Wind Generator

[NDG]

Sorry if this has been asked loads of times before ( as I am sure it has), but could anyone direct me to a useful source of reviews of different wind generators? I am thinking of replacing a gantry mounted solar panel with a wind gen, to cut down on weight and clutter on the stern.

Think the solar panel is rated at about 75 Watts (although this seems v high and the true charge is bound to be a fraction of that). Would be keen to hear of any personal recommendations for wind gennies that are quiet and give a good charge.

Nick

 

[Kilter]

previous discussion there are some other threads as well

In my own experience Rutland was brill!

 

[philip_stevens]

A review by Sailing Today from the Marlec (who make the Rutland wind generators) site.

 

[najsmith]

Anybody every tried to make one?

 

[steve_cronin]

NO. BUT....

This one just LOOKS home made!

Four Winds

Steve Cronin

 

[sjohn_gibson]

I have an Air Marine Air X charging 450 amp hour domestic battery bank - run fridge, auto pilot, instruments and radar when required. I am on a swinging mooring and since fitting have never had to run the engine to charge batteries.

I have it mounted at the top of the mizen mast. There is some noise in the cockpit but its not intrusive. The hum down the mast disturbs SWMBO getting to sleep in the aft cabin but there is enough power to switch it off when we are using the aft cabin.

 

[Koeketiene]

I had one of these on a previous boat - like you said: plenty of power, but at a price! Noisy!!

 

[Richard10002]

The yacht moored next to us looks like a real blue water job, and the skipper seems incredibly meticulous.

Wanderer II has a Super Wind generator which not only looks the part, but seems almost silent when running. I've seen them on various chandlers ads at £999.

 

[pheonix]

cosiddered making one but what configuration or gen set to use?. considered using a sturmey archer dyno hub with the shaft mounted vertically. as i only use power for basic instruments my charge requirement would be minimal has anyone els considered this aproach /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Dave M

 

[najsmith]

Re: NO. BUT....

LOL! Can't help thinking it weould come apart in F4!

 

[JerryHawkins]

DuoGen

I've had one since they first came out. Continually updated and improved. Current model is Mk2 which has all the improvements, both technical and aesthetic included.

Good power output, very quiet and, of course, use the water impeller when sailing for vastly improved output.

Not cheap, but then nothing worth while ever is! Do have a look at http://www.duogen.co.uk or visit them at LIBS if you're going.

Cheers,

Jerry

 

[pampas]

YES,I did 16 blades about two feet diameter,using a dyna hub from the front wheel of a cycle, 1/4 amp at a F5 and 100 milli amps when just turning used for trickle charging a 45 amp/hr battery on a Vire 7hp. would over a week put in enough to start from flat battery, before anybody shouts, these (batteries) came from the start bank on a Sea king parrifin budgy and are stored absolutly flat (Charge wise), Those who sail the Fal may remember Pampas with it fitted,as it looked very odd and not efficient. pinched the idea from the Shannon river private lit navigation marks way upstream. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[castaway]

I just bought a new Air-X off Ebay..Normal price in the UK around 870 quid (although I did just notice in PBO I think someone selling at 670 ish)......anyway my wife went to the US and I got one delivered to her hotel for 390 plus 20 quid UPS delivery.

Only took 2 days to arrange and deliver...she bought it back as baggage ... probably a bit over the allowance tho'

Serious bit of kit!

Nick