Is this a good idea? (Making top boxes for narrowboats)

[Doodlebug]

Hi everyone,

 

I hope this isn't against the forum rules, but I posted this picture of the solar pannel top boxes I made for our boat, and someone has asked if I can make them some.

 

I'm a student, and I will have all summer off, and I thought if its something that people like/want, I would be happy to spend the summer making them for people.

 

Please can I have a general opinion on whether it is a good idea. I'm not really interested in profit but a little income for food over the summer would be great.

 

In terms of the cost i recon by the time I have bought the two 100w panels, and the materials they would cost about 350. Is that viable?

 

As I say any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Doodlebug

 

[Guest]

Hi everyone,

 

I hope this isn't against the forum rules, but I posted this picture of the solar pannel top boxes I made for our boat, and someone has asked if I can make them some.

 

I'm a student, and I will have all summer off, and I thought if its something that people like/want, I would be happy to spend the summer making them for people.

 

Please can I have a general opinion on whether it is a good idea. I'm not really interested in profit but a little income for food over the summer would be great.

 

In terms of the cost i recon by the time I have bought the two 100w panels, and the materials they would cost about 350. Is that viable?

 

As I say any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Doodlebug

 

 

 

You might want to consider a price for non solar versions too, or a one solar panel version, not everybody needs 2 x 100 watt panels.

 

They look good BTW and some more pictures would be good too.

[leeco]

I think its a great idea. I was thinking of doing stuff like this and selling on ebay but with roof windows like I made for my boat.

[PhilR]

Great idea Doodlebug.

 

Good luck with your enterprise, althought I think you might be selling them too cheaply!

 

Are they easily removable for people who might want to navigate low bridges and tunnels?

[cotswoldsman]

Great idea. Look forward to seeing you on Dragons Den!!! Solar panels are the way forward and extra storage space it always required

[GoodGurl]

we have roof boxs x3 with solar lids, may i suggest you put vents in the side for people you supply to if storing wood in them otherwise they tend to sweat.

[BlueStringPudding]

I'd be interested in versions without solar panels as I'm already panelled up... Also I can't quite tell from the photo - is the box up on little legs or is sitting flush to the roof?

[IainW]

we have similar roof boxes with solar roofs. I like your sloped tops, definitely look better than ours. One idea - recess the panels so the metal frame isn't visible. Then the solar panels become a lot more subtle and a lot less visible. The frames are also quite good structurally so you may end up getting more load space by not needing as much framework inside. Just a thought...

[Maffi]

Great idea. Look forward to seeing you on Dragons Den!!! Solar panels are the way forward and extra storage space it always required

Do we need more storage space or is better junk managment the way to go.

[Doodlebug]

Sorry, I will post up more pictures soon. I haven't had a chance to take any. I'd be happy to make them with plywood lids rather than solar panels if people wanted them like that.

 

I just thought it was a good way to kill two birds with one stone. No storage, no way to fix the panels down neatly.

 

If anyone is interested they could PM me.

 

Thanks