Watt&Sea generator problems?

[dunedin]

Any users of the Watt&Sea Cruising hydro generators on this forum?

Brilliant, if pricey, devices when working, particularly for long distance blue water cruising. Generate a lot of power when trade wind sailing. Fit on a stern bracket and lowered like a dinghy rudder blade when in use.

BUT they don’t seem to have any “fuse” type device on it. If it hits heavy weed, or worse, then rather than just kick up it seems to break out of the stern bracket - making it unusable for the rest of the voyage, and necessitating buying new stern bracket.

Avoiding weed entirely is not possible in lots of places. And the Caribbean, and Atlantic at similar latitudes, it certainly is impossible at the moment as patches of weed are floating all over the surface.

Anybody else had similar issues with them? Or even better, any solutions? Thanks

 

[[70521]]

I'd also be interested in any comments, they are eye wateringly expensive but give huge amounts of power when underway.

 

[gertha]

I have read the Watt and Sea instructions and talked to owners plus at boat show.
The recommendation to fit is a cam and cord to hold the generator down , the cam will let go when overloaded.
Owners tell me of problems of cam letting go when boat and waves are stronger, hence cam gets beefed up and cannot let go when needed.
My interest is because I run the Duogen, and was comparing .
I have changed original boat and Duogen, and bought new Duogen to go on new boat.
No help to you but I would sell Watt and Sea and buy a Duogen, then all mount problems removed.
Simon

 

[dunedin]

Thanks. The Watt&Sea we have came with downhaul ropes on cams - but also a metal pin to hold it down. This metal pin has no give hence it breaks out of the bracket.