Contessa 26 Refit Ep.47 - Solar Power

[@bobstephens410]

Thank you for the very clear and detailed explanation. I will use a similar setup

[@EpoxyAndButylTape]

Glad it was helpful.

[@rabsmcsporrin9572]

Wow your skills are amazing, I love how everything is done correctly and the way you explain everything is an absolute credit to you, I'm surprised that you don't have a lot more subs, love your work

[@EpoxyAndButylTape]

Thanks! I'm happy you enjoy it.

[@charles.neuman18]

Great! Very clear and helpful. Can you remind me what your house batteries are? What type and capacity? I can't believe how inexpensive all this is. I've seen people go all out with Victron and it's WAY more. Nice to know there are other options.

[@EpoxyAndButylTape]

Glad to help. I have 2 lead/acid marine deep cycle batteries. One for starting (65 amp hours) and a slightly larger one (85 amp hours) for house power. They were a little over $100 each two years ago. I keep them topped off, and they’ve lasted despite being inexpensive.

[@charles.neuman18]

@@EpoxyAndButylTape Cool, thanks!

[@rabsmcsporrin9572]

What is your opinion on lithium batteries, I personally wouldn't have them in a boat nor would I have electric motor

[@EpoxyAndButylTape]

They are certainly a lot lighter, but for my purposes, the cost/benefit ratio is probably not something that would make me consider them. I would, however, upgrade my lead acid batteries to AGM since they are only a little bit more cost but provide you with a few more benefits like longer life and no spillage when knocked down.

[@MrLawman82]

I was wondering when you would get to the solar panels. Are you planning on any extended crossings in the future.

[@EpoxyAndButylTape]

I was planning on crossing the Pacific, but now that my wife’s onboard, we are going to spend a Winter in the Bahamas and then decide where to go from there.

[@lukemcarful]

Where do you keep your battery? I'll be doing a solar setup on my Contessa in a couple of weeks and will be doing a two battery 12v setup. I've heard that Contessa's are notorious for being wet which can cause issues for electronics.

[@EpoxyAndButylTape]

I relocated them under the port settee, check my episode 16. Though I may be moving them back to the center bilge if I get AGM batteries. Contessa aren’t really any wetter than other low freeboard boats. People who say that are usually the ones who never actually sailed in one.

[@srmj71]

I live along the Gulf Coast. There are boats for sale all around me. I'd have no idea if I'm getting a great deal, or getting my @$$ handed to me. I really want to get into sailing, and I'm not going to ask you how to get into it, I'd like to ask how you got into it. I realize I might be asking a question, that requires quite an explanation.. even a summation would be great. I'm asking you, because you and I do things in a similar manner and that's something I can work with. Thanks for any time and apologize for being that guy. ;-)

[@EpoxyAndButylTape]

I was born into it. My dad was an old salt in the literal sense and took me on my first offshore trip in 1980 on a leaky wooden boat that had an auxiliary engine that was probably built during World War One. We had several boats growing up, but I didn’t own my own until well into adulthood, and I’ve owned quite a few. If you’re looking to buy your first boat, all I can say is that you need to be willing to work on your boat constantly. Even new boats need constant attention. There’s no such thing as “set it and forget it” on a boat. If you have some basic skills and a place to keep your boat, then it needn’t be expensive. Specific tasks can be learned through videos, books, or just chatting with people in a boatyard.

[@srmj71]

@@EpoxyAndButylTape Living where I do, everything I have is under constant attack by the sea. Everything from the kids bikes, to the cars and rv. The sea hates anything made by man! Thanks for your time!

[@EpoxyAndButylTape]

You are very welcome.