SmoCo Sailing · video

What this video covers

Armand and Liya relocate two rigid solar panels on their sailboat to prevent the mainsheet from snagging during jibes.0:14 The original installation on the bimini frame caused interference with the traveller and mainsheet.5:54 To resolve this, they rotate the panel array 90 degrees, narrowing the footprint by 10 inches on each side.5:45 The pair constructs a support frame using aluminium angle iron to avoid galvanic corrosion between the panels and the metal structure.3:00 Before disconnecting the electrical system, they cover the panels with blankets to prevent arcing and verify zero-watt output using the Victron app.1:54 They secure the panels with nylon washers to eliminate vibration and noise.3:53 The project concludes with wiring and a plan to seal the gap between panels with caulk.7:11 The owners note that using 5200 sealant between panels proved ineffective, as the heat caused the adhesive to melt and drip onto the deck and teak.7:21

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