[Rhodes22-list] speaking of solar panels

[Arthur H. Czerwonky]

Elle,

Excellent perspective on the panels.  They don't bring much to the party.  I bought one of the LED utility lights from Boaters World at the Annapolis - not bad at all, and low power consumption.  I bought LED Xmas lights before the holidays, for next year's boat parade in Savannah possibly.  Five strings powered thru a 70 watt inverter (the lights were a/c because the DC were sold out) were no problem at all, plenty for 80' of big LED bulbs.  The mfg will not comment on amp draw, but it must be minescule.

I really think the stability questions about the Rhodes have been  overdone, therefore of concern to you, Hadz, and others.  Each of us skipper has our own comfort boundaries, and this remarkable craft has the ability to adjust accordingly.  If you find the boat sensitive to particular winds, it is so simple to trim either main or genny.  Bill likes to stay level on the water in the LI area, even with the ability to steer with weight distribution.  Match that...

I really don't think there is a boat to compare with our's in any catagory except maybe competitive racing with IMF.  

I can't wait to read your first postings after you receive yours.  We will hear the Oh's! and Ah's in Atlanta, at Hartwell, and at Edenton without fail!  I can bet you're ready to get underway.  If you are a little short to see the bow, nary a problem because you will just levitate.

Many cheers,
Art

-----Original Message-----
>From: elle <watermusic38 at yahoo.com>
>Sent: Jan 27, 2007 12:41 PM
>To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] speaking of solar panels
>
>Hadz,
>   
>  Whether the solar panels can keep the batteries charged is a function of the no. of  amp hours used by the goodies below.
>   
>  I don't have my estimated numbers with me (I'm at the marina working...!) but, for example, if you have 5 interior lights below and if each interior light  pulls 1.5 amps/hr , you are using 7.5 amps per hour using all lights. Or you could use 1 light for 7.5 hours. The solar panels may provide approx. 1-2 amp hrs/day each in this latitude (maybe a bit more when the days are longer & fewer when the days become shorter)...so estimating usage, and the knowing the % you can draw your batteries down, I'd say don't count on the solar panels doing more than to top 'em off.
>   
>  When I did some estimates the other day, I figured I could stay out 2-3 days (if sunny), bieng conservative in use, and have to go in to recharge from shore power on the 3rd day...more or less.
>   
>  elle
>   
>  
>Joseph Hadzima <josef508 at yahoo.com> wrote:
>  
>I was under the impression that solar panels worked best
>when they are set 90 degrees to the Sun. With the panels
>statically mounted on the Rhodes, are they sufficient at
>keeping the batteries charged during a typical weekend
>cruise, or are they more for: charging when you leave your
>boat tied at a mooring / slip during the week and sail on
>the weekend?
>
>I assume the latitude where you sail may affect the
>efficiency.
>
>
>--- elle wrote:
>
>> You know, Ed, you may have a kernel of an idea
>> there...remember, this is the first design of this
>> type...and all good designs need tweaking....this is
>> not in its last iteration....we WILL make it comfy &
>> safe...
>> 
>> Actually...one issue was the location of the solar
>> panel on the laz lid...if we moved it (which we did
>> discuss) then the seat could go back farther and
>> perhaps lowered also, as the sight line to the cabin
>> top will be changed.
>> 
>> I believe that that particular solar panel is for the
>> battery that runs the motor lift...but as my engine
>> has an alternator and if engine & lift motor are
>> wired to that battery in the laz....might that keep
>> the battery charged enough for the lift to allow the
>> removal of the panel??
>> 
>> Ideas, anyone???
>> 
>> elle
>
>
>HADZ (a.k.a. joe)
>
>"That's what a ship is, you know. It's not just a keel and hull and a deck and sails. That's what a ship needs. But what a ship is... is freedom." 
>-- Captain Jack Sparrow
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