Forums, Electrical Systems, Navigation and Safety equipment, Wind Generator

Mel at 19/08/2010 10:46:03
I am considering fitting a Rutland wind generator 913. I would be grateful for any photos of the fitting if you have one and any comments on the fitting / siting. Any comments on your experience of wind generators in general or this one in particular would also be great.
Thanks,
Mel

George Isted at 20/08/2010 10:33:28
Hi Mel,
No personal experience of fitting one on a Contessa but helped fit an Air-Breeze to a similar boat last winter. I have done a bit of research on wind-gens but ended up being given a 25W solar panel that is working well for the time being.

Edited: George Isted on 2010-08-20 13:26:06

Mel at 23/08/2010 07:19:33
Dear George,
Thank you very much for the helpful reply. I will do some more research as I certainly don’t want too much noise or hull vibrations. I think I need to carefully consider how much power I really need. I mostly want to be able to use the autohelm on passages, but I do also have a small cool box which is very handy when cruising.

Thanks again,

Mel
“Constella”

JPS Donnelly at 05/09/2010 09:38:57
Dear Mel:

I wrote an article for the Summer magazine about the Air X wind generator that I fitted last year. I initally looked at the Rutland 913, but at over 10.5 lbs weight, plus the mounting mast, I felt that it was too heavy, especially when one considers that it is 3 metres above the water line, so it has an impact on healing. You can look at the Rutland 503, but the output is so small it is hardly worth bothering with. In the end I went for the Air X as it has the biggest output and only weights 6 lbs. On the upside it looks quite good, its smooth lines are not at odds with the elegance of a CO 32 and produces lots of power. On the downside it is noisy and expensive. However, if you import direct from the USA, the cost is greatly reduced. I got mine from Greenpower Global Technology in Flag Staff Arizona contact via: greencleanpower@solarpath.com.

I have been very pleased with it and heartily recommend it.

JD

Mel at 28/11/2010 19:56:44
Dear George,
Thank you very much for your helpful reply. I did some more research and think the suggested Air Breeze looks the best for me. Subsequently YM did an artcle on them and it came out well so I am going with that.
The yard are going to fit it for me and they have lots of experience and seemd to think that they had the vibtration issue sorted. so let’s hope so.
Thanks again,
Best wishes,
Mel