Hello Joe,
Welcome to the group! Depending on your Docking arrangement you may well not need anything but the drive system. High output solar pannels work best totally in the sun, no shaded spots on the panel. The low output panels still charge the system when partially shaded, but require a large area for even a small charge. For a sailor you can see the downside of those two characteristic.
If on a mooring short of starting the generator the day before a voyage, solar or wind is about the only way to bring up the batteries. Take the time to read the archives for the wealth of info in them, and feel free to ask a bunch of question on your quest for green.
Once again welcome to the group.
Kevin Pemberton
On 04/19/2010 02:05 PM, Joe Molare wrote:
I have been sailing for many years and have been watching the development of electric powered boats with interest. It was easy to see on-board electric requirements increasing due to the additional electronic tools as well as hard-to-resist creature comforts. Through all this the smelly beast remained aloof and uninterested beyond grudgingly topping off the batteries when it was convenient.
I recently purchased a 1966 Bristol 27. The boat essentially has nothing, no engine and no functioning electric circuits. Over the next few months and years I expect to add some form of auxiliary power, electronics and maybe a lamp or two. The standard configuration recommends a battery operated propulsion motor, a battery array and a source of electricity such as generator, wind or solar.
The restoration will be an evolution with budget constraints. The boat is designed for an outboard mounted in a well under the stern counter and I expect to stay with an outboard in the 3 hp range with batteries to support a 2 hour run for port. I sail in the Chesapeake so distances are relatively short. The batteries will start out with a solar source for recharging. If that is not sufficient, then I will consider a small generator or shorter distance requirement.
I will post progress and look forward to advice and comments from the group.
Joe
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