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Messages - NewToTheRoad

#61
Hi Gary,
  I just went through the same process that you are going through.  You might want to take a look at my thread  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,9283.0.html

  I ended up going with a 50w Flex solar panel ($95) and a BlueSolar MPPT charge controller ($99) both purchased from Amazon.  I installed the panel on a bracket on my stern rail and the charge controller under the nav station desk.  It went fairly easily for a novice like myself.  I'm pretty happy so far.  In 2 days it took the battery up to full charge.  I don't have a battery monitor but the controller indicated Full Charge.

note:  I only have it hooked to 1 battery right now.  At some point I will put in the Echo charger.  In the interim I might try leaving the switch on "Both" which will charge both batteries.  There are pros\cons to that.  I have a spare battery (to be wired as my dedicated starter) in the event that I screw up and drain both.

I will try and upload an image.  Let's see if it works.
Bryan


#62
Got it.  Thanks for the clarifications.  I like the simplicity aspect and will, with time and $, move in that direction.  I have read a lot of the debate on the AB switch and there are many great points of view.
Battery was only  $99 but will definitely run it by the group when I go to golf cart batteries for the house.

My plan was to install the controller under the Nav station which is ultimately 2 ft farther than the AB switch.  So my run to the battery box is at least 6 feet( through the wet locker and behind the main panel) which I undertand will have some voltage drop.  But, it seemed to be an easy location to monitor and out of the way.  I have read where others have done the same.  Is there a better location closer to the battery?
#63
Quote from: mark_53 on April 11, 2017, 10:03:35 AM
I believe it would. If your batteries are OEM wired, when you switch to both, you put them in parallel. The thing is your wiring runs to charge become rather long and you will see more voltage drop then if you wired them individually from the controller.

Mark,
  I may have misunderstood you but the controller has a single positive and negative connection to the battery.  If I were to wire them individually from the controller wouldn't that wiring essentially put the batteries in parallel and negate the 1, 2, both switch?  My understanding is that I would need a device between the controller and battery(s), such as a xantrex echo charge, to keep them both isolated but allow charging of each.
Bryan
#64
Thanks for some great feedback J_Sail.  That is definitely the direction I need to be going.

bryan
#65
Thanks Guys.

I am assuming original, 2 battery configuration.  I just bought the boat in Sep and then it went immediately into Winter storage.  So, I don't have any practical experience.  My #1 reason for the solar is because I intend to keep it on a mooring.  There is no fridge or inverter and minimal electronics.  All interior lights are LED and I don't expect to be using running lights.  Toilet is elec.  My expected usage will be day sails and maybe some weekends.

Yes, my only reluctance was that everything is left live, but I can live with that for now.  This is somewhat of an interim solution.  After reading most of the elec mods my plan is to go to a dedicated starter and house setup before next season.  My plan was to add a dual or echo charger at that time.  I did just purchase a dual purpose Group 24 battery at West marine to keep as a on-board spare and eventually become my starter.
#66
OK guys.  I followed conventional wisdom and went with the following:

Victron Energy Blue Solar Controller (100/15)
A 50W flexible panel that I will mount off the stern rail to get optimal sun.

My plan is to wire the controller directly to one of my two batteries (currently only have two).  If I leave the battery switch on "Both" with that effectively top off both batteries similar to how the alternator would?

Thanks,
  Bryan
#67
Thanks guys for all of the replies.  Yes I was hoping for a quick answer and yes I should spend "more" time in 101.  I knew that I saw something, somewhere on this site, and have dabbled in 101 periodically.   But it looks to be a treasure trove of info.  Thanks for the further direction Stu.  The volume of info can be daunting and certainly useful when I do the full upgrade.  What I did find was some good tips on small panels and controllers, that I did not find via the search feature.

Being a newbie, I don't know what I don't know.  Not having even a full season on her yet I don't know what our power needs will be.  I do know that she will be on a mooring and minimally we will be doing frequent day sailing.  I do know that I need to insure the bilge works when unattended and that I can start the engine when I need to.

So, I think my plan will be to be smart, follow everyone's advice, and go with a simple controller until I get a better feel for our needs.

#68
Thanks Rick.  I am really ignorant on a lot of the electrical stuff.  In going with this higher wattage (100+) would that mean that my 2 batteries would come up to charge much quicker than the lower wattage one (e.g. 15W).  That would be beneficial when I do overnights.

Also, is there a specific, cheaper controller that you would recommend?

Bryan
#69
Thanks Stu.  Definitely a lot to consider.  To be clear, phase 1 is just an interim plan.  This product though might be a better option as it is cheaper, and has a built in controller:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004Q820TQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2STGU6C1MQNB5&coliid=I3SM4JIZG5MXCS&psc=1

My current 2 batteries are of an undetermined age so I really don't think I have much to lose. 

#70
Yes, and it looks to have been there for some time.  I also have a 2nd head - aka 5 gal Lowes bucket..
#71
Main Message Board / Solar charger without controller
January 11, 2017, 10:06:10 AM
Hey guys,
  Boat is stock with no battery charger other than the alternator.  She will be kept on a mooring 100% of the time so I obviously need something to keep the batteries charged.  Currently I have just 2 that appear to be 75AH each.  What do you think of this charger, which appears to require no controller based on my batteries being above 50AH?

https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Charger-Regulating-experience-Dimensions/dp/B0046DSLFS/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1484157254&sr=1-1&keywords=duravolt

note:  This will be an interim solution.  In the next year or two I will probably look to add battery capacity (at least a dedicated  starter but maybe golf cart route) increased solar panel, charge controller, etc. 

Also, current 12v needs are just some small instruments, vhf, toilet, bilge pump, and LED lighting.  No refrig or AC.

Thanks!

Bryan
#72
Thanks guys.  My plan was if I did fill and redrill the hole, it would be at home and not on the boat into the fiberglass.
#73
I am in the process of refinishing my cabin sole, which by the looks of it hadn't been done in 28 years.  My question has to do with the screw holes.  Some of the screws heads needed to be drilled out and others were sunk almost all the way through so the floor was probably loose in those areas.  So, I have bigger holes than I need in many of the sole boards.

Question 1:  My guess is that my best choice is to fill the holes with epoxy and then redrill and countersink for the same size screw.  Does that sound like the right plan of attack?

Question 2:  It seems like everyone recommends treating the bottoms and sides with a brush on epoxy if they are raw wood.  Is that the same type of epoxy that I would use for filling the screw holes?

Question 3:  Are these the same clear epoxies that I would use to fill the deep gouges in the veneer?  In all my research I see people commenting that the epoxy is very hard to sand so that makes me a little nervous.

Thanks!

Bryan
#74
Thanks guys.  Good to know that putting the 3way close to the battery wasn't just me being lazy :)  much thanks for the recommendations.
#75
Thanks for the input guys.  Very much appreciated.

Jon, I get what you mean about the 3700 draw.  I chose that mainly based on existing thru hull outlet size.  Trying to keep it simple as I replace an older, unnamed pump, and original, brittle hoses.  And, not get too over my head.  Ideally, 2 pumps would be best and slated for a future upgrade.  New boat, to me, so trying to prioritize.  And, next year will predominately inshore, bay cruising.  Anyhow, that's my logic.  Anything has to be better than the manual switch the previous owner used..

Future big project, probably next winter, will be the 4 battery golf cart upgrade with a solar controller and everything else that goes along with it.  She is pretty much at factory spec right now.

Bryan