After waiting out the rain for just one day on Block Island (and we really have been very fortunate – only two days of rain on the trip) we left Block to end our two weeks at Napatree.
We were heading to Napatree, but a study of the wind forecast changed our minds. The direction and the force looked to be too much for that location. Change of plans – we will go to West Harbor on Fishers Island and grab a mooring.
As we approached Watch Hill Passage we saw sailboats everywhere, coming through the passage, west to east.
We settled on to a mooring in West Harbor on Fishers Island for protection from the winds.
The captains always have a project or two to work on.
The new portable solar panel was tested on this trip.
And now for a little “tech talk.” I asked Al to handle this part. He enjoys and understands technical stuff. I try, but I usually do not. I do, however, enjoy reaping the benefits. 😉😃
FROM Al:
In the picture to the left is the screen for an app I have on my phone:
A & B are solar panel controllers.
A is connected to the 350 watt fixed panels on the top of the pilot house. In this example, they are mostly shaded, putting out low amps, 6.4 amps. Maximum ever seen in full sun, 20 amps.
B is connected to the movable 100 watt panel, alias – “baby solar”. In this example it is fully in the sun putting out high amps, 7.3 amps. Maximum ever seen pointed at sun, 8 to 9 amps.
C is a device (shunt) that is connected to the battery that reads out what is going out of or into our battery bank. When the sun is out, the solar starts charging our batteries like the alternator does on a car when the engine is running. Energy (amps) from solar A & B shows 6.4 plus 7.3 or 13.7 amps that should be going into the batteries. Trying not to be too technical, 13.7 amps are going in, but the refrigerator, freezers or radio, etc are also on and taking out approximately 6.3 amps. So the shunt shows what is actually charging the battery or 7.43 amps.
This whole experience shows that a large solar panel is only effective if it is facing the sun. We have found that it can be shaded by the flybridge bimini in certain directions. The new movable panel gives us many hours of added power if I aim it continuously toward the sun while waiting for the boat to swing in the right direction for the cabin top panels to be in the sun.
Answer: Cleaning the edge of the aft cockpit cover.
After two days of being boat-bound due to a travel day and the winds that prevented us from leaving the boat, we were ready to go back to Shennecossett. The sky was overcast and rains were predicted, so let’s go. Limerick headed back to our mooring and we returned to our slip. That did not mean the fun had to end; no, it did not! The next day was sunny and cool so we finished this two-week boat trip with lunch at The Dog Watch in Stonington by car.
We are in a rut when it comes to our food choices and we do not care one bit. I always get the seared tuna and Don and Al get the Lobster BLT. Cindy decided on the lobster BLT this time, too. Full tummies and satisfaction all around.
Yum, Yum, Yum.
If anyone is counting, that is only three ice creams in two weeks. I do not believe that is extravagant at all.
Limerick and Kindred Spirit parted ways for now. Next week we have a new adventure planned.
Marcia Crouch
Seared tuna- you’re killing me!!
watsons
You are the person who introduced me to it at Dog Watch. I am forever grateful!
Ellen Seltzer
thanks for the latest update…as always it looked like a good time…glad al is happy with the technical stuff and solar panels sounds like a smart choice!
yay for lobster blts…yummmm – that i would enjoy!
glad dyou got your ice cream…it’s a staple of life!
xo