Electric Generation....

onesea

onesea

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OK I am minimalist in my sailing wants and needs. One thing I would like to be able to do, is to replace the electrickery used by the Auto Pilot (2 amps ish?). The problem I have is replacing the stuff on day sails, my river mooring does not have shore power :D when crusing I normally pull in to a marina.

More batteries: Not a good idea they still need charging one way or another...
A wind generator is not going to happen: noise & vibration lack of space.
A towed generator would be nice but coastal sailing it will only get wrapped around lobsters I fear.

One of these
http://www.ampair.com/downloads/UW%20100%20Data%20Sheet.pdf

on a kick up type arrangement seems sensible, I only need 2 or 3 amps so by my maths I would want a low speed prop.

How much will 18kg of force slow me down?

Anyone seen anything better? More affordable?

Speed range is 2-3 knots to say 9 maybe more on the back of a wave, cruising is normally 6 +/- knots...
 
I agree with Tranona that solar would be a good choice. I can not comment on UK sunlight but it appears on this forum that many UK sailors find solar successful. You might need a larger battery to cater for your A/p on longer trips. You can not count on solar panel replenishing as you go but it is very suitable for recharge over the week between voyages.
The panels are not very expensive but what is expensive or difficult is mounting them. This will often dictate what size you buy. Obviously the bigger the better for replenishment in winter. I would think that a 20w might be a starting point for your needs. This is of a size suitable for temporary mounting. ie you put it away when you go sailing. I attach mine over the main sail cover with bungees. But mine is a 5w does the job easily but note location. (clouds are a rarity in summer). I suggest you buy a panel and see how it goes. Certainly cheaper and I think more successful than a water turbine. good luck olewill
 
Sorry, solar is not for me, no deck space no wish for them all round the guard rails it would also be a work up to find space for an extra battery...

I do not work 9-5 and have weekends off, I often have the option of 3-6 days sailing at a time. Its not always sunny and I sail in the winter, so after a few days I will still drag the batteries down, a simple charging whilst sailing does appeal...

Edit to add they are out there but at some cost!
http://www.cristec.fr/en/new-products-and-on-going-projects/hydrogenerator.html
http://www.swi-tec.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=162
http://www.wattandsea.com/en/cruising-hydrogenerator
 
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A small permanently mounted solar panel (5w)and a modest leisure battery (60Ah)supply my needs for weekend sailing plus the occasional longer period.

I have an autopilot in use practically all the time I am sailing, rare use of Vhf, conventional cabin lights, and very occasional nav lights.

If I were to need more power for more frequent or longer trips I might just be able to squeeze in a 10watt solar panel in place of the 5w one otherwise I would consider a briefcase type or a flexible one which could be rolled up and stowed away when not in use.
 
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nigelmercier said:
It occurs to me that the device in the OP is essentially an electric outboard motor ...
Click to expand...

That would be perfect like the little mini kota but generating a couple of amps of electric.

Solar would be the sensible way to go but the only place I can think to put one is on the main hatch garage. I would be very reluctant to loose the none slip tape up there and when stowing the main my knees would give it a battering.

The only other options are to start blocking hatches or putting them on the side decks. Frames and brackets & frames on the stern are no goers they would get in the way and really not suit the boat, like putting a spoiler on a landrover!
 
We have an Aquair towed generator. When sailing at a high enough speed to generate electricity, the towed spinner sits about one metre or less below the surface, so shallow water sailing doesn't cause any problems. Neither do pot lines - there's more tha enough of the in Greek waters and we've not had any problems with them. At normal sailing speeds, it keeps pace with the autopilot, chart plotter and VHF: on a good day adds a little to the batteries as well. I've seen them advertised new for just under £1,000. Used as a wind generator slung from the back stay it does not make any noise and no vibration but the output is not up to a lot unless there's more than 15 knots of wind or so.
Simple to install as well....
 
I reckon it's worth the effort/inconvenience of finding space for solar panels. I'm on a swing and almost never go anywhere I can get shore power and fitting them has transformed life on the boat.

I have 40w of rigid panels in a frame on my hatch garage. They pretty much keep up with my power needs at anchor in the summer (no fridge, but liberal use of CD radio) and fully charge the battries between visits in winter. The frame means they're unlikely to get stepped on but, if you do need to step there, semi-flexible ones may be better. Put two small ones rather than one large one as one is likely to be shaded by the boom and you'll lose less with one 20w shaded and the other in full sun than with a single 40w panel with the same shadow,
 
We were out in the Solent last Sunday, a nice sunny day.

I made a note in the log to the effect that our 80w BP solar panel was balancing the plotter and autopilot .

We shall fit another 80w panel next season.
 
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