Sailing Catalpavideo

More solar & building a hard top Episode 490

10. mai 2026 · 16 min · 13K visninger

Hva denne videoen dekker

Lee and Sarah upgrade the solar array on their center-cockpit sailboat, Catalpa, by replacing a deteriorating canvas bimini with a rigid, custom-built hardtop.4:44 The project increases their total solar capacity from 1,440 watts to 2,400 watts using 12 new 200-watt Renogy solar panels.14:12 To manage shading from the mast and rigging, the crew selects these panels for their improved shade management and diode configuration.3:38 Lee constructs the support frame using existing tracks and aluminum tubing, reinforcing the joints with spot welds to prevent the structure from pulling apart under load.6:39 To ensure the hardtop remains watertight, the crew fills the four-millimeter gaps between panels with foam backer rod before applying TotalBoat sealant.11:38 During installation, an initial attempt to wire three panels in series triggered an over-current error on their 150-volt Victron controller, forcing a switch to a parallel wiring configuration.9:19 The new setup provides a 70% increase in power generation, allowing for greater energy independence while preparing for a Pacific crossing.14:33

Se på YouTube

Mer fra Sailing Catalpa

29 days sailing Panama to French Polynesia the whole passageaug. 2026what did we learn from a month at seaaug. 2026at sea no land sailing across the pacific oceanaug. 2026Life aboard sailing across the Pacific Ocean..Ep 502aug. 2026

Fra Sailing Catalpa – se kanalens båt, mannskap og alle analyserte videoer.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

Én e-post med flåtens beste funn – øyeblikkene, båtene og historiene som er verdt din seertid. Skriv inn din egen adresse for å få din egen kopi.

Rapporter et problem