I used diverted power from my solar regulator to run fans throughout the
boat.


"Geoff Schultz" wrote in message
6...
"GBM" wrote in
:


"Glenn Ashmore" wrote

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or
lack there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com


I like the idea of diverting to the water heater, but most of us do not
have the option to add a second 12V element to our existing heaters.

One thought, would be to add a second heater in an external loop around
the water heater - something like the add-on heaters that are sold for
cars in lieu of a block heater. This site has the elements:

http://www.realgoods.com/renew/shop/...1204/ts/102507
8

But, if the solar panels put out, say 150 watts for 8 hours, what
happens when the water becomes too hot? With a small boat type water
heater say 6 or 10 gal, this could happen quite quickly. Maybe then we
throw the towel?

GBM

You can get elements that have both 120V AC and 12V DC feeds. See
http://www.svhotwire.com/divert_loads.html

-- Geoff

"Gerald" wrote in
:

I used diverted power from my solar regulator to run fans throughout the
boat.

Just how many watts do your fans draw?

-- Geoff

At initial outfitting time, I had a separate 12V fan curcuit installed with
outlets throughout over bunks, heads, galley, eating area, chart table. I
installed HELLA fans primarilly because they would give a reasonable breeze
..... for a 12 V fan and have minimal current draw --- for an electric fan..
So when I wanted to operate on the cheap (electrically cheap) I could have
my breeze without eating the batteries. When I installed solar panels, I
discovered the controller I selected(morningstar) had the ability to divert
as the batteries topped off. Rather than do nothng with all the free
electrons, I hooked it up to the fan circuit.


"Geoff Schultz" wrote in message
6...
"Gerald" wrote in
:

I used diverted power from my solar regulator to run fans throughout the
boat.

Just how many watts do your fans draw?

-- Geoff