Navigating the Engineering Challenges of Installing a Yacht Solar Arch

Installing a solar arch on a yacht is an endeavour that brings together the intricacies of marine fabrication and precise engineering. Over the years, I have encountered and tackled a variety of technical challenges that must be addressed meticulously to ensure a seamless integration with each boat’s unique configuration.

Multi-Plane Fitting and Structural Alignment

One of the most demanding aspects we face is the fitting position of the arch legs. Often, to work in harmony with the original push pit mounting points and to optimize deck space, the legs need to be fabricated in multiple planes. This multi-planar design requires extremely accurate measurements and alignment, as the fitting plates must conform perfectly to the varying deck surfaces. Any deviation risks compromising the arch’s stability and detracting from the vessel’s aesthetic cohesion.

While it might be tempting to simplify the structure by keeping the legs in a single plane to save on fabrication time and costs, this typically reduces deck usability. Straight legs encroach upon open deck space, limiting free movement and storage - a trade-off we always discuss openly with boat owners. The diversity in hull design and owner preferences, especially regarding push pit leg placement - sometimes even on the transom edge - highlights the need for advanced 3D modelling and careful on-site adjustments.

Backstay Positioning and Arch Geometry

The backstay’s position is another critical factor shaping the arch’s design. When the backstay fixings are located too far aft, we face a choice: either elevate the arch, increasing the centre of gravity and potentially reducing stability, or extend it rearward, risking solar panels protruding beyond the transom. This overhang raises vulnerability concerns for the panels and often leads to higher berthing fees due to the effective vessel length increase. Achieving the ideal arch geometry to circumvent these issues is both a challenge and a hallmark of precise engineering.

Integration with Existing Structures

Integrating the solar arch with existing vessel structures such as the Bimini frame presents its own set of challenges. The backstay typically runs between the solar arch and the Bimini, requiring us to design specialized bracing that ensures a smooth, robust connection without introducing structural weaknesses or visual clutter.

Furthermore, the addition of technological features - Starlink dishes, wind generators, aerial and radar brackets - requires careful spatial planning. Placing them higher than the solar panels risks shading, which severely impacts panel performance. These components must be positioned at the correct height and distance to avoid shading while maintaining full functionality. Similarly, features like life raft cradles, outboard brackets, or passerelle fittings must be designed and located for easy, unobstructed access, preserving safe and fluid movement around the stern.

Davit System Compatibility

Selecting the right davit system is another essential element. Here, the transom design greatly influences the choice. Flat transoms with short arches suit simple lifting eyes perfectly; sloped transoms benefit from extended tubular davits; and sugar scoop transoms align well with U-shaped deployable davit systems, offering smooth dinghy deployment and retrieval. Larger boats with heavier dinghies and outboard engines particularly gain from an electric winch paired with a one-rope rigging system, simplifying operations.

Overlooked Minor Details

In planning the perfect solar arch system, attention to minor but critical details is indispensable - cleat locations, fuel filling points, gas lockers, seat lockers, and internal access to fitting points. Ignoring these can lead to major frustrations when it comes time for installation.

Despite being a mature technology, stern arches remain surprisingly under-documented regarding best practices for maximizing their functionality, stability, and user-friendliness. Through years of hands-on experience, continuous innovation, and close collaboration with yacht owners, we strive to push the standard forward, creating custom solutions that elevate the yachting lifestyle.

If you have questions or want to explore a bespoke solar arch for your vessel, I’m happy to help. Together, we can find the perfect balance of engineering precision, aesthetics, and practicality.