Introduction: The Adventure Begins
We recently acquired a 1976 Rasmus 35, a beautiful vessel marking the start of an exciting chapter in our lives. This dream became a reality thanks to the incredible support from everyone who purchased our ebook “Live Creatively” and our loyal patrons on Patreon. Today, we are taking a significant step towards sustainable living on our boat by installing two large flexible solar panels on top of the Bimini.
Generous Support from Renogy
All the solar panels, charge controllers, and battery monitors were kindly provided by Renogy to aid us in our boat life adventure. These advanced, flexible panels are perfect for our needs. Today, we will be securely installing them on the Bimini. Our goal is to ensure they can withstand heavy weather while also being easily removable when necessary.
Preparing for the Project: Investing in a Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine
To protect these fantastic flexible panels, we need to attach them to the Bimini securely. This task requires precision and durability. Consequently, we decided to invest in a heavy-duty sewing machine capable of handling large amounts of durable fabric. This investment not only serves our immediate project but also empowers us to fix sails and make cushions in the future.
Learning to Sew: Overcoming Nervousness and Embracing New Skills
Admittedly, I was a bit nervous about this project. The last time I sewed anything was in seventh-grade home economics class. However, sewing is an invaluable skill, especially for life on a boat. Therefore, I was eager to learn. By watching numerous tutorials and practicing with the new machine, I began to gain confidence.
Getting Started: Unpacking the Sewing Machine
The sewing machine arrived, and it was quite the beast—much larger and heavier than expected. We joked about using it as an anchor. It came heavily oiled, a necessity for its longevity and smooth operation. After setting it up, I was ready to embark on my first sewing project in two decades.
Choosing the Right Fabrics: Sunbrella and Tough Protective Material
For this project, we chose two types of fabric. The first is Sunbrella, renowned for its durability under the sun. The second is a tougher material designed to prevent the sharp edges of the solar panels from wearing through the Bimini fabric. After much discussion, we developed a plan to balance the use of both fabrics.
Securing the Fabrics: Using Double-Sided Tape for Stability
To keep the fabrics together while sewing, we used double-sided tape. This tape not only holds the fabrics in place but also melts slightly under heat, creating a better water seal. The process was meticulous, ensuring every part was aligned perfectly before sewing.
Sewing the Panels: A Tribute to Family Skills
As I sewed the fabric, I couldn’t help but think of my grandparents. My grandfather served in the Navy, and my grandmother was a seamstress. Combining these skills felt like a tribute to them. Despite my inexperience, I managed to sew the fabrics together, creating a secure and protective layer for the solar panels.
Overcoming Challenges: Replacing the 3M Tape with Super Strong Velcro
Initially, we used 3M tape to attach the solar panels, but it didn’t hold as expected. Frustrated but undeterred, we switched to a super strong Velcro, hoping for better results. This method proved to be much more effective, allowing for both secure attachment and easy removal.
The Final Steps: Attaching the Panels to the Bimini
With the Velcro in place, it was time to attach the panels to the Bimini. This involved sewing in the elements, a unique and enjoyable experience. After attaching the seizing wire to each corner, we finally mounted the panels securely on the Bimini.
Unveiling the Boat: Removing the Tarp and Preparing for Launch
With the panels securely attached, it was time to remove the tarp and wooden structures covering the boat. This was a significant moment, as it marked the final preparations for launching our Rasmus 35 into the water. The boat felt much larger and more open, ready for us to enjoy and explore.
Celebrating Success: The Boat in the Water
Through the magic of editing, we fast forward two months. The boat is now in the water, and we are happily living aboard. The flexible panels are performing excellently, providing the necessary power for our daily needs. These panels are exactly what we needed for our boat, leveraging every inch of available space.
Gratitude to Renogy: Editing with Solar Power
This video was edited entirely with solar power, a testament to the effectiveness of our setup. We are incredibly grateful to Renogy for sponsoring this project. Their support has been invaluable, and we are excited about the next project involving three rigid solar panels on the stern arch.
Looking Ahead: More Adventures to Come
As we continue our boat life adventure, we have many more projects planned. Each step brings us closer to a self-sustaining and fulfilling life on the water. We are thankful for our patrons who get behind-the-scenes access to our journey and for everyone who supports us.
Conclusion: Embracing Self-Reliance and Sustainability
The installation of these solar panels is more than just a technical project. It represents our commitment to self-reliance and sustainability. From learning to sew to overcoming challenges, this journey has been incredibly rewarding. We look forward to sharing more of our adventures with you. Thank you for watching, and stay tuned for our next update!
A Detailed Walkthrough: Step-by-Step Installation Process
Step 1: Gathering Materials and Tools
Before beginning the installation, we gathered all the necessary materials and tools. This included the flexible solar panels from Renogy, Sunbrella fabric, the tougher protective material, double-sided tape, super strong Velcro, seizing wire, and of course, our new heavy-duty sewing machine.
Step 2: Cutting and Preparing the Fabric
We measured and cut the Sunbrella and protective fabric to fit the dimensions of the solar panels. Precision was key here to ensure that the fabrics would align perfectly when sewn together. Using a sharp pair of scissors and a steady hand, we prepared the fabric pieces for the next step.
Step 3: Applying Double-Sided Tape
To stabilize the fabric pieces, we applied double-sided tape between the layers. This tape served as a temporary adhesive, holding the fabrics together while we sewed. Additionally, the tape provided a bit of waterproofing by melting slightly under the heat of the sewing machine, creating a better seal.
Step 4: Sewing the Fabric Layers Together
With the fabrics taped together, it was time to sew. We threaded the heavy-duty sewing machine with strong, UV-resistant thread and began stitching along the edges of the fabric. This process required patience and precision. Especially for someone like me who hadn’t sewn in years. The result was a robust protective layer for the solar panels.
Step 5: Attaching the Solar Panels with Velcro
We initially tried using 3M tape to attach the solar panels, but it didn’t provide the desired hold. Therefore, switching to super strong Velcro, we found a much better solution. The Velcro allowed for a secure attachment while also enabling easy removal if necessary. We sewed the Velcro strips onto the fabric, ensuring they were firmly in place.
Step 6: Final Attachment to the Bimini
The final step was attaching the prepared fabric and solar panels to the Bimini. This involved using seizing wire to secure the corners and additional sewing to reinforce the attachment points. As a result, the panels were now firmly attached yet removable if heavy weather required it.
Enjoying the Benefits: Living Aboard with Solar Power
With the installation complete, we’ve been enjoying the benefits of solar power aboard our Rasmus 35. The flexible panels provide ample energy for our daily needs, from charging devices to powering our navigation systems. Knowing that our power comes from renewable sources makes our boat life even more rewarding.
Final Thoughts: Reflecting on the Journey
The journey to install these solar panels has been filled with learning and growth. From dusting off old sewing skills to troubleshooting attachment methods, we’ve gained valuable experience. This project symbolizes our commitment to sustainable living and self-reliance, key principles for our life on the water.We hope our journey inspires others to embrace sustainable practices and to take on new challenges with confidence.
