So, I've recently started the process of upgrading my entire
electrical system on my 50'
Columbia. I've ordered a lot of new
equipment and now I'm tasked with figuring out where to put it all. Mostly, this comes down to where to put the
solar panels and the
wind generator.
For reference, I'll post a picture of my vessel below. The
panels I've bought are 2x 150w semi-flexible
panels. They are light weight and are each 5' long by 22" wide. Side by side, this makes about 5' x 3' 8".
My goal is to use these panels as a shade cover over my
cockpit. They will sit right in between my boom and backstay, which has about 4'2" in between them, and it will sit about the same height as the boom.
Now the design I'm considering is rather simple, pretty much 2 crossbars coming up and thats it. Similar to modern car truck racks. I'd like to have a slight curve up top since my panels are somewhat flexible, i'd like them to curve slightly to catch more light early morning and late afternoon, as well as to allow
water to run off easier and not collect on the panels when it rains.
Now comes my question.
I've looked at many options for materials. Obviously 316 Stainless is first choice, however, it is hard to source on
Kauai, and expensive to have custom made. I've also looked into PVC, Galv
Steel, and
Aluminum. Which all have their qualities as far as easy of
installation and cost. I'm mostly wondering what experience others have had with these other materials on their boats?
I'm concerned in the strength of the PVC, as well as it becoming brittle over time and cracking, so this is my least favorite option, but it is the cheapest and easiest to install.
Aluminum I would have to source from elsewhere but it is lightweight, doesnt rust and is cheaper than 316SS, but again, not sure of its strength and durability at sea. Galv.
steel is easily accessible here and relatively
cheap, but i'm not sure how long it would last without rusting out on board.
My main concerns for this
project are cost, looks, ease of
installation and durability when under sail in heavy winds as my panels were not
cheap and this would be a permanent structure.
If it comes down to everyone telling me to just splurge for the 316SS, which i'm already leaning towards, I'm curious what size would accommodate my needs. The panels are lightweight. Less than 20lbs for the both of them, and eventually I will use these bars to mount the
wind generator, which I have not received yet, but it seems to be rather light as well. So maybe 1" SS? 1-1/2"?
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Ciro