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20-03-2016, 18:54
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Wherever the boat is.
Boat: Bristol 29.9
Posts: 625
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Where to source hardware for solar panel rail mount
We're planning to install a small 50 watt solar panel onto our stern pulpit. Where have you purchased your hardware for a similar project (rail mounts, deck hinges, etc.)? I've found some items on the Sailrite website, but not exactly what I'm looking for so I was wondering where else I could look.
Thanks.
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20-03-2016, 18:57
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: On a boat
Boat: 1987 Cabo Rico 38 #117 (sold) & 2008 Manta 42 #124
Posts: 4,172
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Re: Where to source hardware for solar panel rail mount
Onlinemetals.com for the metal and marinepartdepot.com for the fittings.
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20-03-2016, 21:03
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#3
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Carlsbad, CA
Boat: 1976 Sabre 28-2
Posts: 7,505
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Re: Where to source hardware for solar panel rail mount
Bought some plastic clam shell rail clamps from West Marine. They let the panel pivot down when needed and can remove the panel by unscrewing a knob that holds the two sides of the clamp together. These are similar to but not the ones I bought. They have a screw instead of the knurled knob that mine has to hold the clamp on:
WEST MARINE Plastic Rail Clamps | West Marine
Bought two pieces of square stock aluminum from Lowes/Depot. Through bolted these across the long sides of the panel. Bolted the rail clamps to them about 2/3rds biased to the top side. When the panels are deployed they stick 8" or so inboard. Had to do it this way because the panel width would have had the bottom hanging below the deck edge when pivoted down. Got another 'C' shaped piece and bolted it to the middle of the panel with a through bolt as a stop for the stick that holds the panel up when deployed. It works a charm and big expense was just the clamps.
__________________
Peter O.
'Ae'a, Pearson 35
'Ms American Pie', Sabre 28 Mark II
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21-03-2016, 11:34
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: East of the river CT
Boat: Oday Mariner 19 , Four Winns Marquis 16 OB, Kingfisher III
Posts: 657
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Re: Where to source hardware for solar panel rail mount
If your using bimini rail parts (tube rail mounts) you can try Overtons and Cabelas. Just search for Bimini top parts.
__________________
mysite: Colinism.com
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21-03-2016, 11:38
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: East of the river CT
Boat: Oday Mariner 19 , Four Winns Marquis 16 OB, Kingfisher III
Posts: 657
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Re: Where to source hardware for solar panel rail mount
Just noticed your in Groton, I know Defender stocks SS tubing and some fittings as well.
__________________
mysite: Colinism.com
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21-03-2016, 12:28
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#6
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Manchester, UK
Boat: Beneteau 473
Posts: 5,589
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Re: Where to source hardware for solar panel rail mount
I used these for mounting the panels to a rail.
Bit pricey, but good quality and versatile.
DRB Innovators - High Quality Stainless Steel Boat Products
__________________
Nigel
Beneteau 473
Manchester, UK
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21-03-2016, 12:41
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Cowichan Bay, BC (Maple Bay Marina)
Posts: 9,705
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Re: Where to source hardware for solar panel rail mount
__________________
Stu Jackson
Catalina 34 #224 (1986) C34IA Secretary
Cowichan Bay, BC, SR/FK, M25, Rocna 10 (22#) (NZ model)
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22-03-2016, 09:18
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Charleston, SC and France
Boat: Westerly Corsair 36
Posts: 26
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Re: Where to source hardware for solar panel rail mount
On our Westerly Corsair (36') we installed two 100 W panels on the stern rail, one each side, using the hardware we purchased from the Swedish company
NOA. Their site is:
http://www.noa.se/en/battillbehor/battillbehor
We have been very happy with this hardware.
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22-03-2016, 11:10
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: COMOX
Boat: CS 40
Posts: 224
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Re: Where to source hardware for solar panel rail mount
I used clamps for my barque stainless at West Marine works great
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22-03-2016, 13:33
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Maryland
Boat: Outbound 46
Posts: 323
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Re: Where to source hardware for solar panel rail mount
A great source for solar panel mounting gadgets is svHotWire | Energy for Home, Boat, and RV. Prices are usually good, and they always include free consultation with experts. My only relationship is as a satisfied customer.
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22-03-2016, 13:55
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: between the devil and the deep blue sea
Boat: a sailing boat
Posts: 20,420
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Re: Where to source hardware for solar panel rail mount
SVB used to sell neat alloy brackets and supports.
b.
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22-03-2016, 17:09
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Caribbean live aboard
Boat: Camper & Nicholson58 Ketch - ROXY Traverse City, Michigan No.668283
Posts: 6,356
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Re: Where to source hardware for solar panel rail mount
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cthoops
We're planning to install a small 50 watt solar panel onto our stern pulpit. Where have you purchased your hardware for a similar project (rail mounts, deck hinges, etc.)? I've found some items on the Sailrite website, but not exactly what I'm looking for so I was wondering where else I could look.
Thanks.
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We commissioned a custom mount for our large array and built much myself in the shop. For a smaller system look at Marine Parts Depot. Marine Part Depot for all things SS but affordable. I use their stuff for lots of non-critically loaded items.
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22-03-2016, 17:29
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: WY / Currently in Hayes VA on the Chesapeake
Boat: Ocean Alexander, Ocean 44
Posts: 1,149
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Re: Where to source hardware for solar panel rail mount
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22-03-2016, 21:28
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#14
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Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Victoria B.C.
Boat: Wauquiez Centurion 32
Posts: 2,874
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Re: Where to source hardware for solar panel rail mount
I use Magma bbq mounts. They allow the panels to be locked in any position easily.
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23-03-2016, 17:33
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#15
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Senior Cruiser
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Kemah Tx
Boat: Gulfstar 51
Posts: 615
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Re: Where to source hardware for solar panel rail mount
i made the mounts for all of my panels and was able to source metal clamps made from aluminum and some from stainless steel by using clamps that normally hold stage lighting-- worked great and will last forever- idid replace the regular metal pins in the clamshell portion with a stainless steel bolt and nut.
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