This season we finally mobilized a rebuilt outboard for auxiliary power and completely rewired the boat. I was given a 10 watt solar panel for Christmas two years ago, and I finally decided it was time to install it. However, on an Oday 25, where? I came up with the pictured design, which keeps the panel out of the way while giving it plenty of solar exposure.

Solar Panel1

Two cedar boards and some standard railing hardware, plus some 1/8 aluminum bar stock provided a sturdy mount. The wire passes through the same hole as the controls for the outboard. We only run lights and guages on the batteries, so the drain is minimal. A combiner balances the charge to the batteries. Biggest pain was dismantling the safety rails to slip on the brackets.

Solar Panel2