Recharging with solar panels

gabrielwk

New Member
May 9, 2010
23
Clermont, Florida
Boat Info
2000 Sea Ray Sundancer 260
Engines
7.4L V8 Mercruiser
Hello all. Gabriel here posting for the FIRST TIME :smt021

As a new boater, I'm learning the best possible way, making a million mistakes and solving problems that I could have prevented if I had known I was doing something wrong. This of course, is the most expensive way!!!

In any case, my latest problem is electrical. My engine would not start every other weekend (thank Gd for BoatUS and SeaTow). I got stucked in Miami, Key West, and Buttler Chain Lakes (Orlando). I finally researched and realized that my 2 batteries (they were different brands and installed at different times) may not be good and replaced them both. I cannot believe the difference. Now the engine starts so fast and strong that I just cannot believe it took me so long to figure it how.

I use the boat only on weekends and run it for short distances, so I have learned that I do NOT have the alternator running long enough to recharge them. Furthermore, once I reach my destination, I keep the radio running for hours while I hang-out with my friends and family.

To solve the problem, I purchased a Solar Panel (Sunforce 50022). Instructions indicate that I could plug it into the cigarette sucket. So here go my questions:
1. Do the bateries need to be BOTH on?
2. Just one?
3. Neither?
4. Can I have the radio on (actually it would be an IPod running from my Fusion system) while recharging?


I cannot find the answers to this enigma anywhere.

Thank you for your help!!!

By the way, if you have a Sunforce 50022 (or similar), I have come up with a bracket system that allows you to attach it to the rails of the boat (and remove it when not needed) and point it to the sun very easily without the need to screw it into your boat. If it interests you I can explain to you how you can do it yourself and avoid making holes into your boat.
 
Hello all. Gabriel here posting for the FIRST TIME :smt021

One first time post on a subject is enough. Two is silly. Three and it starts to get annoying.
 
I appologize. Being my first post, I wasn't sure it went through since I noticed that most posts get answers/viewers right away and mine did not. It won't happen again.
 

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