Just wanted to point out a decent solution for mounting a solar panel on the BCC. I found this 65 watt skinny panel that is 13" wide. It fits pretty nicely on the rail just forward of the gallows. I replaced the lifeline with a 1" SS tube.
It’s not in the way of the main sheet or the jib winch, and doesn’t obstruct the side deck or climbing aboard from dinghy much either.
I’m pretty happy with the one I bought, and am looking to replace my wider 80 watt panel with another skinny panel, so both sides will be “skinny”.
In these pics, I could have moved the panel outboard slightly, and I will most likely do so at some point to make a little more room at side deck/cockpit entrance. One other note - I don’t have a dodger, so I do have more space right there. With dodger, I’d say you’d need to put edge of panel right above the SS tube, and add a support leg.
We’ve had two ‘skinny’ panels mounted on the lifelines for many years. These are the very old 36 watt ones that are about 12" x 48" purchased in the '80’s but still put out just fine.
I mounted them amidships with one rail of the panel clipped to the lower lifeline and the outer rail supported with a small line tied up to the upper lifeline. In this configuration the panel gets lots of sun and can be folded up against the lifeline stantions and secured there while underway. The wiring is led through the deck with a plug so the entire panel can be removed and stowed below decks for long passages.
I’d include a photo but I’ve removed them for storage while tied long term to the dock.
We’ve found this configuration easy to fold up when making most passages and it leaves the panels hanging outboard when in use on anchor and the side decks clear.
I like the larger higher watt panels they have out now but can find no place on our BCC they will reasonably fit.
