Seaka's nifty solar frame

[Brett2016]

I'm really taken with Seaka's stainless frame that holds the solar panel. I can find pipe end clamps in the local boating store but cannot find the tee clamps or elbows. Does anybody know where I can find them? Cheers

[Miker]

Phil, these guys should have what you need.

http://www.316shop.com.au/ don't be put off by all the ballista ding and glass fittings, they carry yacht fittings too.

They're not far from me, so if you need to look before you buy I can get down there.

[Brett2016]

Hey, thanks for the info. Brett

[Shaun]

Phil will probably be along sooner or later(I know he is having internet problems) to let you know where he got the fittings with which he home-made the frame. With the addition of a brace or two (as he has done) it feels quite sturdy & up to the job.

[Phillip]

I got the parts from a Stainless Steel shop in Taren Point Road, in the Shire, just over the Captain Cook Bridge and opposite a sail loft as you head south.

I will be in town on Wednesday and will post photos then.

[Brett2016]

Thanks Phillip. I'm back from Sydney plotting for round 3. What I did in Sydney: Got motor going (hadn't started in over 2 years) to do that I changed oil and filter, dropped diesel and replaced fuel filter, thought I would replace the water pump impeller but found the pump was seized so replaced whole pump ($760!) but she goes sweet! Installed 120W solar panel (this is a temp fix as I will eventually do something the same as Seaka) and is now charging the new motor starting battery, when I go there next I will have another 135Ah deep discharge battery. New rigging and life lines, they had to remove about 1 cm from the bottom of the mast due to corrosion and make up a new pad for it to sit on. New furler installed (Furlex 50). Picked up the mainsail which was being repaied and new boom bag. Genoa is now being altered to suit furler. Installed a bimini which I really like as it gives much protection from sun.Now planning over next 5 weeks as will be back in Sydney just after Xmas. Still need 2 or 3 days work to finish a few things off (hinges on hatch, latches on doors/cupboards, seals) then of to Port Jackson (San Felice in in Burraneer Bay, Port Hacking) for new years eve.

[Sailtime]

Awesome!

Show us some more photos

[Phillip]

OK, when you make up the frame you will have to pop rivet all the joiners with mono pop-rivets and you will have to use a two handed pop rivet gun as a single hand gun is not up to it. Drill out the lug screw threads I think 5/16" is the size, but CHECK! Throw away the lug screws.

I also brought the tube from the Taren Point Road supplier. I only use Bimini fittings for the two braces as I had them, they do work and are necessary.

Port side

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Starboard side

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Attachment to pushpit

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T joint

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Top joint

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Rear joint

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Brace

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[Brett2016]

Looks nice Phillip, I'll be doing much the same when I get the yacht back to Brisbane January next year. Will look into the 2 handed pot rivet gun.