Ranger Tug 21ec solar power

[Half Pint]

I am planning to install a solar panel above the canvas cockpit cover with the wires fed under the cabin top cap and down inside the existing post carrying the running lights, horn, etc., and then under the cockpit sole to the batteries. Has anyone done this? The only concern I have is feeding the wires down inside the cabin post. Many thanks, Michael

 

[vmelarry]

I ran some wires for a new radar dome on my 21EC recently. It would be possible to run wires down the post (there are others in there already).
It's not that easy to get at - you have to remove the cabin top cap ("smokestack") and also the "headliner" inside but it's still hard to get at the top of that post!
It would make for a neat install I ended up running wires down a windshield frame.
Please post pictures of your solar install I would be interested in that also.
Larry

 

[Half Pint]

Thanks for this. I didn't think about a difficulty in accessing the post, but good to know. I will have to give this whole idea some more thought.

 

[bob daily]

I ran the radar and glonass antenna wires down the stripper pole on my R-21EC,
I removed the smoke stack cap and tilted it then removed the headliner and brackets holding the stripper pole. You won’t be able to remove but will have enough clearance for the cables to be run to the area starboard side of the sink.
It’s not the easiest way but the cleanest option for me.
Good luck

 

[Half Pint]

Thank you for this. Did the wires hang up anywhere inside the "stripper pole"?

 

[bob daily]

Since there is no splices inside the stripper pole there is nothing to hang up on!
Just go slow and be patient, or you could run a wire through it to pull your install
Best of luck, let us know how your upgrade goes

 

[Half Pint]

Thanks again. I will certainly keep you posted. I won't be doing this until the early summer. I am building a CLC ultralight dinghy so I can row ashore when anchored at the moment.

 

[vmelarry]

A friend just gave me this dinghy I thought I would try it out on the pond.