Solar Dodger

[Rick Johnson]

I don't think I posted this before, so....

I believe you can never have too much power while out on the hook...  I added two 40w solar panels to go with the 100w on the stern arch/davits.  The new panels are BP panels I got on eBay.  

http://cgi.ebay.com/BP-340J-SOLAR-PANEL-40W-12VDC-2-31Amp-NEW_W0QQitemZ270466797907QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ef913d153

The price went up slightly but I still think it is a steal at $155 each.  I'm considering adding two more on either side of the 100w panel.

Cheers,

Rick

This follows from here "Hard Dodger":  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4760.0.html

[waterdog]

An excellent use of real estate.  Don't forget you have room for another 400W on top of that bimini.   The dodger looks great.   I can't remember if we saw the finished article before now. 

[David Urscheler]

Rick:
Is that a hard top dodger? Mine is on it's last legs and I would like to add some solar panels. This sounds like an opportunity to do both. Was it custom made?

Dave

[Rick Johnson]

Dave, You can call it custom if that includes being a DIY job.  A friend gave me the SS frame and I made the hard dodger for about $400.  I still need to paint it with a coat of Interlux Perfection (Flag Blue) and add the ss grab-rails.  Not a horrible project as far as effort and I'm very happy with the results.  Let me know if you want any details.

Rick

(Before Stu can add the link, here it is.)

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4760.0.html

P.S. One more comment.  In the various pictures you might think the hard dodger looks too tall.  I have slowly been lowering the frame (cutting 1" off at a time) until it's just on the verge of being too short.  I think it's perfect now, but it's about 5 inches lower than in the first pictures.

[SeaFever]

Hi Rick,

Excellent Dodger! I have sent you a personal message to get all the info from you. Seems like a real worthwhile project. Thanks for posting.

[jkar]

Rick, I sent you a note as well to get specifics.  I think you are being setup to write it up :-)  How did you attach to the frame?  Straight epoxy or 5200?  Joel

[Rick Johnson]

Joel, the dodger is attached with 16 - 1/4" stainless steel carriage bolts and 8 - stainless steel pipe clamps from McMaster-Carr.  I was hesitant to drill holes in the dodger at first, but I'm very happy with how it turned out.  I don't think I'll have any issues with the strength of the attachment.

Cheers,

Rick