Windgenerator pole - deck or transom mounting?

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Erwin Swart

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what is the best mounting location for windgen pole?
Don't like to drill a hole into the deck though can imagine transom mounting might cause some stress also

In both cases backing plate will be used
suggestions are welcome
 
We originally had our windgen deck mounted (on a catamaran) but now have it transom mounted. The advantage is that you can have a cranked pole on the transom taking the windgen itself further out of harms way - so it can be 'more aft'. The further away you can locate the windgen from the boom end the better as when dropping the mainsail the reefing lines can get caught in the rotating blades. You want to try to get the windgen either above of below the height of the boom (whatever location you choose) as when you are at anchor you don't need the boom and furled sail sheltering the blades, ideally you want it higher - but then it might be too high. The disadvantage of having the unit more aft is that it is difficult to access, if you need to replace a blade, check the wiring, disentangle a reefing line. This disadvantage can be overcome if the pole is in two sections, sleeved, and then you can simply lift the top pole off the bottom half taking the unit with it - secure the whole thing with a through bolt.

The pole can be braced with diagonals, which will give extra handholds if you have a transom ladder.

The cable from the windgen can be run through one of the pole(s) - plural if you brace it.

If you might be planning to acquire other kit, AIS or a(another) GPS aerial, small solar panel etc etc, they can be planned for when you design the pole. It will be a bit low for radar :( .

Jonathan
 
For a pole one might consider a half section of an extending sailboard boom. The end can slide out easily & there will be the adjustable stops for height. At the lower end there is the curve to move the section aft. The quality of anodising on decent booms is excellent & the aluminium is strong. Length aprox 2.4M & there must be hundreds in garages all over the country, no longer in use, taking up space.
 
It does not matter. Whatever is convenient for you with sufficient access to fit a secure mount is what is important.

I would tend to want the poke free from any external structures that could clash with the transom e.g. harbor piles, other boats, so would favor a deck mount.
 
The bottom of the sweep of mine is something like 6'6" off the deck where it is mounted, but by standing on the coaming it is all too easy to get far too close to the thing! If using a 'standard' pole do bear this in mind.

It is also mounted right on the quarter where it has the potential to strike the jetty at low water, hence I'm obliged to overhang a little. (Can't moor port side to as that would be bows down, rudder in the mud)

I have come to the conclusion that the best place for the wind generator is ashore, I just haven't got around to removing it yet!
 
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