We have Sun Power!

Malo is a sail boat and that is what we plan on doing, SAIL.  I prefer the quiet of the sails and the feel of power provided as the sails catch the wind and move us forward.  Our boat is relatively light as far as boats go - 16,700 pounds. It can even go  upwind well. However, we also need power to run the navigation equipment, bilge pumps, lights, water pump, refrigeration, charge our computers, cameras etc and at times run the engine.   Our batteries, of which we have 4 marine batteries, need to get a charge somehow.  What better way is there, then via the sun?  A much better solution for me than listening to a motor run to charge the batteries.

Dan spent considerable time researching, designing and gathering the necessary supplies to install a solar system.  He has done this once before when he cruised on Gypsy to the Carribiean and beyond.  Since Malo is a different boat the solar system needed to be configured to fit it's qualities.  The following pictures will highlight some of this installation.

The first step was to place the solar panels on the frame of bimidy and drill holes into the stainless steel frame for bolts.  This was precision and time consuming work.  Luckily Dan had bought a special tool that allowed him to drill straight into the tubing.  I stood by as an assistant.

Clamps were used to help hold panels in place.

Holes were drilled at the correct spots.

Finding the drilled holes after bimidy was put on was tricky.

Lots of soldering and wiring had to be done.

The solar panels are secured on the bimidy, but there is still the hook up to do.  This involved considerable work below.

Oh no, Captain Dan is getting little frustrated.  It's a tough job and the place is really torn up.

This is the connection box Dan made for the 3 solar panels.

Solar booster is installed.

The solar system is in and that is enough!  It's time to head back to Eugene.