Madsu

Catalina 22

electric

Charging on the Foredeck

electric, Maintenance, Photo

This is the battery for the Torqeedo outboard we use on Madsu’s tender.

A grey storage container labelled T/T MADSU sits charging on the foredeck of a sailboat, surrounded by ropes and blue fabric covers, with other boats visible in the background. copyright Madsu Marine

I can charge the battery when it’s on the motor hung off the pushpit, but because the battery is removable, I can also take it up to the foredeck.

I have a combination of fixed solar panels and portable panels that I use to keep the boat powered up. This is a Renogy 200w solar ‘blanket’ that folds up into a small package, and can be laid out on the ground, hung up, or as I’m doing here, just draped over the boom tent. It isn’t as efficient at my 200w ShadowFlux panel, but it’s portable and I can just fold it up and stow it.

A flexible solar panel is attached to the top of a boat, propped up on a blue tarpaulin for shade, with other moored boats and marina structures visible in the background. copyright Madsu Marine
A folded Renogy portable solar panel blanket sits on the deck of a boat, with water visible below and stainless steel railings surrounding the deck. copyright Madsu Marine
A close-up of a Renogy portable solar panel blanket, labelled 200W, with black handles and case, resting on a yellow surface. copyright Madsu Marine
A small sailing boat moored at a marina, with blue and white coverings, solar panels, ropes, and equipment on deck. Boats and a concrete quay are visible in the background. copyright Madsu Marine

Being 100% electric and powered by solar really adds to the whole experience having a sailboat. I don’t tend to motor very much, but when I do, it’s now quiet and clean, with no need for shore power when I get back to the dock.