effectiveness of solar & wind - Page 53

SimonV · #**521** (**permalink**) 04-03-2007

Sorry you blokes are too quick for me. Ill try and keep up!!!

PBzeer · #**522** (**permalink**) 04-03-2007

When I made my choice on aux power generation, I went with a wind generator (Air-X). My reasoning was three-fold. One, mounting. Two, cost. Because I bought through Port Supply, in conjunction with some other major items, I essentially saved enough to pay for the wind genny.

The final thought was, if the sails are up, the wind genny is working. If the sails are down, the engine is doing the charging.

So far, this has worked well for me.

SimonV · #**523** (**permalink**) 04-03-2007

Esc

Nice site. I would hope to have the wind generator in or at least turned off with winds like 68mph and it would be the last thing on my mind if out to sea. The unit might not be the most efficient but Im looking at size and lack of noise.

EscapadeCaliber40LRC · #**524** (**permalink**) 04-03-2007

I am not sure what you mean by "to have the wind generator in" but prethinking tactics for gusty winds say at night in the ITCZ should be a part of your sail planning strategy. "turned off" is also a bit tricky with wind gens, I am not sure they come with on/off switches, mine didn't. You will probably need to tie it with some good stout line to turn it off.

SimonV · #**525** (**permalink**) 04-03-2007

ESC
The new ones do come with an electronic brake.

wind_magic · #**526** (**permalink**) 04-03-2007

What do you guys think of the KISS wind generator ? I've been considering getting that one.

PBzeer · #**527** (**permalink**) 04-03-2007

Best I can tell you wind, is that people I know that have them, like them.

EscapadeCaliber40LRC · #**528** (**permalink**) 04-03-2007

The KISS was on my short list before I selected my ugly ducking Hornet. I was motivated by price in both cases. A friend has the KISS and swears by it. They were from Houston and sailed to the Bahamas where I met them and on to Trinidad. Still running it as far as I know.

captainchetco · #**529** (**permalink**) 04-03-2007

One thing to keep in mind is noise. In various ports, there are a variety of wind generators in operation, with widely different noise output. If you want to have peace for yourself and neighbors, don't get the noisy ones.

trodzen · #**530** (**permalink**) 04-03-2007

I have the KISS wind gen. I did all the research about 3yrs ago and decided the KISS was the best for my situation. IMO, it is top of the line for the Caribbean type winds. After all, it's built in the Carib for the Carib.

It can get noisy but that is when the wind really starts blowing to much. I can simply flick the switch and she shuts right down. Then it's easy to lock it with a safety line over the prop.

It's not so good for low wind.

I highly recommend it for the right situation.

Todd
s/v Hestia