I decided to install the Solarex 30 watt panel, since it is a good
fit on the foredeck hatch, and is flexible enough to conform to the
curvature of the hatch.  The Solarex models are roughly square,
and very thin.  The other panels I looked at, from Siemens and
UniSolar, were not as versatile in mounting options (at least
on my boat).  Most of the Catalina 22's and 25's in my sailing
club use the foredeck hatch to mount a solar panel since it is
a sloping surface and thus you are not likely to step on or kick
the panel.  The only thing to be careful of is to avoid dropping
whisker or spinnaker poles as this hatch is located only a few
inches forward of the mast, and the butt end of a dropped pole
would have a good chance of smacking into your solar panel.
If any of you are mounting solar panels off of the stern pulpit,
I would be interested in hearing if there are any problems with
this, like interference with access to the outboard motor,
swim ladder, rudder, or tiller.  I have seen a kit from the
local Catalina dealer, using a Siemens 20 watt panel and a pair
of rail clamps to hold it to the stern pulpit, but the advantages
of easy mounting and swiveling also mean that the panel is easy
to steal (and boat equipment theft is a serious problem that
is getting worse every year).
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