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shnool
Former Capri-25 Tech Editor

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USA
1032 Posts
Initially Posted - 01/09/2013 :  10:03:50  Show Profile  Visit shnool's Homepage
I use my deep cycle marine battery (standard wet)... for very little on my boat.

I am inland, and in the slip from May 1, to Oct 15. While I can remove my battery to bring home and charge, I'd rather not...

Last year I went ALL year only bringing the battery home once to charge (and it was because I left my running lights on for 4 days UGH).

I replaced my running lights with LEDs.. I sail about once a week for 1 hour or so (all season long)... I use a VHF at 1Watt only, and rarely transmit, and then usually only for races every other Sunday.

Our docks have no shore power, and I'd like to maintain my battery's charge... I sail usually 3 times a week (for 3-5 hours at a shot), but again, only for short periods at night where I need running lights, and almost never use cabin lights.

My electronics are simple... Knotmeter (no power except for LED for night), and Hawkeye Depth Sounder... LED backlit Compass (again at night only).

I DO have a tiller pilot which I use a lot (raymarine ST1000+).... and I am installing a very basic stereo/speakers for FM only and low volume that I may use a bit (figure half the trips).

MY QUESTION after all this painful background, is can I get a simple solar panel to charge my battery that will keep the battery up? Without throwing a meter on this junk and seeing what I draw all up... Is there a basic - "this should be enough" one I can get that'll help, and I can add-on later if it isn't cutting it?

Keep in mind I am trying to keep this very simple, and light weight without a lot of fuss. Integrated controller/charger would be best... cigarette lighter plug in best
C&C 32 Smith Mountain Lake Virginia
Edited by - shnool on 01/09/2013 11:34:48

britinusa
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Response Posted - 01/09/2013 :  10:52:32  Show Profile  Visit britinusa's Homepage
A simple solar charger with built in controller should do the trick. 5 watts sounds sufficient for your needs and you could set it up so it's on the bench while away from the boat.

Paul
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shnool
Former Capri-25 Tech Editor

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USA
1032 Posts
Response Posted - 01/09/2013 :  11:36:30  Show Profile  Visit shnool's Homepage
That's what I was hoping...
Do they make them so you can stack 2 if one isn't sufficient?
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.