|
|
Post by Elcano on Oct 7, 2022 19:30:09 GMT
Hi, I currently have two flexible solar panels on my bimini and need to change them. The bimini is done and the surface of the panels (Solbian) is kind of milky. I would like to swap to a solar arch construction and rigid panels. I plan to put 4 times 100 Watts on top. Not sure if I also will install a wind generator on the arch. Am a bit concerned about partially shading the panels with this idea. Experiences and thoughts are highly appreciated. I also want to fix my tender to it. I was talking to a marine metal company today and the guy suggested 35mm or 40mm diameter with 2mm material thickness (316 stainless). I like a construction wich leads two legs of the arch to the stern of the boat and 2 legs to the deck. Like my “neighbour on the left in the picture: ![]()  Do you have experience and advice for me especially regarding the following topics: + Influence on the stability on the boat (arch, panels and tender have around 120 kg) + does the deck and the transom take that load? + any other ship design restrictions? + where would you put the cables for the panels? Thank you for the help! Elcano |
|
|
|
Post by Maravilla on Oct 7, 2022 21:01:42 GMT
Take a look at Atlantic Tower’s “Tower in a Box”. They are anodized aluminum instead of stainless, but look great and the price is much better than a custom stainless job.
|
|
|
|
Post by dslittle on Oct 10, 2022 7:46:54 GMT
Hi, Do you have experience and advice for me especially regarding the following topics: + Influence on the stability on the boat (arch, panels and tender have around 120 kg) + does the deck and the transom take that load? + any other ship design restrictions? + where would you put the cables for the panels? Thank you for the help! Elcano Seeing as I think that I’ve seen the boat starboard of you and the other has a French flag, I’m guessing that we are not far from you as we are in Arzal??? We had an arch made for our 45DS over ten years ago and have three rigid 150w panels on it. 1. Although I have no doubt that they do influence the stability, we have done a few thousand miles with them in many different conditions and I have not felt that our stability/sailing performance has been compromised. 2. After ten years+ there has been no sign of any fatigue 3. The only design consideration for us was the fact that we didn’t want to extend our LOA so the panels end above the stern 4. Cables for solar and AIS antenna were run into the arch through holes and then down into the lazarette We are totally self sufficient with the solar, I did consider a wind generator but due to noise, shading and added complication/cost decided against it… As an aside, although we do use the arch to help suspend the dinghy, much of the weight is taken on the swim platform with snap davits (which also aid stability for getting in and out with the dog…) We are getting lifted on Wednesday and will be in the yard if you are nearby and want to have a look. Edit - looking at the background, you are probably quite a bit further South than us. If you PM me an email address, I’ll try to send you some photos. |
|
|
|
Post by Elcano on Oct 10, 2022 9:43:16 GMT
Great thank you will send you a PM.
|
|
|
|
Post by eoin2020 on Nov 20, 2022 0:00:34 GMT
Hi,........ Do you have experience and advice for me especially regarding the following topics: + Influence on the stability on the boat (arch, panels and tender have around 120 kg) + does the deck and the transom take that load? + any other ship design restrictions? + where would you put the cables for the panels? Thank you for the help! Elcano Hi there Elcano, How is the progress going with your Arch build? I'm almost finished mine on my SO37, and so maybe this maybe of some advice.... And to answer your questions; It has been suggested already and I agree that the added weight aloft can and or could contribute to moving the centre of gravity higher. But as you know would also depend on your provisioning. As Jeanneau yachts tend to lean towards the performance and cruiser/racer category of production yachts. With Bal/Disp averaging 30%. Not in the heavy Bal/Disp higher 40%+ category. I haven't actually fitted mine yet but I do know how she handles and heals in large waves and 30+knt so I can come back with a more definite confirmation on my build. However, I chose 1.65mm wall thickness as opposed to your suggestion of 2mm, for weight reasons. And the lighter 1.65mm wall thickness doesn't compromise structural integrity. But is more difficult to weld for the amateur welders out there. I chose to not mount my arch aft legs on the sloped transom for structural reasons. I know I could add additional layers of glass and resin internally but why add additional work!. Choosing the quarter decks adjacent to my back stay mounts. Reason being I'm assuming Jeanneau have suitable reinforcement at the chain plate mounts. I'm removing my factory fitted pushpit and staying within their footprint. I've also chosen to fit my forward legs on the aluminium toe rail. Again for structural reasons, so my arch legs have 6mm (1/4") 316L Stainless base plates. Drilled through the 5mm aluminium toe rail, through the deck, through the topside flange joint and then also with a 6mm 316L backing plate. Mounting in this way spreads the load exponentially should I decide at a later date to hang my dingy from my arch. But as you know with the dissimilar metals I'm also adding a rubber gasket between the stainless and aluminium toe rail. And will also have to add a nylon sleeve on the bolt thread. Something I don't see mentioned but is a necessity is the requirement for adding grounding from our Solar Arches to the ships ground also. But I'm sure the electrically minded members here can add to that. One suggestion for you is to not increase your yacht's LOA with the arch either. And finally I'm running my cables down both aft legs. With a Stainless sleeve welded within the base plates akin to a dorade vent, to hopefully prevent moisture condensation from running down internally. Best of luck with your design. |
|
nefta
New Member
Posts: 1
|
Post by nefta on Nov 25, 2022 10:57:15 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Elcano on Nov 28, 2022 16:15:09 GMT
Hi Eoin2020, thank you for your detailed description, that is super helpful. My project did not move much forward in the last weeks, because I am still trying to find an experienced (marine) stainless steel workshop in Sicily. Not as easy as I thought. I might need to widen my scope. At least I found my preferred design, which seems to be very close to yours. It looks like this (from ryanandsophie.com/) What I like is that the arch melts with the design of the boat and still is a rigid construction. Now I "only" have to find someone who builts it for me. Tips and hints greatly appreciated. nefta Thank you for the link. Will have a look at it. As always thanks for support! |
|
