Solar range of DiY off grid solar. 12v 100 AH at $240 special. 12v 400AH Server rack battery at $1500

[@darwinaqua8671]

Your response to those outside comments show your integrity. Good job, I will continue to watch and enjoy your posts.

[@LadyKSailing]

I appreciate that

[@rickdukes6648]

Don't listen to the haters. I am from Nashville Tn and became interested in sailing 25 to 30 years ago. Being from Nashville we didn't have enough wind for a big sailing community. I recently found your channel and love your content. I feel the old dream of coastal crusing coming back. I am currently living in Mexico and hoping to purchase a sailboat to keep on the Mexican coast. Thank you for all you do for the sailing community!

[@matthewmckinney9348]

I'm considering buying myself a sailboat and getting the hell out of here and living off grid somewhere (my brain isn't really wired to own a home and live that type of life anyway) and the few videos I've watched of yours are VERY helpful. Probably some of the most helpful videos pertaining to a particular subject of any hobby videos I've watched. You are doing the Lord's work my man.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thank you so much!

[@markmaxam-gl1cm]

The haters are hating and not doing! Your channel is all about doing and helping others DO so keep it up. Learning from every episode and live the good thinking on approaching questions on our favorite sport. C&C 35mk3

[@pablocorrech2639]

Great channel, who does not like it may just do not see it... Keep going as today. Lots of learning.

[@davidherr7085]

I thank you for all the knowledge you have shared with the rest of us! You have given my wife and I the confidence to turn what was once just a pipe dream of sailing off into the sunset into a reality!!!

[@LadyKSailing]

Glad to help

[@hunterkendrick6294]

I’ve been waiting for this video thank you!!!

[@LadyKSailing]

Welcome 😊

[@FatGuyinaLittleBoat]

Excellent premise.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thank you kindly!

[@jmsask]

Great job 👏

[@AdnanKhan-kg7dn]

My friend, your channel is the best in terms of learning about sailboats

[@SailingHusketeers]

Haters gonna hate, don’t even give them a thought Tim, keep rocking it on Lady K

[@LadyKSailing]

thank you!

[@alexshyshkov8585]

that's the simplest solar video I ever seen. Would be nice to revisit trailer sailors topic with regards to solar panels. We are building and sailing a small trailerable cruiser. 250ish Wt solar panel, 100AH LifePo4 plus Victron MPPT and we never need to plug in. That includes autopilot, fridge/freezer and the all regular stuff (lights, VHF, instruments, music, etc). I guess trailerable cruisers may be a niche category, as life on a trailerable-sized boat becomes too simple for many.

[@muddyman00]

Thanks for good videos. I was learning about this channel after i got my Moody S38. And you guessed right, i had no experience with sailing. But thanks to this channel, i have learned a ton of stuff. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching!😀

[@basilbrushbooshieboosh5302]

Loved it. Cheers mate

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks 👍

[@michaeljones3990]

I have been watching your channel for quite a while not even sure I want to go sailing thinking I may be too old to start but I cannot stop watching your channel I think it's very educational entertaining and who knows I may decide to buy a boat and go thank you for all you do and best of luck to you with your new endeavor

[@LadyKSailing]

Thank you so very much for your support

[@daveware4117]

Hey bro, haters gona hate. I like your videos. I like the nothing but the facts approach to your videos.

[@bobdailey9533]

Really am learning A lot from you Tim! Keep up the great work!!!🚢

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks, will do!

[@sebell69]

Tim, a list for the items you talk about would be a great help, that way I dont have to listen to your video 2 or 3x to catch the names of the items 😁(no link necessary I can go fish them myself) Thank you for your videos they are consice, to the point and your voice is NOT grating on the ears!

[@garywoods8989]

just bought an '85 Bristol 38.8 . Learning so much from your channel. Thnak you. You're welcome to borrow anytime you're in the Annpolis area. (Whitehall Marina)

[@LadyKSailing]

Deal!

[@stewarthhorne]

THANK YOU FOR THIS CONVERSATION! I needed it; I’ve had paralysis by analysis trying to sort out a solar setup for my old Hunter.

[@w4swk1]

Thank you for your videos! I watch you because I want more knowledge of the sailing world as a whole. Too many of these so called "sailing" channels have morphed into "Travel Channels" or "Food Channels"...neither of which will keep me alive in an emergency at sea! Again, thank you and keep up the good work!!!!!!!

[@LadyKSailing]

Glad you like them!

[@petermerrick5644]

Love the content you are doing a great job. I think you are a good pick for PS!

[@Crowscratch_HauntedLibrary]

Thank you, Tim! It was informative, entertaining, and most of all, appreciated. Stuff the haters. You're amazing.

[@LadyKSailing]

I appreciate that!

[@wow.sailor.]

Great episode Tim, valuable information on the solar system's

[@michaelmerrithew4042]

Refitting my new to me Catalina 42 mk ii. Repeating how I had my C and C 37. 2 thousand watt sets, 4 x 500 watt panels, 11.5 x 42 inches, with 2 controllers, $249.00 per 1000 w set. And lithium have come way way down. Put 2 new ones on the old boat, 2 x 100 Ah, $179 ea, with BMS. By the way, I'm told a 100 Ah battery is actually about 109 Ah, so u can take them down to 90% and not hurt them. So, u get 100 Ah out of a 100 Ah battery. Congrats on your new job. I love the magazine. Keep up the good work.

[@AspiringLegends]

Keep up the good work. Too many are all too willing to criticize or trash someone from behind a computer.

[@LadyKSailing]

thanks!

[@traviskreger7235]

Thanks for all you do.

[@germen499]

You definitely achieve your goals, thanks a lot

[@patrickmooney4135]

I love all Lady K Sailing videos! thanks.

[@LadyKSailing]

Glad you like them!

[@moparnation2235]

Keep doing what your doing, it's great

[@edh8395]

Hi Tim. Thank you for yet another very informative episode. Question for you regarding your solar examples: All of them used dedicated batteries to store the charge, but why not run the charge directly into the existing house battery on the boat?

[@sebastiaanhoenderdos7458]

Great timing, ik just working on my solar systeem!

[@user-nj2vv2xm4j]

I can tell you from experience not all solar panels are =, some are much, much, much better than others. It does matter. Been off gridding for more than 15 years on and off in our motor home. Love your channel, a sailboat is in our future as long as we stay healthy.

[@jacobmacik8543]

Getten out there!! Good job!

[@valerioparboni1765]

keep up with your good work🎉

[@Morrisfactor]

Tim - I find the cost of 1200 watts of solar energy to be affordable - it is an arch or hard Bimini top to mount them on that cost "the big bucks". In Annapolis we were quoted $12,500 for a stainless arch. We went to a popular aluminum arch sold in a box company and were quoted $9,500. And these prices were just to fabricate the arches; both prices were for US to install them. I examined side mounts on the aft cockpit railings, but that only allowed two panels - and they'd have to be tilted flat under sail if it was rough. I think the biggest problem is where and how to install these big panels without spending a year of cruising funds for a mounting place.

[@freemansmith1]

Great information. Thanks Tim

[@LadyKSailing]

Glad it was helpful!