Sailing Solévideo
WINDLASS FIX & SOLAR PANEL UPGRADE | DIY BOAT WORK
May 3, 2026 · 15 min · 2K views
What this video covers
The owner of a Catalina Yachts 30 upgrades the vessel's solar array and repairs a malfunctioning windlass. To improve power yield, the owner replaces two 100-watt Renogy panels with bifacial solar panels, mounting them to the existing rail brackets.0:37 The installation requires drilling new holes in the panels to match the bracket bolt pattern, using a stainless steel plate as a backing to prevent drill-bit damage to the solar cells.3:18
Separately, the owner troubleshoots a failed windlass that stopped working while anchored at Cat Harbor.6:18 After incorrectly identifying the solenoid as the culprit, the owner tests the motor, power cables, and bow switch.9:33 Using a test light, the owner discovers a broken wire within the duplex cable run between the solenoid and the bow.11:52 By repurposing an unused spare wire within the existing cable bundle, the owner restores windlass function.12:50 The owner plans to install a secondary windlass control switch at the helm to provide redundancy for future coastal cruising.9:55
Boats in this video
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