Mounting a wind generator on a mizzen mast

[Paleyma]

Seeing the previous post re: wind generators triggered me to ask for advice.

I am looking to install a wind generator. The boat is a ketch, so the only place to put one is up the mizzen mast, above the radar. Has anyone experience of doing this? I am leaning towards the D400, due to its output, but it is a large heavy unit so am concerned about windage and moment.

Has anyone done this?

Thanks

 

[captainslarty]

A few points to consider Sir.

Re ketch, the BEST lol, sailing rig ever designed (Slarty dons fireproof overalls for this ! )

A pole mount, on the transom, or, a haul up into the rigging is best...

reasons.. ?

well, mounting on the mizzen you miss the chance to fly the excellent mizzen staysail...

Its hard to get to for servicing...

Windage and moment isnt really a problem with a good, read not modern .. rig...

there ARE other places to put one.

the Mizzen is not necessarily the best place.
If you aint got a mizzen stays´l, try one...... a beaut of a sail that not mant really understand or use. in combo with a fore stays´l, a treat, or even a modern cruising chute.


The wind genny is NOT that good, ie, in anchorages where it works, one would try to be more sheltered... in downhill sailing, the apparant wind is not that much so the otput is often miserable.... in a marina, not needed...

Ampair 100 comes with 3 poles to haul up into the rig.. a great all round compromise developed over many years, for the right reasons imho.

Joe n Jayne

 

[Salty John]

Here's mine:

Sorry about picture quality, it's a video capture.

This set up worked fine on a two year cruise. The bracket was custom built. Unseen here is a short length of bungy cord running from the main boom topping lift to a point a couple of feet down the boom. This ensured that when the topping lift was slackened off it was pulled forward and didn't blow back into the wind generator.

Hope this helps.

 

[Goldie]

We use an Aquair 100. The wind component is hoisted in the mizzen triangle when we're anchored and the towed component trailed when on passage. The wind gen is not as efficient as a more modern one (D400, Air-X etc), but the towed generator is good for about 1Amp/kt at 12v. Thats circa 140AH/24hrs @ 6kts.

Would a Duogen fit the bill? Hinge it up (wind mode) at anchor and down(water mode) under way.

I agree with Captainslarty about the mizzen staysail too - fantastic and easy to handle.

 

[Paleyma]

John,

Your picture didn't come through - can you try again?

Thanks

 

[Salty John]

Hi,

The picture is there when I look at the thread. Anyone else see it?

PM me with an email address and I'll be happy to send it to you.

 

[Capn Pugwash]

Have a look at Kiss WInd Generators I am looking to try this one myself!

 

[Capn Pugwash]

Yep, piccy is there SaltyJohn - sometimes certain servers don't allow pictures (especially at work!) /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[ribrage]

I fitted a rutland on the mizzen fitted just above the spreaders slartys right about the servicing being a bit of a pain but how often would it need ''servicing''?? having it mounted that bit higher does put it into stronger wind and often mine is still spinning while others have been stationary.

My boats in the uk and i live on board, during the summer months Ive had fully charged batterys all season without a problem.

(6 truck batterys rigged 24v)

slartys right about running downwind or motoring in light airs the genny gets confused and spins 360 degrees, but the fit it and forget it wins for me, no hoisting,no fitting blades each time, no storage problems.... works for me.

In the med,spain,canaries maybe solar panels of more use but here this summer my solar panels were barely working

 

[Abigail]

Ours is on the mizzen (there when we bought her) and has required very little attention once we got it working. No effort, no fiddling, though if we're going to be anchored a long time we haul out the ampair tow/wind genny.

Still contemplating the mizzen staysail implications.

If you put up a pole, make sure it doesn't interfiere with your mizzen boom.

 

[Liz_I]

We mounted our Air Marine right on top of the mizzen. No probs with the mizzen staysail. We had a s/s 'sleeve' made which fits over the top of the mast and is riveted. The wiring runs down inside the mast this is encased in plastic tubing to protect from any chafe. Servicing - minimal - and the mizzens not that high.
We see more and more mounted in this way.

 

[LadyInBed]

No problems putting it on the Mizzen, but don't mount it too high, it is quite a bit of weight.
It doesn't interfere with a mizzen stay sail.

Doesn't interfere with a mizzen genica either

 

[captainslarty]

but it DOES interefere with a Mizz SS...

 

[LadyInBed]

Unfortunately no pic with mine up but as you can see from the 2nd pic on Goldies post it is well clear of the mizzen.
Maybe yours isn't so full and sheeted tighter.