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Re: [worldcruising] Towed Generators


Subject: Re: [worldcruising] Towed Generators
From: Barry Brazier (ozboats@XXX.XXX)
Date: Sun Sep 08 2002 - 22:05:05 EDT


There used to be someone here who made an alternator that fitted to the main engine prop shaft. when the prop free whealed it could generate up to 15 amps.
I wanted to fit one to "Illusion III' but did not have time now the guy seems to have died or retired.
He rewired existing alternators and used a 10" pulley on the propshaft.
I have thought of experimenting with available slow revving alternators .
Does any one know if something similar is available?

Barry
"Illusion III"
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Steve Strand
  To: worldcruising@XXX.XXX
  Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2002 3:49 AM
  Subject: Re: [worldcruising] Towed Generators

  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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