So I was working on Maggie today when I noticed that the soulbian solar panel had been nicked . These are flexible panels and it was sewn into the dodger and it's just been ripped out and the electrics cut. And now batteries are flat . great!!possibly my fault as I've left it unattended for two months whilst I have been refurbishing the mast but still a dog act
So seeking a bit of advice as a new flexible panel is around $1600 which will probably only get knocked off again. Are there any better options out there and perhaps any deterrents.?
cheers welsh
BTW this occurred in Drummoyne Bay East

Perhaps a remote monitoring system, with loud speaker/ siren or a bird scarer would be fun

What a bugger Welsh, feel for you. I have a cheaper brand flexible panel that I have mounted on the cabin top. It's still performing well after 2 years. www.solar4rvs.com.au/sunman-earc-100w-flexible-solar-panel-2022-high-ef

Hi Welsh, I can sympathize, I got diesel stolen. Hard to believe but true.

A while back many on this forum know I designed the Trek Transponder to remote monitor my boat which nearly sank then it escalated into putting them on many boats. But back then it didn't have cameras.

Then someone at midnight came alongside my boat and stole my entire 160 litres of diesel! And left a gouge mark in the hull along side. And beer and bourbon cans in the cockpit.

I couldn't believe it but locals told me ferals at Brooklyn were prone to do that in winter for their heaters. So I set to and designed cameras to watch my boat in case they came back. But they didn't so far.

If you boat can fit it, a solar panel arch on the stern is good. Then they are bolted on..

I have two flexible solar panels on my bimini. I have them configured with a zip in arrangement. I only have them in place when I am on the boat, otherwise they are stored flat under the double berth mattress. This has the duel benefit of ensuring they won't be stolen and it also extends their life as they are not continuously exposed to the elements. I do get that it also means they are not providing a continuous 'trickle charge' but I don't have any systems drawing power when the boat is not in use.

Thanks for the replies. I'll explore the options noted.
trek transponder sounds like a plan. cheers welsh

I just want see what a $1600 solar panel looks like!

Select to expand quote

Ramona said..
I just want see what a $1600 solar panel looks like!

Solbian are the only manufacturer that I know of that designs panels that can walked on and not thermally overheat. Almost all the off-shore round the world racers have them including Lisa and J-bird. They are supplied with a self adhesive backing and textured surfaces.

Ramona, here is a close up of J-Birds unboxing....

I've often wondered about this when I've been walking past various marinas. There's no security gates etc on most of them and there's obviously expensive equipment on lots of these vessels. I have to admit, I'm surprised it doesn't happen more often (or at least don't hear about it happening more often).
What's the solution though? If your boat is moored and you're not close enough to respond to some sort of alarm, do you just have a bunch of cameras and hope for the best when you give the footage to the police? I don't know that I'd be overly confident in my chances of success there. Even if they catch the thieves, the chances of them still having the gear is pretty remote.

A recording welcoming them aboard,linked to sensor light ,and recording their presence,which says their image has been sent to a security monitoring centre can be a deterrent !? Or aggravate them to trash/sink vessel .
The technology is there,and quite simple/cheap - try Jaycar -
Have systems installed on inner city properties we maintain,and is a deterrent,as then move to easier targets.

Thanks for that plantar. I'll look at jaycar Thursday night. There's one in Rydalmere. cheers