Panda out solar in?

[zzzingpow]

2017Express 330.Twin 350yam. Surveyed excellent.
Closed Monday, mine now! Ecoast to Wcoast delivery Every possible amenitie except transom fridge plate, ugh. I'd like to remove Panda and replace with solar.
Anybody? Ideas, tips, advice

 

[seasick]

If you think you can replace the power output of the Panda with solar you are mistaken. There isn't enough 'roof' real estate to install sufficient panel area to generate as much power as the generator.

 

[everwhom]

You'll need a battery bank too, but I've replaced my FP with a 2000 watt Mastervolt power-combi inverter and 400 amp hours of battery. I don't use my air conditioning much, but I do get a few hours at least depending on the duty cycle. I have my motors supplying some of the amperage too.

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

Both answers above are correct
solar panels will not provide the power a generator has as roof space is limited
the engine can take a part of recharge the house battery bank if boat is underway
The question is how much Ah OP needs, Fridge and A/C use a lot of Ah, electronics less and can be switched off if anchored/docked
It takes me almost one day of running down my 2 x 100Ah AGM batteries when fishing with stopped engines but electronics and sound system on,
but i don't have a fridge nor A/C.

@zzzingpow
you may calculate how much Ah you need for what you plan to do with your new boat, that will show how much recharge power for how long you need.

Chris

 

[loubeer]

Congrats on purchase - I remember your inquiries about a 330 purchase. Glad you got it done.

Can I ask reason for wanting to dump the generator? Is it gas or diesel?

 

[zzzingpow]

Congrats on purchase - I remember your inquiries about a 330 purchase. Glad you got it done.

Can I ask reason for wanting to dump the generator? Is it gas or diesel?

Thank You,. Diesel makes my wife nauseas.

 

[zzzingpow]

Thank you all for your input.

 

[DennisG01]

Thank You,. Diesel makes my wife nauseas.

Your boat's first "trip" is a long one!

In most cases, the exhaust is blown away from the boat by even the lightest wind and there is no smell in the cockpit. Of course, anchoring off the bow is a key component to that!

As noted above, though, what items do you want to run with the Genny? Trying to replace it with solar panels, based on a quick google search, is probably something like a dozen or so 4' panels. So, obviously, not practical. However, depending on what you want to do, a good battery bank and couple panels on the hardtop "might" do the trick.

 

[Coastboater]

The FP genny I had on a Back Cove had an underwater exhaust. Not sure if that system was standard or optional, but it cut the noise and smell quite effectively. Perhaps research to see if your genny has it and/or add it.

 

[Legend]

Another option may be to pick up a portable Honda generator - they are very quiet and provide reliable power.

 

[zzzingpow]

Your boat's first "trip" is a long one!

In most cases, the exhaust is blown away from the boat by even the lightest wind and there is no smell in the cockpit. Of course, anchoring off the bow is a key component to that!

As noted above, though, what items do you want to run with the Genny? Trying to replace it with solar panels, based on a quick google search, is probably something like a dozen or so 4' panels. So, obviously, not practical. However, depending on what you want to do, a good battery bank and couple panels on the hardtop "might" do the trick.

Actually while hunting for an upgrade from my Formula as well Mako cc I came across a BW conquest with solar. I was intrigued with the idea cause I love peace n quiet when adrift area, relaxing at night in a quiet cove cooking up a meal, I don't want th hear gen set....but if I must for feasibility reasons I will.
Thanks for the input

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

I was intrigued with the idea cause I love peace n quiet when adrift area, relaxing at night in a quiet cove cooking up a meal, I don't want th hear gen set....

I agree totally with that and it's possible if you reduce your power consumptions, but solar will not feed stuff running, but contribute to keep your batteries full.

My 30ft RV trailer has a 50Ah YellowTop and i can have light in the evening till midnight and recharge my phone, but battery will not last long if i have the TV, fridge and/or water heater running from the battery. If you can deal with no fridge, a gas stove instead the electric one, electronics and radar off, no music and change all light bulbs to LED bulbs then you can do a overnighter.
Macerator toilet pump is not used frequently, freshwater pump also if shower, teeth brushing, hand and dishwashing is kept short and effective, and no hot water boiler is on then power consumption is low.

Are you sure the solar panels on the Conquest are for overnighting or simply (as many have) to recharge the batteries if boat is not used?

Chris

 

[DennisG01]

Actually while hunting for an upgrade from my Formula as well Mako cc I came across a BW conquest with solar. I was intrigued with the idea cause I love peace n quiet when adrift area, relaxing at night in a quiet cove cooking up a meal, I don't want th hear gen set....but if I must for feasibility reasons I will.
Thanks for the input

Yes, solar is a nice, quiet, no-cost way to charge batteries... well, "no cost" AFTER the initial cost! But as noted, given the limited real estate to mount them, they are really only a slow battery charger. That BW wasn't using the solar panels for any high draw accessories. But of course, that's fine - they work constantly anytime you see your shadow

This still comes back to what YOU want to run/use with the genny off. Honestly, you may be fine with just a larger battery or battery bank. For example, my last boat was a Sea Ray cruiser. I had a single, group 27 deep cycle battery for the house and that was MORE than enough to keep the fridge going all day and night, fresh water pump as needed, Vacuflush toilet, a little bit of stereo and lights (were LED) at night. The next morning - still had plenty of juice to start the engine. I typically used my starting battery for the engine, but I wanted to test the DC.

A group 31DC (or even two in parallel) will be WAY more than enough for most uses (other than air conditioning, etc).

You can get a gas grill and mount it in the cockpit to cook or heat water for coffee in the water.

 

[Automated14]

I don't think your question can be answered unless it's known what devices you want to run and how long you'd like to run them. One night on the hook and a trip home is a far different requirement than plans to spend a week out there.

Personally, If I had a working generator, I'd roll with that. You already paid for it.

 

[Flot]

You won't be able to replace the generator "with solar."

You can definitely replace the generator with a bank of lithium batteries and an inverter - where you'll be looking at anywhere from $3k-10k depending on how much capacity you want.

And once you do that, yes, the 330 does have enough square footage for a decent size solar array - however it will need full sun for days to fully recharge a large lithium bank.

This is much more practical for day trips or the occasional overnighter, if you are talking about 2+ nights with air conditioning or heat, that's really where the plan falls apart.

 

[glacierbaze]

Where on the west coast? A lot of difference between San Diego and Seattle.