Solar panel failures like this one experienced by sailor John Radcliff are rare, but serve as a reminder to sailors to regularly inspect panels for damage and to install them with a firm support that prevents the circuits from bending and cracking.
Solar power has become ubiquitous on sailboats, first on cruising boats, but now even on sport boats, where a small solar panel is the lightest, simplest way to keep batteries charged. Installation is relatively simple, operation is passive, and maintenance is minimal. But there are some things that can go wrong and time always takes […]
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Much of your winterizing success will depend on the initial condition of your existing water system. If it is nearly sterile (effectively chlorinated water), there may be too few bacteria and fungus present for infection to start. However, if you use less than 20 percent alcohol or glycol (after dilution with water left in the system) you are at risk of biological growth; the lower the concentration the greater the risk. This is the reason why vodka and other alcohol-based winterizing fluids should be avoided. In our testing these solutions acted like an invitation to a microbial feast.
