Search results

  1. tpenfield

    Solar Power Installation . . .

    @JimS123 . . . Yes, I think 7 electron hungry batteries are keeping the voltage down, but I want to see how the system acts over time. I did go directly to the various batteries with my multimeter. It turns out that the volt gauge on the DC electrical panel is reading about 0.5 volts higher...
  2. tpenfield

    Solar Power Installation . . .

    All set . . . :D I got everything hooked up today . . . AND IT WORKED !!! 🤪 :cool: The batteries had not seen charging in about 5 days, so they were sitting at their resting voltage, with some usage during that time (12.5 - 12.2 volts) As soon as I hooked up the solar panel, it went up to...
  3. tpenfield

    Solar Power Installation . . .

    Quick update . . . I ordered a power (rectifier) diode as a poor man's way of isolating a 4th battery bank. It should be delivered Friday. With 14.5 (+/-) volts at full sun, the net after the diode (~ 13.8v) is still plenty for a 12V battery. Yesterday's progress (after getting the wires...
  4. tpenfield

    Solar Power Installation . . .

    IIRC, there is a schematic in the engine bay that shows the Port engine charges the inverter bank. I'll double check though, and I'm thinking the Starboard engine probably charges the accessory battery.
  5. tpenfield

    Solar Power Installation . . .

    I stopped off at the hardware store and got an Electrician's Snake, which is much more substantial than the measly pull wire that was in the arch. Still a no-go. I did use my borescope to get a better look at the insides of the arch. It looks like there is a 1" x 2" hole at the section...
  6. tpenfield

    Solar Power Installation . . .

    Not sure I have any 'snot', but I'll bring whatever I can find out with me to the boat for Day 2. I'm bringing my borescope to get a better look at the insides of the arch. My hopes are that there is an unused passageway that I can get a wire snake through. Of course 'Job 1' will be to get...
  7. tpenfield

    Solar Power Installation . . .

    Solar Panel System Installation Day 1 . . . Score ========================= 'One2Many" (Boat) = 1 Ted = 0 ========================= :mad: The boat really had its way today. I thought to try to rough-in wiring for the solar panel in the arch as per typical installation for arch mounted...
  8. tpenfield

    Solar Power Installation . . .

    Actually . . . I buy fish at the store. What trolling batteries ??? :unsure: The system is for battery charge maintenance, not full charging. Although given enough time it probably could. I'm also thinking the solar panel could maintain charge over the winter, if I put a 'window' of some...
  9. tpenfield

    Question on poly and Epoxy prices

    Sounds like something is not right, might not be the resin. How do you know epoxy will work?
  10. tpenfield

    trailer manufacturer picks?

    I bought a 'Rock n Roll' trailer . . . Aluminum and all Stainless hardware. Disc brakes on all 6 wheels. I think Loadrite's top of the line is similar, but mine was about $3K less than a comparable Loadrite. there are lots and lots of trailer manufacturers, so everyone has a favorite.
  11. tpenfield

    Solar Power Installation . . .

    A few pics from today . . . I got the Whaler running (aka my solar system test platform) . . . it turned out that some wiring in the engine had corroded beyond recognition and it would not crank/start. So I replaced some of the wiring. . My test bed is an engine with alternator running...
  12. tpenfield

    Solar Power Installation . . .

    At full sun I am getting 14.5 volts and about 4.0 amps into a 12 volt battery. (58 watts net) Next steps would be to do a test install on the boat to see what things look like with 7 (seven) batteries, spread across 3 banks. I should be getting about 80 watt-hours per battery each day while...
  13. tpenfield

    Solar Power Installation . . .

    Quick Update . . . I think I have it sorted out. The AFGOFET wants to see some sort of voltage input (energize) to activate the FET's. The documentation shows the device being used in conjunction with an alternator and ignition switch. I did get the system to work by using the battery as the...
  14. tpenfield

    Are Boston Whalers as prone to waterlogging as other boats?

    . . . If the floor or hull were to crack, then yes . . . water will get into the foam to some extent over time. As to how much, it is anyone's guess. Otherwise, it is all good, as the boats are a fiberglass/foam 'sandwich' making them strong and floaty . . .
  15. tpenfield

    Caught another boats anchor, whos fault?

    To answer the question . . . it is your fault. Particularly given the fact that you were aware of the other guys presence and anchoring. It happens, but it is always good to be mindful of where other anchors (and rode) are as you depart an anchoring area. The same goes for if you drop anchor...
  16. tpenfield

    Taking boat into salt / brackish water

    Yes it did 😀
  17. tpenfield

    Solar Power Installation . . .

    Quick update. . . The ArgoFET just needs the battery input to activate the transistors (FET) I have another modification that I’m going to try- it should all be good. The 100 watt is for battery maintenance (trickle charge) not for charging. That’s what the engines do.
  18. tpenfield

    Taking boat into salt / brackish water

    I do have a paper chart of LI Sound, but not Buzzards Bay where I do most of my boating.
  19. tpenfield

    Solar Power Installation . . .

    After some more testing, I am seeing that the Renogy Voyager regulator does not play nicely with the Victron Energy ARGOFET isolator. The Voyager seems to want feedback from the battery, and probably not passing through the FET's. I might have to get a different isolator. :unsure:
  20. tpenfield

    Sewing thread recommendations for a class 15 machine

    Considering what you'll be spending on the other materials, don't cheap out on the thread. PTFE . . .
Top