Anyone have experience with Solarflexx panels from Hamilton Ferris? They seem to have an easy install clasp called Solarsnaps for installing flexible panels on a Bimini?
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Enrique
Talisman
1998 36 MK2 Hull #1673
Tall Rig Wing Keel
M35BC engine
Old Saybrook, CT Summer
South Glastonbury, CT Winter
Hello Enrique, I installed flex solar panels on my Bimini last year, two each, 100 watts each from Defender Marine, made by go power. They offered a kit with two panels a controller and sufficient connecting cable.
I also got an expansion one, same mfg, of 100 watts. They're all working fine and have endured lots of storms and one full gale. But that was before I saw the ads that solarflex put out. I've seen them and I would probably go for them instead if I had it to do over. Looks like they're made more for boats than Go-Power's which provides mounting hardware more for motor homes and RVs. The problems I had were mainly two, how to get enough panel real estate up there to give me the power I need and where/how to mount it. I like the look of the solar snaps. My solution was to mount the flexibles on either side of the bimini by through bolting anodized aluminum angles and/or flat bar, through the canvas and bimini frame. Then fastening the panels to the aluminum using SS machine screws and the eyelets already installed into the panels. I have three 100 watt flex panels and one 80 watt ridgid panel for a total of 380 watts. The extra flex is mounted just forward of the dodger and mainsheet traveler and is partially shaded a good bit of the time which is not ideal. The ridgid panel, 80w, isalso on the bimini but uses a little heavier aluminum angles through bolted. I never have to provide any other source of power to the boat unless I want to run the AC, Mirowave or water heater.
Good luck and let me know if I can help.
Sam
Capt. Sam Murphy
1994 Catalina 36, Hull 1327
Shoal draft, two cabin model.
Panama City, Florida
Wow. That's a lot of power you rigged. I'm mostly looking for a battery topper so I suspect a couple of 100 watt panels on the aft side of the Bimini will suffice. Thanks for info this is very helpful.
Enrique
Talisman
1998 36 MK2 Hull #1673
Tall Rig Wing Keel
M35BC engine
Old Saybrook, CT Summer
South Glastonbury, CT Winter
David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL
Enrique ~ like you I researched flexible panels from both Hamilton Ferris and (as mentioned in another post) decided on a GoPower! two-panel + controller set up from Defender due to price and manufacturer warranties. I had called Hamilton Ferris to purchase just their snaps but they will not sell those attaching snaps alone. Was then thinking about Velcro patches on my bimini but after speaking to my local "canvas guy" -- he had another idea. Using pieces of Lexan (dodger window material) he cut and sewed four corner pockets and a single strap going across the middle of the panel. I think it's an awesome idea!!! Since the panels have some flexibility I simply slide the panel under the middle strap (going fore to aft), slide the two aft corners of the panel into their pockets and then with a slight bend of the panel can fit the two forward corners into their Lexan holders. The panels feel super secure and the strap/corner pockets are a clear material to prevent shading. Best of all 8 pockets and 2 straps were around a $100.
Dave W.
Dave & Nancy Warren
"Blue Heron"
Norwalk Cove Marina, CT
2005 C-36 Mk II #2256
'Anniversary Edition'
Wing M35B
Sounds great. Do you have any pictures you can post?
Enrique
Talisman
1998 36 MK2 Hull #1673
Tall Rig Wing Keel
M35BC engine
Old Saybrook, CT Summer
South Glastonbury, CT Winter
Enrique - like you I am in CT as well so 'Blue Heron' is still under cover. I will go aboard later this week and try to lay out bimini in cockpit just to get some pics. If I can will then forward those pics to you.
Dave Warren
Dave & Nancy Warren
"Blue Heron"
Norwalk Cove Marina, CT
2005 C-36 Mk II #2256
'Anniversary Edition'
Wing M35B
Thanks Dave. Did you get the work done at Fairclough?
Enrique
Talisman
1998 36 MK2 Hull #1673
Tall Rig Wing Keel
M35BC engine
Old Saybrook, CT Summer
South Glastonbury, CT Winter
No, Enrique. Since I am in Norwalk I use a local guys at Royal Canvas right here in Norwalk. I know Faircloth is closer to you and I am sure they can do the same work if you desire. The good part, which helped in keeping the price down, was the canvas guys were able to use just pieces of scrap Lexan they had laying around from other jobs. Again, I'll try to get up for some pics this weekend.
Dave Warren
Dave & Nancy Warren
"Blue Heron"
Norwalk Cove Marina, CT
2005 C-36 Mk II #2256
'Anniversary Edition'
Wing M35B
Enrique ~ here are some pics of sewn-in pockets and middle cross strap I tried to describe earlier. I hope they give you a better idea of my solar panel set-up. If needed I can email these pics to your email address.
Dave
Dave & Nancy Warren
"Blue Heron"
Norwalk Cove Marina, CT
2005 C-36 Mk II #2256
'Anniversary Edition'
Wing M35B
Enrique - having trouble downloading all photos I have. Let me know if you need more.
Dave
breeeznalong@gmail.com
Dave & Nancy Warren
"Blue Heron"
Norwalk Cove Marina, CT
2005 C-36 Mk II #2256
'Anniversary Edition'
Wing M35B
Dave this looks like a great solution. You already used this method during a season and the panels were secure?
Enrique
Talisman
1998 36 MK2 Hull #1673
Tall Rig Wing Keel
M35BC engine
Old Saybrook, CT Summer
South Glastonbury, CT Winter
Enrique - wish I could take credit for the initial idea but can not. Initial idea came from guys at Royal Canvas in Norwalk. My contribution was adding the mid-panel cross strap. This was a winter project so, no, haven't used this setup as yet. Fingers crossed!!!!
Dave & Nancy Warren
"Blue Heron"
Norwalk Cove Marina, CT
2005 C-36 Mk II #2256
'Anniversary Edition'
Wing M35B