Fitting a SS bar/tube to the guardrails to support a solar panel

Goldie

Goldie

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I'm considering mounting a solar panel on each side of the guardrails, aft where the dodgers are. I want to be able to raise and lower them between horizontal and vertical and so (I think) I need a rigid bar/tube across the top of the aft span. The forward end will terminate at a stanchion - usual sort with a hole through the top for the guard wire - and the aft end at the welded SS loop on the pushpit. If possible, I'd like very much to avoid a welded solution in case I want to take it off!

Any sensible/informed ideas or suggestions as to how best to do this would be very welcome please.

Thanks.
 
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I did this with a 100w panel. The RR method is to use bimini fittings on either end of the tube combined with NOA panel fittings. You can align with the sun or swivel inboard for protection when berthing. El cheapo method, hang snap hook carbieners by bolting through the frame clip on guardrails and prop up with a stick!

John
 
JVL said:
I did this with a 100w panel. The RR method is to use bimini fittings on either end of the tube combined with NOA panel fittings. You can align with the sun or swivel inboard for protection when berthing. El cheapo method, hang snap hook carbieners by bolting through the frame clip on guardrails and prop up with a stick!

John
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Thanks John, I'm hoping for nearer the RR end than el cheapo if possible - RR solution at el cheapo prices would be perfect! You have prompted the germ of an idea though and for that, many thanks indeed.
 
Goldie said:
The forward end will terminate at a stanchion - usual sort with a hole through the top for the guard wire - and the aft end at the welded SS loop on the pushpit. If possible, I'd like very much to avoid a welded solution in case I want to take it off!
Click to expand...

I'd be thinking in terms of a stainless tube, same diameter as pushpit, with a custom flat fork plate welded on one end to fit over the welded SS loop on the pushpit, and a clevis pin to secure it to the loop. At the forward end, I'd have a threaded rod welded on which passes through the top of the stanchion, then attach the (shortened) guardrail to the threaded rod. If the fork plate is a snug fit over the pushpit loop, this would be a fairly rigid and secure solution which is easily removable.
 
pvb said:
I'd be thinking in terms of a stainless tube, same diameter as pushpit, with a custom flat fork plate welded on one end to fit over the welded SS loop on the pushpit, and a clevis pin to secure it to the loop. At the forward end, I'd have a threaded rod welded on which passes through the top of the stanchion, then attach the (shortened) guardrail to the threaded rod. If the fork plate is a snug fit over the pushpit loop, this would be a fairly rigid and secure solution which is easily removable.
Click to expand...

I like that a lot too, many thanks indeed.
 
Goldie said:
Thanks John, I'm hoping for nearer the RR end than el cheapo if possible - RR solution at el cheapo prices would be perfect! You have prompted the germ of an idea though and for that, many thanks indeed.
Click to expand...
next time I'm onboard ill take photos and post

John
 
Sorry no photo , on our last boat we used an 22mm SS tube and turn it into a turnbuckle with an shackle one end to attach to the pushpit and an eye the other end that went through the stanchions screw onto the turnbuckle to attach the guard wire to .
On this boat we took ha Easy route , Ali brackets you just clamp onto the push pit
 
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Goldie said:
I'm considering mounting a solar panel on each side of the guardrails, aft where the dodgers are. I want to be able to raise and lower them between horizontal and vertical and so (I think) I need a rigid bar/tube across the top of the aft span. The forward end will terminate at a stanchion - usual sort with a hole through the top for the guard wire - and the aft end at the welded SS loop on the pushpit. If possible, I'd like very much to avoid a welded solution in case I want to take it off!

Any sensible/informed ideas or suggestions as to how best to do this would be very welcome please.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
I used a 25mm tube between the aft stanchions, used clamps at both ends to clip to the uprights, then used plastic U clamps to bolt to the panel and around the tube. The panels than swivel up and down with a hardwood prop supporting it in various angle positions. Loads of blue water cruisers using this option now. Look on Youtube for examples.
Stu
 
I decided not to go for removable panels or bodgy fixes, preferring to do them properly :)

Two x 100w panels.
 

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Hi - I have a similar arrangement on my Oceanlord - PM me with your email address - I have lost it, I have a set pf photos of mine - done by the stainless guy at Wicor Marine.
 
Goldie,
Have a look at the Youtube videos of "Living with the tide" ep 9 and later episodes with shots from the cockpit. They fitted solar panels to the guard rails mounted to a rigid tube half way between the lower and the upper guard rail between the pushpit and the first stanchion attached as suggested in a previous post. The panels were attached so that they could be rotated to face the sun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgOpxLwCrEs

solar panel.jpg
 
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PaulRainbow said:
I decided not to go for removable panels or bodgy fixes, preferring to do them properly :)

Two x 100w panels.
Click to expand...

Cheeky! Nothing bodgy about this system!
View attachment 67348
Works perfectly because we can adjust the angles to suit the sun. We use when passage making and in fact Geem who showed us how to do it used this system across the Atlantic.
Stu
Stupid Ipad pix!
 
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skipper_stu said:
Cheeky! Nothing bodgy about this system!
View attachment 67348
Works perfectly because we can adjust the angles to suit the sun. We use when passage making and in fact Geem who showed us how to do it used this system across the Atlantic.
Stu
Stupid Ipad pix!
Click to expand...

I did say removable or bodgy :)

My previous panel was on a pole, which was adjustable. I gave up pointing it at the Sun as i tended to forget about it and it ended up facing completely the wrong way.
 
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