I got a quote for $2400 to recover the (original I think) dodger on my 1984 Mk1. I also got a quote for $2000 for a bimini and $500 more for the solar panel mount above the bimini.
What does everyone think about just using solar panels for the bimini and maybe the dodger. I googled it and found this
[url]http://biankablog.blogspot.com/2011/08/solar-bimini-part-one-plan.html[/...
I am comfortable working with stainless tubing, and recently learned that sailrite sells 3 piece bows. I was thinking of getting some smoked lexan and mounting it on some bows, and putting solar panels on it. The lexan would eliminate leaks between panels, and also could allow me to see the sails through the gaps (if any). It would be tinted so it would reduce the sun.
Any thoughts?
It seems kind of silly to do sunbrella and then mount above it. I currently do not have a bimini except some flimsy west marine thing.
Any thoughts?
Catalina 36 MK1
1984 Hull #306
Be careful using Lexan. Traditional Lexan has awful UV resistance and will break down after a couple years use. There are a few other polycarb formulations that are more UV resistant, and I think there's a Lexan sub-brand that is also quite UV resistant (I think it's Lexan XL). The key thing you want is "Solar Grade" Lexan or another plastic sheeting that is UV resistant, rather than just UV blocking.
David
s/v Portmanteau
Hull #2133 -- 2003 MKII
Seattle, WA
[QUOTE=FlyMeAway;19994]Be careful using Lexan. Traditional Lexan has awful UV resistance and will break down after a couple years use. There are a few other polycarb formulations that are more UV resistant, and I think there's a Lexan sub-brand that is also quite UV resistant (I think it's Lexan XL). The key thing you want is "Solar Grade" Lexan or another plastic sheeting that is UV resistant, rather than just UV blocking.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the advice. I had a boat with big wraparound windows and they were Lexan. I replaced them and used 1/8" smoked Lexan. I don't think it was Solar Grade. Not sure how it did because I sold it.
Catalina 36 MK1
1984 Hull #306
I have been thinking about this and researching it quite a bit lately. I am now leaning more towards using anodized aluminum pipe, the kind you see on tuna towers, wakeboard towers, radar arches etc..
Catalina 36 MK1
1984 Hull #306