Pondering power!

Allan said:
That's nice and positive. I'll have a look, it's certainly an area that is expanding.
Click to expand...

I hope not unrealistically positive. I was mainly suggesting a more appropriate type of generator. I do know (from research done by a close friend who deals with this sort of stuff professionally) that there's a surprising amount of power to be harvested from a spinning prop. Of course there's usually a price to be paid, in this case a slower boat. I did consider playing around with such a system myself, before deciding that KISS (aka drinking cocktails in the sun) was in my case the better option.

I'd also echo the suggestions that a diesel inboard is very much to be preferred to an outboard on a yacht. But good luck with whatever you embark on.
 
Having been in the same situation before when I bought a 26' Ecume de mer without an engine, but with the shaft, and prop still fitted, I would say not to bother. I was shocked at the increase in sailing performance when I took the prop off and put it in the locker.
I did consider using an electric motor to both drive, and charge the boat. It seemed like an elegant solution, and was making plans to do so with a dc motor. Once i took the prop off there's no way I was going back, so solar panels, and an outboard ruled the day.

Mike
 
Many thanks, don't worry if all goes pear shaped I won't blame you or YBW!
More and more companies seem to be coming out with hydro generators, so I think you and your friend are correct, there's power available.
As far as the comparison with solar, which we have on Brilliant, the main boat goes. It works at full power for a few hours. Water power is available most of the time. A 200w generator for a couple of hundred quid also compares well.
As far as the outboard is concerned, Brilliant will always have a diesel engine. So for that I fully agree with you. This, is another matter. I have a reputation of being the first to turn off the engine and the last to start it. I'm not quite ready to sail without an engine but I'm happy to only use them to get into and out of harbours. If the wind stops, so do I. Having given up work, I've no longer got to be back. I sailed an Etap 22i for years with an outboard, from Granville in Normandy and in the Bristol channel. Don't forget the original post, there are many suitable boats around for very little money, the thing lots of them have in common is knackered or no engine. I think a good outboard is better than a bad diesel!
Thanks again.
Allan
 
Last edited:
Hey All - I may be missing something here. I have a Tohatsu 6hp outboard, and when running it charges the battery nicely?
 
Dukester52 said:
Hey All - I may be missing something here. I have a Tohatsu 6hp outboard, and when running it charges the battery nicely?
Click to expand...
Sorry to say but, yes you are missing something. If you read my post #23 you will see I only plan to run the outboard for a very short time.
Allan
 
ibbo said:
Having been in the same situation before when I bought a 26' Ecume de mer without an engine, but with the shaft, and prop still fitted, I would say not to bother. I was shocked at the increase in sailing performance when I took the prop off and put it in the locker.
I did consider using an electric motor to both drive, and charge the boat. It seemed like an elegant solution, and was making plans to do so with a dc motor. Once i took the prop off there's no way I was going back, so solar panels, and an outboard ruled the day.

Mike
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input. Can I ask if your prop was free to spin or fixed?
I had a look at electric power with charging from the motor while sailing. Unfortunately people like Lynch want to charge £3500 for a motor and controller. Add a grand+ for batteries and your close to a new diesel!
Allan
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top