Wind Generator

[Athene V30]

I am thinking about a wind generator to trickle charge 2 batteries (110 and 85) on my 27' sloop.

I don't particularly like the noise of the big fans you see on so many boats or the chance of beheading or maiming the crew and am considering the Forgen 500 as in the blurb they are silent in operation.

Has anyone got one? I know they are less efficient than others but are they worth fitting?

 

[seumask]

Our boat came with the Forgen 500, we have had it for 5 years now and generally forget that it is there. they can make a little noise when they get older and the bearings wear, we had the bearings replaced when we got it and its fine. Note you realy only get a trickle charge from them and I think its only really good for putting a very small amount of charge into our 85AH battery.

 

[pampas]

Have a look at the Rutland series. The smallest will give a good trickle and a max of about 1,5-2 amps in a really good blow. I have the smallest against a slightly bigger capacity without a regulaor and find its tops up during the week. Have found thats its quite and the turbine is shrouded ,
1. for safety 2 for efficiency. Well made and a good buy.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
Forgen 500

[/ QUOTE ] There is also a bigger one. At first glance they would appear to be perfect for a small boat but in reality the output is small and they require a fairly strong wind. They are also expensive for the output you get.

Study the performance figures on the website. They seem quite genuine and do not appear to quote anything in a misleading way.

I considered one but went for a solar panel instead. No regrets.

 

[captainslarty]

and remember, one that spins dont necessarily generate anything...

 

[maxi77]

My last boat had a forgen and the batteries were almost always charged up. Depends on just how much you use from them and how often and what other charging you had. We were certainly able to run for 4-5 days without any other charging available.