Solar Mounts for Rail Stanchion

[rlg]

Im looking to install 2 solar panels on my safety line stanchions. Ive searched but cant find the hardware, especially the telescoping tubes that allow the panels to fold down. Can anyone help me find these?

thanks in advance,
Rob

[Cotemar]

Most cruisers are just modifying aluminum twist to lock extension poles.

[rlg]

Thanks, good idea. Im still curious as Ive seen some with the locking knob and very small diameter stainless that looks very sturdy.

[Cotemar]

You can make your own from SS tubing.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tml#post491749

[Sailmonkey]

like this?

WEST MARINE Adjuster at West Marine

[rlg]

That's it Sailmonkey, thank you. Do you think that one will be enough? My panels are 17 lbs.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by rlg

That's it Sailmonkey, thank you. Do you think that one will be enough? My panels are 17 lbs.

personally I'd use two to keep the panel from twisting.

[rlg]

Im on my way to get a couple of them now. Im thinking to make a lower mount for them with a piece of 7/8 stainless tube just above the lower safety line from one stanchion to the stern rail.
Ill post photos if it comes out OK.

thanks for the help

[COLINFLTENG]

this is what did

[brianontheroad]

we used grill mounts from magma like this, H1 Magma T10-580 Dual Rail Mount All Gourmet & Connoisseur Grills

very easy to install and very sturdy

[willardj]

Originally Posted by brianontheroad

we used grill mounts from magma like this, H1 Magma T10-580 Dual Rail Mount All Gourmet & Connoisseur Grills

very easy to install and very sturdy

I liked those too but kind of high in price. These are the one's I went with Rail Clamps - Universal - Rail Tubing & Fittings - Deck & Hull Hardware - Downwind Marine I also used some of these. http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/tub.../N-aahZ1z0uagy

[Cotemar]

We used these Gemini ss mounts for our solar panel installation.

Gemini Rail Fitting

[Sandero]

mky two planes have been sitting atop the coach roof aft of the mast and over the lines led aft to the cock pit for 20 yrs. Offshore I lash them but coastal they just side there. Not always at optimal sun angle... adequate to keep the batts topped off. And the wiring is led to under the dodger into the dash and to the reg and batts. Simply wiring and easy to remove and stow and even re position whenever it suits me.

[jeremiason]

You didn't say what type of boat you have or where you are mounting the panels...

I originally placed to 135 watt panels off my cockpit rails, which worked good in San Francisco Bay, where I seldom used the Bimini.

Once I got down to Mexico and the Bimini went up fulltime, I found that while swinging on the hook, one of the panels would be shaded a majority of the time.

By the end of the first year in Mexico I had moved my panels on top of the Bimini and increased my charging significantly.

[rlg]

Wow!
Thanks all for the information and pictures.
Im beginning to shy away from my stanchion/lifeline plan as I read,live, and learn... Have 2 100watt panels now for a week, thinking..
It is an Oday 40 with a bimini, NE US in summer, Fla/Bahamas winter.
I have a miniscule amt. to spend.

COLINFLTENG, that would be ideal but I have old teak railing, so I just strapped them to the rail with a few zipties, and 1 screw. Seems pretty good and is getting enough sun to keep them charged but not by 11am. I am going to add another 100 watt panel to the deck ahead of the mast on rubber mts and just tie it off to the toe rail and handrail I think for now. Ill be thinking of upgrading those rails and copying your setup setup

Heres how it looks now: