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The fellow used Rubbing Alcohol the first cleaning then Glass Cleaner and a final wash with vinegar and water. The regiment resulted in the PV panels keep the batteries 95 percent SOC.

Today I traveled three and one half (3 1/2) hours. Full sun. The Solar Panels produced 275 watts average during the trip. I am located on beautiful Lake Huron at Port Hope. When I first posted my problem, I thought the Virtual Liad setting should indicate ON. Geoff set me straight. I then looked for the reason why the output was very low. I wanted to ensure the PV panels were clean All settings were correct. I called the fellow who details the Oliver. He told me that he rubbed on a liberal amount of was on the panels to protect them. After removing the was the panels functioned properly. Thank you JD , Geoff et al.

I have found the reason the Zamp panels were producing only 2 ah of charge. The detailer cleaned the panels and the cleaning improved the output. He told me that when he cleaned the top of the Oliver he followed up with a liberal coat of WAX. The wax did a good job of preventing the sun to do its job! After the first cleaning, I had him go over the panels with rubbing alcohol. The third cleaning was with vinegar and water. The regiment resulted in 225 watts of power and 12.2 current charge.. I have the Battle Borne 200 Ah batteries. The PV is controlled by the Victron MTTP 150|35. It is a mostly sunny day. That was a great call to review the History of charge. The data clearly indicates that there was little or no charge after I had the Oliver detailed and Solar waxed heavily!

Thank you for the Virtual Load explanation.. I clearly did not do a good job of reading the manual.. I truly appreciate yours and JD tutelage. I will in addition have the panels cleaned today. The fellow who details Oliver for me will clean them with Glass Cleaner. I will report back if the cleaning improves the output of the Zamp panels. George

The VictronConnect application shows two (2) items. Battery and Solar Roof. Under the Heading of Solar Roof there are three sub headers Solar: Voltage and current Battery: Voltage, Current, Temperature and State Virtual Load Output: State. The state indicates OFF

Thanks for the response. The Solar Panels are Zamp. Two at 150 watts each. They are roof mounted. The data is derived from the VictronConnect application. The battery voltage is 13.2 v for a SOC of 40%. The sun was out almost full not covered much at all. I would have expected about 150 to 175 watts of power from the panels. I fail to understand how to enable to the ON state.

The VictronConnect application is showing the following data: Solar. 36W. mostly sunny day Voltage 19.5. Current 2.0 Battery Voltage 13.2. Current 2.7 Temp 77 deg, F State Bulk Virtual Load output &nbsp State. OFF I am of the understanding that the State should be ON. I can not find how to change the state to ON. Hull 218. George

I appreciate your sentiment. I simply cannot repair or have the mental acuity I had when I was 80 year of age. I purchase those repairs and maintenance until they will no longer fit my budget. Then I must no longer enjoy the Oliver and the joy it brings to my quality of life. I had to make the same decision when I no longer could sail as a result of manual dexterity. Thank God I have the where-with-all to cover maintenance and other costs associated with my Oliver..

The beauty of the Sun Hemmi 257L “Chemical Rule” made of Bamboo never needed lubricants as Bamboo tends to be self lubricating.

There is a Love's Truck stop at Hardin on I-95 and also one in Great Falls. Not all of the Love's Truck Centers have Truck service. Hardin and Great Falls are a bit of a hike from the Bozeman area where I believe you are located.

I have used Love's Truck Center for replacing the Struts on my Sprinter 3500 with Koni Struts. As I recall the work was completed within two (2) hours for about $200. They did an excellent job. I failed to mention I purchased the Struts from Agile, who specialized in Sprinter suspension for approximately $400 for the pair. I made an appointment at Love's and waited about one week.

HF transceiver is SGC-2000. I employed the SGC-200 antenna turner in the Ham Shack and functioned well into the back stay on the boat. I also have the ICOM IC-2730A Dual Band VHF/UHF 50W in the F-150. I have had my Ham ticket since 1957. I still fire up the Heath Kit SB-301 and SB-401 from time to time . I built the two in the mid 60's. They were considered the poor mans Collins Rig. 73 de W8CB

A Double Ender can turn my head as fast as a beautiful lady can turn my head. God had a great day when he created Double Enders. Take a critical look at the Oliver from several feet above. Clearly looks like a double ender.

Clearly the best of all possible worlds. I had to retire from Sailing when my balance became inadequate.

Every time I enter my Oliver "Long Time no Sea" I think of the Columbia 26 I sailed 40 plus years ago. I brings back many happy remembrances. I have attached file with pictures.. Oliver Use of Drill Guides compressed.pdf