Bimini made out of non-flexible solar cells?

[autumnbreeze27]

Originally Posted by rwidman

This will also prevent lowering the bimini for bridge clearance which may or may not be a problem for you. Lowering my bimini allows me to cruise under many bridges while other boats must wait for an opening.

Most sailboats will never have the issue of the bimini being the tallest thing on the boat. That's usually the mast.

[sv.antea]

4 years ago I have put two 140W Kyocera panels over the cockpit of my Yankee 30. They are just aft of the end of my (extended) boom, mounted on aluminum Pi shape frame aft and stainless bimini bow forward. The rest is still Sunbrella. During my two year trip to the Med, and now back at the dock in Tampa, this worked very well. I guess I'll add a photo.

[sv.antea]

How do you add a photo? I see add video button, tried to put photo there, but nothing happened.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by sv.antea

How do you add a photo? I see add video button, tried to put photo there, but nothing happened.

Scroll down further to where it says "Attach Files"

[svHyLyte]

The following are snaps of s/v Ocean Angel that has spent the last several years cruising the Caribbean and is now in Trini...






For more see Sail With Ocean Angel

[northwestsailor]

Two years ago my wife and I installed two massive 420 watt panels as a bimini roof, if you will. The frame was already there made from 1.5 inch aluminum pipe. I attached the panels with U bolts through the panel's frame. It has held up fine through some nasty gales already in AK and here in WA.

The output is absolutely incredible even on cloudy days and winter. We seldom run on the genny except to charge it's own starting battery. We added 8 6v 195 AH batteries at the same time to a 24v system so that is part of the success story.

[sv.antea]

OK, here is a photo of my installation.

[mfeene01]

I built a flat top bimini out of 4x250watt solar panels on our catamaran. I had previously modified the old 1” tubing bimini frame to make it a flat top so that was starting point.


I used 1” SS tubing and hinged jaw slides to build the support structure. I also joined two panels together to form the two outer sides of the bimini. I used a product called Solexx to fill in the gap between the two sides and across the front of the bimini as you can see in the pictures.

"How do I insert pictures here ??"


Sealing the joins for water was done with butyl rubber between the panels and silicone around the Solexx areas.


So far so good. I do have a few small drips that I need to attend to once we get back to FL but for now, it does fine.


MikeF

[CLady]

My fabricator is building a frame for my solar panels to become the 'bimini'.
'Having just been in a whopper gale for a few days in my return fron Hawaii this summer, the frame will be 1 1/4" stainless tube for strength, bolted on with sheer support and fully removable. Those panels are not light and in a blow, they are significant windage.

I designed and installed the solar panels on removable rigid life lines for my trip to/from Hawaii this summer and wired them with extra long runs for the eventual mounting on the 'bimini'. The solar system kept the autopilot and refrigeration with daily supplies of ice cubes going all across the Pacific. with solar.

[DanDanDan]

Originally Posted by mfeene01

"How do I insert pictures here ??"

If you can figure out how to post the pics I'd love to see them. Will be tackling a project just like this over the next few months.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by mfeene01

"How do I insert pictures here ??"

Read post #19

[mfeene01]

MikeF

[Randyonr3]

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

The following are snaps of s/v Ocean Angel that has spent the last several years cruising the Caribbean and is now in Trini...






For more see Sail With Ocean Angel

Damn, Thats a good looking boat!

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by Randyonr3

Damn, Thats a good looking boat!

Yes very. She's our sister ship. Both boats were on the manufacturing line in France at the same time and are only a few hull numbers apart. The owners, Steve and Joy Fredrick, are very old friends of ours.

Regarding Ocean Angel, the following is from the SSCA:

From the November 2014 Commodores' Bulletin, Seven Seas Cruising Association:

Seven Seas Award
Associate Steve and Joy Frederick, Ocean Angel
Despite a significant physical challenge, Joy has sailed to remote places, in all kinds of weather and with tremendous access limitations. She has had to persevere through at least one significant medical event while at sea, but remains always upbeat and fun-loving and inspires all who know her. Steve has taken on this challenge with patience and determination and courage. You can readily know his love and commitment to Joy. All of this is done with a quiet humility, which also exemplifies real sailing skills.
Steve and Joy continue to enjoy SSCA, both on the water and at the annual Melbourne Gam, which they regularly attend and took full advantage of the Trinidad package two years ago. They share their love of cruising by giving talks to the cruising community.
The Seven Seas Award signifies the highest international recognition to a cruising sailor whose experiences on the sea demonstrate a deep commitment to good seamanship and an understanding of his ship and environment. Selection is on a worldwide basis and is not restricted to SSCA members.
Seven Seas Cruising Association Page 33 November 2014

With this award, Steve and Joy join a very exclusive club that also includes the likes of Eric and Susan Hiscock, Beth and Evans Starzinger, and other uniquely intrepid sailors.

The only difference between Steve and Joys' boat and ours is that ours is faster. If you don't believe me, just ask me....