Solar Meltdown

In this episode, Bob is busy upgrading the solar system on board SV Seeker. He is addressing some issues that have come up with the lugs and wiring. With solar panels providing over 5,000 Watts of power, it’s important to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Addressing Lug and Wiring Issues

The lugs were too big for the wires which created an issue of too much room in them, causing overheating. Bob resolved this by replacing the large lugs with smaller ones suitable for the wires.

Solar Panel Connections

The solar panels were only powering half of the boat initially, but now Bob has connected all panels. He also temporarily used welding cable while waiting for the proper parts to arrive.

Upgrading to Four Ohm Cable

Bob upgraded from two ohm cable to four ohm in the engine room, ensuring that everything is properly connected and charging.

Battery Management

Bob’s batteries are Fork batteries which manage themselves when they reach full charge, preventing overcharging. Bob lets them reach 100% and then turns off one set of panels in the afternoon.

Boat Upgrades on Etsy

In the video’s outro, Bob’s partner Betsy informs viewers about a special offer in their Etsy shop. They are selling SV Seeker t-shirts in various sizes.

To learn more about upgrading your boat’s solar power and other tips from SV Seeker, check out their YouTube channel and join the Facebook group for a community of DIY boaters to connect with.