Cape Dory 25 Engine Cover / Solar Panel platform

[Keyscaptainadam]

Dear CD 25 owners...

My boat has been wrapped for winter and i am at a loss for the measurements of the engine cover on our CD 25's.

The 40 watt solar panel is 25 x 21 inches and requires an additional 2 inches for the Z clamps that hold it in place.

Will the engine cover suffice for this install?

If anyone can give me accurate measurements for the cover, please post.

Thanks

adam
CD 25
SV Velella

[Bruce Bett]

I'm not going to be able to answer your question, since I no longer sail a CD25. I would advise you to give the year of you 25. I'm pretty sure that the older 25s had smaller lazerette covers. My Dad had a 73 model, I had a 77 model mine had a bigger cover.

Bruce

[pete faga]

I can give you the measurements for the small engine cover 1973 vintage.Maybe I have Bruce's dads old boat!

[Kilgore]

Isn't your laz cover vented?

[Keyscaptainadam]

Thank u all for your post...

It is a 1977 with a vented lazerette cover.

I removed dorades and replaced with SS COVERS that are flush with cover.

Panel will mount atop cover.

Need L x W.....

Adam

[Steve Laume]

The solar panel mounted on the engine cover would make for a neat installation. Before you do it take a good look at shading in that location. With mounting that low you will have stern rail, boom, main sheet, back stay and tiller to worry about. With most solar panels, even a little bit of shade drastically cuts down on power output or stops it completely.

Heat is not their friend either.

It would be a shame to have a really nice panel installation that rarely generates any power, Steve.

[Keyscaptainadam]

Good to think about.

The boat lives on a mooring.

Some power is better than no power.

I dont want panel exposed on stern rail as maneuverability in tight areas might be an issue.

Better safe and protected

Adam

[Keyscaptainadam]

21x41 inches... It will fit!

[Terry]

Adam,
I think the "z" mounting will provide air space beneath the panel for those short runs with motor, should heat be a concern to you. If not, you add spacers.

My very small panel is directly mounted on the lid, done by a previous owner many years ago. It's worked well to maintain charge on a very old battery despite potential for shading, which is barely any at all.

At some point I suppose I'll get serious and do a forty-watt or so panel, mounting it just as you plan to do. Makes sense to me.

Enjoy.

Regards, Terry

[Keyscaptainadam]

Ill take some pics after install.

Thanks for good wishes ...