Getting started on the aft cabin (Patreon)

Hi guys :)

This week I got started on the aft cabin. I think it turned out pretty nice, and I made good progress. I was hoping to get started on the solar arch this week, too, but the laser cut parts got delayed by two weeks - dang it! That's okay; there are plenty of other projects to keep me busy ;)

Behind the scenes, I'm about to test CIGS solar panels vs. traditional crystalline panels. The reason? I'm trying to decide if the added expense of CIGS panels is worth it. According to my czone pusher, CIGS is without a doubt the correct choice for a boat. His arguments are:

• traditional panels (when subjected to vibrations) are prone to microcracking that destroyers the efficiency of the panel after only a few years
• CIGS is much better in overcast or indirect lighting. Because of this, although traditional panels have higher watt peak numbers, the output from a CIGS panel of similar size will be slightly higher over a year.
• CIGS is much better at coping with partial shading, which is hard to avoid on a sailboat - stupid mast ;)

It sounds like good solid arguments, but CIGS are about double the cost. I want to do a quick test before making any decision :) I've got two CIGS panels at the workshop and an old crystalline panel from my house. More about that in a week or two ;)

In other, behind-the-scenes news, I'm trying to figure out the best way to make the access into the technical compartment water (shower) proof. I think I've found a good way. I just need to find a waterproof latch I can use. I seem only to be able to find non-waterproof versions. There must be tons of options hiding out there!

I'm heading up to the workshop to see if I can breathe life into Athena's old outboard. One of those new-fangled electric ones would be much spiffier, but we have the old one, and those electric ones are a little pricy.

I hope you've had a fantastic weekend just like me :) Thank you so much for your support. Stay safe :)