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Brad
I'm very interested in your solar rack. I was just looking at putting panels across the rear of the cockpit, but that would incur a lot of shading.
Is your panel rack designed to be removable for trailering or daysailing? How high above the transom did the panels end up being? Or did you put it high for cockpit seating shading? I'm assuming you have 100 watts of panels.
Any other info you have I'd be interested in for further developing the idea. Having solar panels would enable 3-4 (perhaps 5) day camp cruises without having to touch civilization, while recharging the electric outboard, powering CPAP, and perhaps a portable fridge. Already have a solar shower I can hang at anchor (main halyard) to feel clean.
Fred W
Stuart Mariner #4133 Sweet P
That racking is something like 32” from the transom and the solar panels hang 90% aft of the transom. That was the lowest I could make them to accommodate a comfortable climb up my swimming ladder under the panels on the port side of the rack. We do a lot of swimming off the boat so that was critical for me, you could go a lot lower if that’s not important to you.
I put 200 watts up there(2 100w panels) which is more than enough for me.
From the sounds of your potential loads I would stick with the 200w of 12v panels and a 200+ amp hour lithium “LiFePo”battery. I have a 100amp hour battery but only use the 12v fridge and lights. I leave the fridge plugged in all season with no issues, my battery is topped of to 100% every day by the solar.
That rack could come off easily at the four deck mounts. The mounts would stay connected and water tight to the boat and the uprights can just pull right out after loosening the fasteners. The panels have 2 m3 connections that unplug and you can just set it all in the cockpit. I have never done it but it can be done. The rack I built isn’t in the way of any sailing or other activities and I built in a removable mast crutch. I’ve trailered it without any issues. If you scroll down the maintenance and restoration forum to the “resurrection of Merry Perry” I have a fairly complete list of the electrical system. Also feel free to call or text if you want some more help, or on here is fine too. 518-937-8878
-Brad