I'm just finalising my spec. for boat 51, and we are off to the factory next Thursday. I am going to have the larger 70Ah battery, but no sure whether the solar panel is worth having? I won't do much night sailing, so main electrical drain will be Garmin 178. The panel adds £352, yet makes sense to add at initial build (wires, etc). Anyone got comments / experience either way? Thanks! Stephen
Stephen Godber

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I have the solar panel.....could you not ask for the wiring to a deck plug and not get the panel or regulator...

The problem I have found is that when you are using the boat, say for a weeks cruise, the hatch is over the panel so it is not doing anything when you most need it..

It will keep the battery topped up while you are away from the boat.

The choice is yours....

Paul Burton 235/40 Lady Penelope.
Paul Burton

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Thanks Paul - good point, will see how much just to wire for now. But guess I'll probably have the whole thing done when I get to it!
Stephen Godber

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Trying to find your email so I could return your telephone message the other day, hope I got the right person. Could you email me back so I can send you proper message. Vicki x
vicki

We have the solar panel as fitted by Bill.

We have used it on a 2 week period on board with no problems. It is easy to have the hatch only partially closed so it still charges in full sunlight.

We are careful about how much power we use - we don't use a tiller pilot for example, but for simple domestic needs it has coped faultlessly so far.
Brian Fisher

My 235 is now at Rutland for the winter....so no engine charging..

We will see how the solar panels keeps up with charging..

Log, int. lights, GPS, kids charging there gameboys...

Will keep you imformed...

Going to Rutland today 2/11/06 anyone want a sail...07973385548.

Paul Burton 235/40 Lady P.
Paul Burton

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Thanks Brisn - I HAVE now asked Bill to fit the standard panel, so good to hear it works! We too won't be loading the battery alot, but nor will be using the engine much either, so it should do the job. Thanks!
Stephen Godber

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