New AIR-X verses Used KISS

brianontheroad · #1 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009

I have a 1967 Chris Craft Apache, with a pretty narrow stern (around 5 to 6 feet) and not much room for a crazy mounting apparatus. I have an offer down to buy a 10 year old (1999) KISS wind generator for $550, but I'm also considering buying a new AIR-X Marine (710 on Amazon with 3 year warranty) -- the kiss has a better low end power curve, close to 4 amps at 10 kts vs. less than 2 for the air x, but I saw the KISS today and it's big, and definitely heavy (over 30lbs) vs 15 lbs for the AIR-X.....money is extremely tight (I'm in my late 20's -- spent most of my money on the rest of the refit) and I think the AIR-X is the better bet for me, smaller means less complicated mounting and a 3 year warranty is a nice security blanket

I'm leaving town where the KISS is located so it's today or never on that -- just want some angles I might not be seeing? Is the KISS worth the cheaper price even though it's 10 years old?

Thanks!
Brian

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009

The KISS is pretty low-maintenance, and designed to be user serviceable. It will also supply a lot more power.

brianontheroad · #3 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009

1 vote KISS.....

brianontheroad · #4 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009

I'm concerned about the age of the unit, but the bearings have been recently replaced, what about the brushes etc.? Anyone have an older unit 5 years + ?

Thanks!
Brian

Vasco · #5 (**permalink**) 11-25-2009

There's no brushes in a KISS. Go with the Kiss. Mine is 5 years old and still on the original bearings. Used 6 months a year and then left out with the prop taken off.