Solar arch or pole mounts?

[PaulRainbow]

I also went the arch/gantry route but separate to the pushpit as it can cause leaks around the deck mounts with the extra load. Sloped it aft so also acts a davits.

Thanks Graham, the loading is something I had wondered about.

Loading is no problem with the Moody design. It replaces the original pushpit stanchions. The original pushpit was cut back away from the forward stanchion, the stanchion was then removed and the arch was fabricated so the from "goal post" of the arch replaces the original stanchions, the original pushpit tubing, where it goes around the transom was then extended and joined back to the front of arch and the original aft pushpit stanchions. The first picture in post #7 shows the original pushpit cut back away from the from arch support. The aft "goal post" is a new structure. All four deck mounting points are substantial and are through bolted with backing plates.

You can see the aft mounting here:

 

[ip485]

I would agree with Paul. I think this is such a n important work up that you really dont want to end up with a sub standard installation which will disappoint. Arches just work so well and are a fit and totally forget solution that will prove tough and robust. Also just my view but I also have a large arch with 800W and it has proved brilliant and obvioulsy works in all conditions (well tested uo to a F8 so far).

I also suspect with some effort it is possible to find arches can be fabricated at reasonable cost. I think it is one of those areas were the price for essentially the same arch can vary enormously depending on who you know.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I don't have the exact cost to hand for the Moody arch, but circa £5 rings a bell, may have been £4k +VAT. It was a substantial piece of engineering and fulfils more than one job, but lower cost options are also possible. I recently commissioned one for another customer, smaller boat, no davits, smaller tube and suitable for a pair of 120w panels, the arch cost just under £3K inc VAT.

My own boat has an arch that sits on top of the pushpit. It's lightweight and i think it looks neat and tidy. It's fitted with a pair of 100w panels, but would take a bit more, at least a pair of 120w panels. I have my emergency VHF fitted to it, but it would not be strong enough for davits.




Just to be clear, i'm not selling anything here, i don't make arches, i have commissioned some for customers and had a hand in designing them as part of other work, i don't even receive a commission from the fabricators. I'm just suggesting some options for the OP.

 

[rogerthebodger]

This is mine during fitting out. It now has 4 80 watt solar panels fitted and other safety gubbins easy to reach.

Mine is not welded to the pushpit but is attached using pipe connection fittings.

 

[Graham376]

Loading is no problem with the Moody design. It replaces the original pushpit stanchions.

That's a nice job, far different and stronger than extending the existing. Frightening cost though, I think my DIY cost was around €500 in materials around 10 years ago, including paying someone to bend the 40mm tubes.

Common problem with bolting or welding extensions to the top of an existing pushpit is people often just look at the static load and don't consider the accelerated load maybe 10 ft above waterline when rolling badly.

 

[Erwin Swart]

An arch will benefit more if you sail in Southern climate where the sun is above the solar panels.
If you're sailing in Nothern part of Europe a pole fitting, where you can change the angle of the solar panel, will be more efficient.

Currenlty in same setting and deciced to go for custom made pole integrated in pullpit where you change the angle and turn the solar for 360 degrees. Also you can add all antennas to the pole.

Another option is to install the solar panel on the guard rail

 

[Pete7]

I've seen some home made arches, some great and some , and whilst I don't have a problem with turning my hand to a lot of things, welding an arch together that also looks good is not something I have the skill to do.

Understood, but what about starting with an existing frame and just bolting on anything extra. This is £100 and at the wrong end of the country from you, but what else are you doing over the next couple of weeks.

ARCH FOR RIB/YACHT – Barbecues, Grills & Smokers – Emsworth | Facebook Marketplace

Mine came from the IOW so slightly easier as I used the boat to collect it. Before and after photos with a 150w solar panel, now upgraded to 300w. Tricky it was the curved pieces at the bottom to join the hull which as a slight curve on it. The solution was to buy an old S/S pulpit off e bay and cut it up. Joined using aluminium bar with an interference fit and coated in epoxy. It did take several years for the right arch to come up at a sensible price though.

Pete

 

[JohnGC]

My own boat has an arch that sits on top of the pushpit. It's lightweight and i think it looks neat and tidy. It's fitted with a pair of 100w panels, but would take a bit more, at least a pair of 120w panels. I have my emergency VHF fitted to it, but it would not be strong enough for davits.

Paul, how is the arch attached to the pushpit?

 

[lustyd]

It's only a matter of time before we see a solar Tesla...

 

[PaulRainbow]

Paul, how is the arch attached to the pushpit?

Hi John, it's welded in place.

 

[Daverw]

Ours was built 2 years ago by a small fabrication company who mostly worked for food factories, cost £1k but took a bit of work to get the patten made and measurements as it was built 130 miles from boat. Took 3 attempts to get fitted, couple of mistakes with levels but as they were my measurements I had to live with them. Does its job, front legs go to deck and rear onto top of existing

 

[Clancy Moped]

Ours was built in Turkey, the pattern was fabricated using lead rods as measurements.

 

[pandos]

I am in the process of finishing off a simple arch. It's made from architectural polished 316 3mm wall 42mm pipe. With slide in fittimgs.

It will hold my radar dome panels and gps aerials etc.

I already have a mast at the back which I may remove depending on how things look...

It's fitted on the caprails, bolted through like the cleats and is connected to the pushpit so everything is very well linked and strong.

When completed I'll have the joints welded and polished. Cost of materials less than 200euro.

 

[ip485]

If you go ahead with an arch, think carefully about other uses. It is useful for so many purposes and worth thinking about any extra fittings that are far easier added when made.

 

[JohnGC]

Hi John, it's welded in place.

Thanks. Merry Christmas.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Thanks. Merry Christmas.

You're welcome, Merry Christmas to you too.

 

[geem]

View attachment 105609

If you go ahead with an arch, think carefully about other uses. It is useful for so many purposes and worth thinking about any extra fittings that are far easier added when made.

OMG! That looks horrific! The yacht designer would be in tears if he saw his design reduced to this. I might be in the minority here but I find these monkey bars un-seamanlike and a complete eyesore. The windage must be horrendous and the raised COG can not be helpful. Can you imagine the damage a passing wave would do in rough conditions.
A yacht designer friend of mine started publishing photos like this on his website. He called it ‘cockpits of shame’. He had to stop doing it when sailors started complaining he was showing their boat?

 

[Roberto]

Another question would be how much does an arch with loads of stuff on it interfere with a windvane?

+1 for the arch, we keep the dinghy there while coastal sailing, one does not think twice about hoisting it in the evening, thus reducing risks of it being stolen. It holds 3x100 solar panels with a fore/aft adjustable angle (provides roughly +20% daily output), a number of antennas (rte, ais, gps, navtex, etc), also a convenient attachment point for the ssb cable antenna (allowing not to fit insulators on the backstay). It has a place for a wind generator but I have not fitted it.
Re wind vane, the gantry alone gives no problems with our Windpilot, the WP is instead sensitive to the pushpit mounted outboard when in a particular tack and appare't angle, I just take it off when planning to use the WP for longish runs.
Once one swallows the price and the effect on the boat aesthetics, definitely very high in my priorities.

 

[Pete7]

OMG! That looks horrific!

That's someone's pride an joy

Can you imagine the damage a passing wave would do in rough conditions.

What makes you think that ever leaves the marina?

You probably need to turn away if this video plays, but having watched it, I knew my stern arch was fine and the weight? about the same as a small child. Windage? compared to the sprayhood and dodgers quite low actually.

 

[Nina Lucia]

I wonder if one one had recently quote for solar arch from some one like "Mr Stainless.co.uk" or similar?

We were exploring that option and then start thinking about flexible solar over spray hood. Our 36' sailing boat is usually on her swinging mooring or anchor, very occasionally marinas where we can plug on and recharge the batteries.
I was just looking other day boats around us, on they swing moorings with solars on they arches most of the day point wrong way from Sun, if crews is not on board to point them every hour or so.. unless they are flat. Arches looking good and stable and handy, but they are expensive ( or I was quoted by wrong people).
Does anyone things one or two flexible panels around 120 W will be good and top up occasionally in marinas or small portable generator?