Though someone might be interested in our new
solar arch and
panels on our
Hylas 54.
We wanted to add significant
solar area but we were not keen on putting
panels on
deck (shading, slippery), on rail “wings” or on the
canvas bimini top (shading, dynamic substrate, complex wire routing, not useable when
boat stripped bare for storage). We wanted a solution that looked in keeping with the existing
boat structures and we did not care for sharp-cornered
aluminum flat frame panel solution often seen.
So, we had a curved frame of stainless rail welded to the top of the Simpson
Davits which matches the existing
Hylas rails. Over that is a GRP panel color matched to
deck grp to act as structure to attach the semi flexible
solar panels (four Solbian SP130W). The curved shape makes sure there is
head room to duck under to use the transom steps. The structure does not interfere with after-swim showers,
dinghy storage, nor does it impinge on the ability to use the steps for
dinghy loading. And it keeps the sun off the dink. In fact the structure seems to make the
davits even stronger than before. The added weight is still well within the 225 kg specs of the davits and as we just switched from a GRP to a much lighter
aluminum dink, the weight aft is probably more or less unchanged. We also moved the aft nav light from the davit to the aft edge of the frame and relocated the ensign pole socket so the ensign does not flap over the panels. So far we are very happy with the
power from the panels, the look, and the strength of the solution. Happy to share the plans with anyone interested. 😃
note in pics wires not tidied up yet.