To Bimini or Not

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KeelsonGraham

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Hi all,

I need to fit two large solar panels to my 34 ft Catalina. First thought was to have a bimini made and put flexible panels on top. But then I started thinking why have a bimini at all. Perhaps instead have a bimini style frame and mount rigid panels onto it. Comparable amounts of shade at the helm and better panel cooling.

Has anyone here been through this process? Opinions welcomed!
 
One disadvantage of relying on the solar panels as your bimini is that the gaps between them will send runnels of water down your neck when it rains. A GRP top wouldn't have to add a lot of weight, and would be waterproof. Add side curtains and you've got a useful extra room that you'll appreciate when you come back to cooler climes.
 
Stemar said:
One disadvantage of relying on the solar panels as your bimini is that the gaps between them will send runnels of water down your neck when it rains. A GRP top wouldn't have to add a lot of weight, and would be waterproof. Add side curtains and you've got a useful extra room that you'll appreciate when you come back to cooler climes.
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Some solar panel biminis I have seen use closed cell foam strips between the panels to seal the gaps. No problem making it waterproof. You can also add Perspex or GRP kerb detail to ensure water runs off the panels on one edge only. A friend does this and can collect the water straight in to a 20 litres water can. Not such an issue in the UK but handy in the Caribbean
 
KeelsonGraham said:
Did you have solar panels on the bimini Dunedin? If so, what did you do with them when the bimini was stowed?
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No, on the ARC were using Watt&Sea hydro generator for electric power - worked brilliantly when averaging 7-9 knots.

In the UK have solar panels on a sprayhood, but that is never dropped - just opened at the front when need through breeze
 
Thank you Dunedin. Hmm, the more I read the more I‘m leaning towards a hydro generator. 24/7 generation. May I ask, what was your average daily Ah consumption on the ARC?
 
I rate the watt and sea highly. Dogs doodahs. I used one on a long distance delivery which meant I didn't have to pay for it though!

Amazingly, no matter how fast the propellor spins, pacific goose barnacles will still grow on it......
 
KeelsonGraham said:
Thank you Dunedin. Hmm, the more I read the more I‘m leaning towards a hydro generator. 24/7 generation. May I ask, what was your average daily Ah consumption on the ARC?
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Sorry, I don’t have that data. We were pretty blasé about power usage, but that was partly as also had diesel generator and that tended to get run sometimes when using watermaker and to heat water for the daily showers.
Only issue with hydro generator was when hit fairly dense Saragossa weed near the other side
 
capnsensible said:
I rate the watt and sea highly. Dogs doodahs. I used one on a long distance delivery which meant I didn't have to pay for it though!

Amazingly, no matter how fast the propellor spins, pacific goose barnacles will still grow on it......
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They are the dogz danglers. I'm waiting for the prices to come down (or for the Chinese rip-offs to appear).
 
KeelsonGraham said:
Hi all,

I need to fit two large solar panels to my 34 ft Catalina. First thought was to have a bimini made and put flexible panels on top. But then I started thinking why have a bimini at all. Perhaps instead have a bimini style frame and mount rigid panels onto it. Comparable amounts of shade at the helm and better panel cooling.

Has anyone here been through this process? Opinions welcomed!
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I’m thinking that too. I never want less shade, only more and better. Sunbrella actually let’s a lot of IR through, so a solid bimini with panels on it makes sense. Flexible panels on a soft bimini usually fail fast and a hard bimini will be a much better substrate. I may build a solid one this year with a shit load of solar. Every time I press the start button on the genset I get tense and prey to God it starts, then I say a prayer of thanks. Solar is more reliable.
 
KeelsonGraham said:
Hi all,

I need to fit two large solar panels to my 34 ft Catalina. First thought was to have a bimini made and put flexible panels on top. But then I started thinking why have a bimini at all. Perhaps instead have a bimini style frame and mount rigid panels onto it. Comparable amounts of shade at the helm and better panel cooling.

Has anyone here been through this process? Opinions welcomed!
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Have a look at Sailing Parlay on UTube. They just did this on a Catamaran
 
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