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Subject: Re: [worldcruising] Towed Generators
From: Steve Strand (strand@XXX.XXX)
Date: Tue Sep 10 2002 - 13:49:44 EDT
David:
Ours was a four winds unit, the boat 45 feet. We got 5-7 amps at 5-7 knots.
I expect the trick is just to weight it heavy all the time, I cannot
imagine the "smothering" technique, seems like the bucket would get caught
by the propeller and there would be some damage, as well as increased drag.
We usually only took it in when there was a problem, so the bucket would
not be applicable. If I were starting from scratch, I might consider
putting a small shaft out of the hull with a prop that could be feathered
or engaged, probably too much additional complexity, but the towed unit
does have its own set of problems.
best of luck
Steve
s/v Danzante
At 06:33 PM 9/10/02 +0100, you wrote:
>Steve
>
>Thanks for getting back so quickly
>Yes I was aware of the fishing problem. I also realise the need for
>additional weight at higher speeds - although difficult to adjust at sea!
>Everyone I have spoken to has stressed the retrieval problem - most
>emphasis the need to stop the boat (not always easy)
>Some use a bucket or large funnel with a slot cut in it - so that it can
>be sent down the line to "smother" the turbine
>What make/model did you have - and how big is the boat?
>What sort of output did you experience?
>
>David
>Galatea
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Steve Strand
> To: worldcruising@XXX.XXX
> Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2002 6:20 PM
> Subject: Re: [worldcruising] Towed Generators
>
>
> We used a similar system on a cruise about 10 years ago. Several problems
> with the towed unit. First of all, going downwind ours was not heavy
> enough, would come out of the water and then spin, tangle and be REALLY
> difficult to bring in and untangle, a bit scary at night when a bit over
> hull speed. This certainly could be fixed with additional weights on the
> leading edge of the propeller unit. Secondly, it is essentially impossible
> to troll for fish while pulling the unit as a tuna or wahoo would almost
> certainly tangle with the towed unit, this would be especially exciting.
> All that aside, we towed the unit from Moorea to Hawaii, and never used
> our
> genset, arrived with batteries fully charged and refrigeration cold, it
> was
> great.
> steve
> s/v Danzante
>
> At 05:48 PM 9/10/02 +0100, you wrote:
> >I am considering fitting a towed turbine to my 49 foot sailing boat for
> >ocean passages. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has
> >experience of them.
> >I am specifically considering the Aquair 100 which is made by Ampair. It
> >has a wind turbine option whereby the generator can be hoisted into the
> >rigging and fitted with a vane to act as a conventional wind generator.
> >The manufacturers literature suggests that a 6 amp charge can be
> sustained
> >at around 7 knots - enough for the autopilot and maybe the radar. I have
> >a diesel generator which I use for battery charging, water maker and
> >fridge/freezer - but an additional 150 amps a day when ocean cruising
> >would be very nice
> >
> >David
> >sv Galatea
> >
> >
> >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
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