Solar stik

[blue otter]

Anyone have any experience with the solar stik.......it looks very well made and the concept of pointing the panels seems to make a lot of sense.....although it is expensive

[hellosailor]

Yes, you'll find quite a long thread about them from some years ago in one of these forums.
Depending on what your skills and priorities are, it is either terribly expensive or a bargain. In that it is made to the highest standards, with welding that looks like it should be on a nuclear submarine not just a tuna boat. It is very much overbuild, with everything that might drop overboard (like wingnuts) captured on a leash, so it can't be lost. Lots of insulation when there are dissimilar metals, and premium brand panels. It will get your panels entirely off the boat, so there is no loss from shading, and if you are there to adjust them, it allows for full adjustment all day, which can make a big difference in total power made.
If you tried to have a local welding shop copy one, they'd probably actually cost MORE. If you had welding skills, sure, you could do it for less.
And if you went with a simpler mounting system, discounted Chinese panels (which might not have a marine warranty), and all DIY, you could certainly get solar power for way less. Although, they provide for securing the panels without dismounting them, to protect them in high winds, etc. There are some tweaks that most DIY installations wouldn't bother with.
Kinda like buying a German sports car: For some people, it does want they want, and there are no other options. For others, a Kia will still get you to work. Just not quite in all the same ways.
You might also ask them, like any vendor, about trade show or demo specials. Apparently most of their business is with the military, who need an off-the-shelf solution that can takes lots of abuse, and they've got units out for demonstrations in all sorts of places, so some must come up for eventual resale sooner or later.
It isn't the right product for everyone, but they seem to take justified pride in what it is, and how well it does the job. And good care of their customers--they're still small enough for personal service.

[blue otter]

Thanks.....that confirms what I thought seemed true....much appreciated