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Here′s the place to find out how a towed generator works, what you might expect from it, what effect it has on boat speed, and how easily and effectively the unit converts to using wind power. 5 pages with photos.
[Practical Sailor, 15 February 2003]
A brief introduction to trailing-log, outboard-leg, and propeller-shaft generators, which can produce a surprising amount of amps while you sail.
[SailNet, 17 June 2003]
Brief grab bag of facts and commentary about power from towed generators. Contains excerpts from hard-to-find bulletin board and newsgroup postings, as well as links to useful sites and vendor pages.
[Bill Dietrich, USA]
A discussion board and photo gallery for cruising sailors and wannabes focused on the best ways to generate, distribute, and control electricity on a cruising boat.
[Cruisers Forum, Buskerud, Norway]
Very low-speed water generator making electricity from the river flow or tidal current when the boat is anchored or on a mooring. Water speed from 1 to 3 miles per hour with maximum charge of 500 watts. Automatic furling if the flow is too fast.
[Marlec Engineering Co. Ltd., Corby Northants, NN17 5XY, UK]
Sells and installs Aquair wind- and water-driven alternators and related equipment. Site has good general information about the products and short "reference" pages on related topics. Also sells and installs a wide range of electrical equipment.
[Jack Rabbit Marine, Inc., Stamford, CT, USA]
A wind generator whose tower is hinged to place the impeller in the water (8 amps at 6 knots) or the air (12 amps at 20 knots), as needed.. Mode change is accomplished in seconds without the use of tools.
[Eclectic Energy Limited, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, the UK]
Makers of a wind generator that converts to a towed water generator when the boat is moving. Rated at 1 amp at 10 knots of wind (8 amps at 25 knots). Mounting kits and voltage regulators sold separately.
[LVM Ltd., Arlesey, Bedfordshire, the UK]
Towed turbine generator for yachts generates approximately 1 amp per knot. Simple installation from stern rail - no permanent hardware. Can be converted for wind charging.
[Ampair, Ringwood, Hampshire, UK]
Wind generator to 20 amps. Three models for pole, stationery, or rigging mountings. Also converts to a water power generator. Ferris has lots of other energy products that are shown only in its catalog.
[Hamilton Ferris Co., Ashalnd, MA, USA]
Calculating Your Electrical Needs
It is estimated that drag due to a water generator results in only about 1/4-knot loss of boat speed.
Kevin Jeffrey
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