Upgrading our Solar Array for Self-Sufficient Sailing | S03E34

After spending a month tied to a dock Jordan and I are excited to get back on the hook. The last item on our to-do list before casting the lines is to upgrade our solar array to be 100% self-sufficient. Jordan walks us through the design, installation and wiring process of our brand new 400 watt solar array on Atticus.
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[@MurphShaw]

I'm 77 years old, living my life vicariously through you. And saving for a boat. Not too old I hope LOL - I got it Catalina 30

[@joegeorge7868]

Go for it Murphey. Live every single day. You definitely can do it!

[@mikekinney5962]

Jeanne Socrates did a solo circumnavigation at 77

[@richardmason902]

Definitely not too old. It's only a number.

[@tamo9520]

Don't ever give up on your dream Murphey! I am also living vicariously through Jordan & Desire as well. I've always been an adventurer & I was considering converting an ambulance, no, not into a floating boat of sorts, but into my tiny new travelling home. But I've always been a teal salt-water, white sand and palm tree kind'a gal. Because of that, I am looking into taking sailing lessons & like you, buying my own sailboat I'm 58 & embarking on my new life's adventure. Maybe we can share tips.

[@tonylama2012]

You can do it

[@jandtlivinglife3130]

OK Now I feel much better. I was thinking that the world was messed up beyond saving. After coming across your channel for the first time, now I realize that the future is in the hands of people like you and everything's going to work out fine after all. My wife and I cruised 30,000 miles in the Pacific. We waited until we could 'afford' it and ended up doing it in our late 50's and early 60's on a Kelly-Peterson 46. We would meet the occasional younger couple doing it on a boat like yours (well, maybe not quite as nice as Atticus but same basic size and level of simplicity) and I would often wonder if we shouldn't have done it earlier. You guys are hopelessly addicted. I wonder what your futures will bring. What I do know is that your time cruising now will set you apart from the hordes for the rest of your lives. Congratulations on your achievements to date. I'm going to subscribe and start watching your channel from the beginning. Thanks for brightening up my day.

[@Lees920]

DIY is an understatement. I feel like I'm watching "This Old Boat". Great job, Jordan.

[@BGLastFrontier27]

My Atticus drinking game is to drink any time you say "literally" or "bud". I'm sober after this episode but that's ok it was great. I did laugh out loud when you dropped the screw.

[@isnoo1]

LOVE IT!!!

[@helihead11]

Yeah bud, Have a drink also for dropping a screw into the only open hole on the deck, I’ve done that with the last screw needed to finish a project. Took a long time to find it and I didn’t have a replacement.

[@DrBarnes1]

My experience is you drop the screw, it bounces once, and takes the right angle to go overboard. Murphy's law.

[@amydixon8387]

Jordan very impressed with the meticulous planning you incorporate into the projects. Good luck.

[@kenmorgan9470]

Missed your calling, Jordan. Shoulda been a teacher. You explain yourself very well.

[@joegeorge7868]

He is teaching us, Ken, through every video. Teaching us about the Zen of life. The Zen of sailing. The fixing of problems, is adding meaning to existence. Robert Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintenance is not too far off from Jordan's take on boat maintenance. Blessings to all.

[@MrCripsy]

Loved that laugh when Jordan dropped the screw... man I’ve done that soooo many times!

[@davekyle6096]

Awesome channel! So nice to watch two humble, knowledgable motivated young sailors. Thanks for sharing, you two!

[@JohnVanGeem]

I love the episodes where you create something to make your everyday life better, so awesome

[@jackytruelove5777]

Jordan.... it is always a pleasure to see how much careful thought you give to every project before you pick up the tools and then how neatly you finish everything off. Two happy Buds to be off the dock and back on the hook. Thanks for a great video.

[@kristinavy9037]

If this sailing thing ever stops working out for you, you would make great teachers. You guys are awesome!

[@marnickhegger9381]

Love this episode The way Jordan is hobby-ing Very precise work

[@estebana.miralles3619]

You are not only handy fellow but a genius!! I am amazed by all your skills. Awesome job!! Cheers!

[@christopherholt8459]

I have been catching up on Sailing Project Atticus since I stumbled upon this channel earlier this year. It has been a great watch up until this episode. The popup ads in this episode every few minutes were more than distracting. Keep up the great editing and documentation of your exploits. I am living vicariously through your trials and tribulations.

[@dannooney504]

Let me take a guess..those cheap solar panels were made in China?

[@chase4116]

Why don't these fools have more subscribers????? They should. I watch quite a few sailing channels and these guys are in my top 3. Which is pretty damn good considering the competition.

[@jandtlivinglife3130]

Just curious. What are the other two?

[@chase4116]

@@jandtlivinglife3130 SV Delos and La Vagabonde. They both have been around for awhile and are "big time" productions if you will.

[@richardmason902]

I agree. They are totally awesome.

[@donlunn792]

@Chase, “Fools”? I agree they should have more subs.But! “Fools” They are anything but! Fools. Two great people living the dream. Perhaps you should rephrase your comment. Even though it’s a year old.👎👎

[@chase4116]

@@donlunn792 Are you 80 years old? Get with the times bucko,

[@buddydog1956]

Well thought out plan for the wiring and installation ~ I enjoyed listening to your steps of procedure !

[@mihovilgattin3074]

You are amazing captain and more jobs you did it!!!!Very very good crew!!!!!Good sea!!!!!!

[@JayDKBGames]

I like this technical handy man stuff, interesting watching this install and on a boat. Good video

[@Michael-xp5mw]

I do automotive restoration and just wanted to say that Desiree's upholstery work is definitely a great skill set to have on a sail boat & for side work! 🤙

[@ryanwynott]

Two suggestions:1) Might be worth the effort to come up with a bottom support strut for the hard panels. The rope will be casting shadows on them almost all the time. Assuming the hard panels are monocrystalline they will be more sensitive to shading than the flexible panels you're used to. Something pretty easy to test how much the rope is affecting output, see if it's worth the effort. 2) When you have exposed duplex on deck, I think it helps the appearance if you strip the cover/sheathing off some appropriate size rope, and then fish the wiring through that, so basically it just looks like rope. Bit tidier appearance if that's something you care about.

[@scott.wallace8625]

A guy on my dock has solar panels in the same configuration. He has a under mount slide hinge just twist the key too loosten adjust to angle twist key again. Secure. Probably not cheap.

[@sargintrock2538]

Thanks Cap'n. Great info. Cutting the rubber deck plug was brilliant!

[@SailingKittiwake]

Solar is totally the way to go! We put a honking great domestic solar panel on the new Tayana and it's working a treat!

[@clayfarnet970]

I bet you guys are loving your big new boat. And you have new super powers. :) Cheers!

[@Mr_CMH]

I enjoy these technical episodes.

[@bobjenkins3862]

Well done! Thanks for living our dreams.

[@devinharp636]

Great video guys. Appreciate the effort and time that you both put into showing us your adventures! From Oklahoma ❤

[@insaynbcr]

Totally love the sunshade setup Des sewed up for Atticus. On a side note, I would highly recommend soldering any wire connections (crimped or not) and cover with marine heat shrink tubing rather than just using the crimp connectors. The marine heat shrink tubing has a glue inside that when heated and tube shrinks, it completely water/air proofs each connection. Using crimp connectors alone will eventually allow for corrosion in the salty environment that Atticus will obviously be living in.

[@jasonkerr6222]

Love to see your whole electrical load calculation.....

[@anduong6595]

Sailing Uma did one not sure about Atticus...

[@FoleysAdventures]

22:30, and I'm thinking blue painters tape over hole, lol...When I first started watching you guys an fo9und out you started your voyage with $2000, I thought you were crazy. By now it's become apparent that the two of you could make your way anywhere the wind takes you.

[@toastfrenzy]

Resourceful to the end, inspirational to say the least buds!

[@thegreek8962]

What an engineer ~ What a team

[@saltyfingers6084]

Thanks guys! I've been figuring out how to do this on my Seawind II, and adding the rails looks like the ticket!

[@svzigzag5898]

You two have really gone a long way!

[@joegeorge7868]

Jordan, your effort, planning, dedication, work ethos and joy for life, comes through in every video. Keep going strong. It is the pains of life that make the good times worth it.

[@froid7014]

another great video, and the adventure continues

[@williamcarr1148]

Xllnt show as usual,,I installed solar(hot water panels and electro panels) in Sacramento and Sierra foothills for many years. Gold country!!

[@DrBarnes1]

I love watching all the improvisation -- installing the solar panels, figuring out the charge controller, using Velcro on the sun shade, and getting the curtains in place for the sun shade.

[@kevincarey1076]

Great episode. Just started following your adventure, watching all past episodes. You guys ROCK!!! Fair winds and following seas Atticus!

[@mrrobkennedy]

Nice to hear from you both again! Outstanding job Jordan walking us through the entire process step by step of adding power. Well done bud!

[@jackfletcher4175]

Mads of Sail Life. Teal of Onboard Lifestyle. Jordan of Sailing Project Attticus. Andy of BoatworksToday. If I could be counted as among or in the shadow of such men, I could not think of any greater praise. Thank you, Jordan, Thank You.

[@caicaraskiki]

Hence the old saying, "measure three times, cut once." I am enjoying your adventures. Don't forget to hoist up your dinghy at night to prevent theft. You are in interesting waters.

[@19tibbetts]

Jordan I know how much work it is to do a project. When you tape it it’s 3x more. Thanks for the thorough explanations .You guys are great ,love you both....

[@JayDKBGames]

I had to subscribe and I swear I have no boating desire at all the videos are really interesting seeing people live different than the norm.

[@tomwilliams8675]

Excellent job.

[@tomtiernan8134]

You are a very resourceful man. I’ll bet you’re glad you don’t eat a lot of deserts. 😀

[@para1324]

Good job, well thought out plan. Get er done!! ⛵️☀️

[@HeidiandFranny]

Awesome Jordon! Great job!

[@mikecaudill1710]

I'm always captivated by your projects. Also, dropping the screw brought back many memories. Wish I could be as calm as you are in the video. You guys are are great team and your adventures are awesome!

[@martyhandley4456]

Sweet.....I didn’t have to work early today......And my fav couple posted a vid.....good day, very good day

[@dratko1213]

Nice work, I’m right in the middle of my flexible panel install on top of my Bimini. I stitched some heavy Velcro in a pattern into my sumbrella Bimini and glued the velcro to back of panel. Hoping it makes for easy removal/install. It’s a sloop rig though so it’s a little easier to find a good spot . Wires go up my wing gen mast. Hope it stays put, will keep you updated.

[@ABeriault]

Good show!

[@dangitgrossman]

Love love love the long episodes !!!

[@yachticus]

just a thought - you have small cordage securing your panels to the life lines - we have found that similar length pieces of bungy cord secure as well with the added bonus the elastic nature of the bungy cord allows the cover to get "gusted" and not place too much strain on the guard rails - a bit like shock absorbers if you wish. quite happily sits there in up to 20 - 23 kts of true wind. Just a thought and you two are doing a great job

[@d.j.robinson9424]

Looks great buddy, score 1 for the screw..😉⛵🎣🐟

[@tonywaller680]

Hey Jordan,,,you have the patience of a saint,doing those kind of jobs ,and getting detailed video coverage, Hang in there! Regards TW Canada's west coast

[@ghhutch]

Very creative

[@sailinginvictus1756]

Hi Guys.... What make, year and size is your boat? We love watching your channel! Happy sailing!

[@Nadys1966]

Wow !! I admire you guys. love watching your videos. Super Like. Cheers from Kingdom of Bahrain.

[@tonylama2012]

You guys do good work

[@danieloliver20]

"Send more Kahlua!"..... nice DIY project, I'm surprised you didn't drop something over the side, don't ask how I know! :))

[@rbrantley86]

Hands of to you. I thought that I was able to get into small places but you take the cake. I was getting claustrophobic just watching you crawl into that small area to run the wires.

[@sargintrock2538]

And the MAN is 6'4"! Astonishing!

[@lecaton5973]

Well done, very impressive.

[@heatheraycock2758]

Hello from St Petersburg, FL! My bf and I have been watching for a while. Must say I have lots of admiration for you two and the hard work you’ve put in. After discussing it for the 4 yrs together, we just got a sailboat and took our first couple voyage to Bimini, Bahamas! We’re docked back at home now, planning income sources for leaving our 9-5 jobs (me- chemist, him- software developer). I’ve never considered donating/patreon with any one else, but will likely do it for you two! Happy sailing 😊⛵️

[@svzigzag5898]

I like the sun shade that’s dam nice

[@waynemazan7485]

Well done... nice work !!!

[@isnoo1]

Finally went to check on what Conch Republic was all about.............. Love it!!

[@bobthealmightybread]

awesome project!

[@h.v7461]

Famous last words: we’re gonna need more Kahlua! LoL. Cheers 🍻 mate.

[@freeholdtacticalmed]

35’ ketch with 200 w. Solar and a wind gen...I’m adding two 100 w. Flexible panels to my Dodger/Bimini. Good luck with the new boat. SV Shayndel.

[@marcwouters6059]

Cool stuff !!!!

[@troyreavessr9723]

Getting done Bud, Great Job!!!

[@russellarendt5565]

Well done.. watching for a few months, started at the first episode and marathoned (2 days) to catch up. Makes my day to see your progress with each new offering. Message coming to you from Mekong delta Vietnam.. pissing rain, wind and thunder storm tonight☮️

[@erichaskell]

Very much appreciate these more complete videos. We like to learn from your experiences.

[@mariorodriguez2299]

Well done !!!!👍🏽💪🏼

[@JustChasingWaterfalls]

Over a year late, but I'd put a couple bungee cords between the panels. That would make them easy to remove and install. Love your ingenuity. Great video.

[@samircalido8000]

LOVE WHAT YOU TWO ARE DOING.

[@stephenferguson1870]

Another Great Video, love the DYI videos. The videos get better and better each time , love the music and editing .

[@Arai80vlc]

Well done guys! Amazing project! Keep going! Thanks for sharing!

[@SkyKing58318]

Jordan, guys, I LOVE your channel! Look, my question is pretty basic and full disclosure: I never took shop classes in High School, so I don't know a Watt from a widget. I'd be interested in seeing a DIY video of how you assess your electrical needs and then figure out how to meet those needs. Or, what educational sources you used to help you...

[@BOAExplore]

So happy to see a new video. You both are rockin it out there.

[@kennediens]

Impressive work!

[@terrapinhollowstudios5020]

Great job. Thanks for bringing us along in all your processes. This was fun.

[@panamajosh76]

Man I tell ya, screws have a mind of there own! They always find a hole to escape thru and its never in an accessible place. Lol!

[@unclebob6728]

Mine were trained to jump overboard!

[@northeden8661]

Awesome. Great vid.

[@nicholasbigney4143]

First, I absolutely know what Desiree is saying about being at anchor. Being tied to a dock is a horrible thing. Second, I applaud the installation of those panels. It seems as though you have your act together in DIY projects. Nothing like doing it yourself.

[@liberty4175]

Great work 🤙🏽Wow !

[@tcarden86]

Loving all your videos and hoping to get more into sailing soon after years of motorcycle traveling! It's better not to strip back the wire more than an 1/8 to 1/4 inch when crimping on the pin for an MC4 connector. I'm a solar electrician and see damage/failures related to too much of the wire poking into those connectors. Mad respect for all your hard work!!

[@robertvail3677]

great job. now for the watermaker, fridg, freezer and icemaker. whew does it ever end.hahaha..love you guys.😀😜😀

[@karlfair]

Nice upgrade. If you make your rail mounts for the panels a friction clamp, it would make it easy to adjust for the sun angle. Also if you can mount so you can swing them inboard of the rail, it would reduce the risk of damage when docking. Have fun.

[@jacktaylor1030]

Hello Atticus Crew, Looks like you got most things under control, I just Love the Sunshades Desiree made for the Boat. I also liked how she summed up the feeling of moving from the Dock, back to your Own little Island of Solitude. When's your next Live Show. so I can send y'all a little Moolah. Love Y'all.

[@HopeOfJoe]

Absolutely great work........including the couple of oooops. 😊👍✨🥂✨⛵️⚓️✨

[@jprism1]

I am a novice KZbinr who's channel post local motorcycle videos of friends and I riding in the US. What I would like to learn from you is what video editor you use and if you use a video compression tool like HandBrake to lessen the time to uplaod your videos. Love your channel as I love sailing and travel...keep up the great work.

[@martinbuinicki1056]

Will be watching to see how those hard panels work in high seas and heavy wind!

[@vladv7432]

Great! More technical and maintennence videos, please!

[@glenmisha]

Great DIY vlogs! Would love to see more island life vlogs & excursions. Thanks!

[@budpratt4295]

Thank you. I enjoyed your thought process as you worked through your project. It is very informative as I consider the addition of solar panels to my own boat. You need to stock up on your bar supplies. One should never be caught without enough booze.

[@Frindleeguy]

Quick note to say you guys are awesome. Keep it up folks ;)

[@tartansailor]

Very informative, thank you.

[@firm1z]

👏👏👏👏👏 great job.

[@skeingamepodcast5993]

We used bbq rail mounts off amazon for our pivoting panels, mounted on stainless rails like yours. And then we have telescopic squeegees (like, for window washing lol) so we can angle them as needed. The squeegees just get hung on the railing when we're underway and the panels are down.

[@chrisboulet7024]

You guys rock! Your videos keep getting better and better. I truly enjoy them. Keep up the great work 👍