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| Solar Stik deployed |
As we head further south towards and into the Mediterranean, much of our time will be spent at anchor. Generating enough power to run the fridge, instruments and the first mate's styling irons gave us a number of options to consider. Whilst it is possible to fit a petrol generator to our yacht it would take up too much space and lets face it, one of the attractions of being at anchor is some peace and quiet, not a noisy generator.
Solar power seemed an obvious choice and perhaps a wind generator for good measure. After many evenings of research on the web, I came across the Solar Stik which appeared to tick all the boxes. The product appears to be very successful in America but has only had limited exposure to the European markets. Originally I thought that any solar panels would go on the coach roof but we then decided to go for a liferaft in a canister rather than a valise to save locker room. The canister ended up on the coachroof so that put paid to that idea. Next thought would be to mount panels around the pushpit but on our design of yacht there is already little room around the rear cleats and this could make it harder to manage mooring lines. The Solar Stik was starting to look good and in particular, the panels could be angled during the day to follow the sun thus maximising their effectiveness. In addition the product comes with a Maximum Power Point Tracking controller or MPPT for short. This controller ensures maximum conversion in fact our Blue Sky controller claims to increase charge current up to 30% compared to 'normal' controllers.More information on the can be found here: Solar Stik
And the MPPT controller MPPT Controller
Having decided to go ahead with the fitting we approached our local marine engineers Tate and Crewe who talked us through the installation and did an excellent job of fitting it.
Victron Pheonix C12/2000 Inverter
The main source of power is the boat batteries, and we now have 4, 120 amph AGM batteries for the domestic bank. This runs all the navigation systems, lights, fans and such. In a marina, a shore power connection means we can use items that require 230v AC. First mate insisted that she needed to be able to use her hair styling irons when at anchor so the solution was to fit an inverter. This clever device converts the 12v DC to 230AC, and will allow us to charge mobile phones, laptops, as well as run the TV and Xbox!
The inverter was installed by Tate and Crewe under the rear bunk very neatly, and has a remote control panel at the nav station.
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| Before and After pictures |
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| Victron remote control panel |
On the inside we upgraded the standard cream coloured vinyl seating with brown suede, which has proved to be durable. The foam was also replaced with a much denser version to give better support.
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| Jeanneau 42 Ds interior |
Oceanair black out blinds on the saloon porthole windows help block the sun complemented by a pair of Caframo Sirocco fans to keep the interior cool in the hot Mediterranean summer months.
All of the opening portlights have either built in or retro fitted mosquito covers, including the rear hatch in the master cabin.
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| Mosquito cover for rear cabin port light |
Another great way of ensuring ventilation is the addition of a wind scoop.
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| Plastimo wind scoop |
At the start of 2012 we replaced all of the original lead acid batteries with absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and increased the house bank from 3 batteries to 4 and from 110ah to 120ah each.
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| New AGM battery instalation |
We also added a MeteoMan electronic barometer to the Nav Station which has been very useful indeed.
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| Nav Station |
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| Our Galley |
We incorporated a granite choping board insert to the fridge top after Steve put a hot pan on the original surface, and managed to burn it. The board is a great surface for bread making!
