Association Forum - 89 wing looking for poss wind generator ideas

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

89 wing looking for poss wind generator ideas

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Scooter
Navigator

Member Avatar

USA
228 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/12/2013 : 08:27:20

We are thinking of keeping our 89 Wing and one thing we would like to do (if it makes sense) is to install a wind generator. We don't use much power but if we do more long term sailing we would like to tie to the dock less so this means less shore power.

Solar we can figure out but just asking about if there are any pics or descriptions of mounting and sizes, models, etc... of wind generators on Cat 25s. Especially :
1. year of boat (stern rail config-if stern mounted)
2. How/where did you mount it?

We have some thoughts but just looking for any examples out there and any comments of pros or cons aobut what somebody did.

We know some things about auto brakes, and regulators, and sound, etc... But all comments are welcome.

We aren't completely sold on wind but if we do longer sails it coudl get important with things like radio on more, fridge, re-charging gsp, PC etc...

Scooter
C25 '89 SR/WK #5878 "Square Knot"
Vandemere NC.

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2013 : 10:03:47

I originally considered this wind generator because of its smaller size:

[url="http://www.emarineinc.com/categories/Wind-Turbines/Marine-Wind-Turbines/Rutland-504-80-Watt/"]Rutland 504[/url]

I ultimately gave up on the idea of a wind generator on my C25, and went with an 80 watt Kyocera solar panel. I gave up on the idea of the wind turbine because, of course, we get a lot of sun here in Florida, and, I usually try to find the least windy spot to anchor out for the night.

Edited by - on

Ben
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2013 : 14:54:12

I can't help you too much, but I know it's been done on a C25. I attended the National Regatta the first time it was in Cleveland, and one of the other C25s had one. I can probably dig up pictures, but I don't think the owner participates on the forum anymore.

Edited by - on

islander
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4024 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2013 : 16:03:14

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> I usually try to find the least windy spot to anchor out for the night.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Thanks Dave for today's chuckle.

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2013 : 16:36:59

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Thanks Dave for today's chuckle.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

.... May seem humorous, but I speak from experience...

I actually purchased a wind turbine,... set it up on my dock,... realized the darn thing wouldn't start spinning until the wind hit about 12 knots..

....Realized that's not where I want to drop the hook....

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

Members Avatar

USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 02/12/2013 : 17:02:47

The Rutland 504, I followed the link, looks like the best bet. It weighs practically nothing and is only about 20" in diameter It starts generating at about 10kts and is fairly useful by 15. I could be boiling some batteries over the last couple of days here.

Edited by - Dave5041 on 02/12/2013 17:06:54

Scooter
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
228 Posts

Response Posted - 02/14/2013 : 12:45:29

Thanks all for the input.

I am mostly trying to find idea about how/where to mount one.

I know about the need for significant wind to generate anything. We don't really have that much issue in Eastern NC. The coast is low lying ground (or sand dunes) and almost always have wind except for few weeks in Middle of July Aug. We try to find places with some wind since it's hot wihtout it. Many safe anchorages on the leeward side where you have wind to get a breeze but not enough to drag. Surprised you said that,(Davy J) given you're in FL. Maybe a local thing? Maybe we'll get your thoughts when/if we come to FL. I'm from PA originally and I can't take the heat like my wife can (Native of NC).

Our main reason for even "considering" (just considering) wind is recent discussions to do more cruising. We may both retire next year and we are already planning trips down south and maybe even some of the islands off FL coast. Maybe dry tortugas too??? We will need more power if we do that.

So... Just trying to see what's out there. I may have to (not cheat) do all the data gathering myself. (Measure, research, get specs/requirements, etc....) and judge it myself.

I started a speeadsheet about 2 years ago then Hurricane Irene happened and we are just getting back into the swing. (boat was safe 3 hrs inland).

Time to get out the tape measure and spreadsheet. Maybe build replica to test out managing lines, bimini, and dinghy etc...

these are good problems.

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 02/14/2013 : 22:31:36

John on gavia immer in my old st. Petersburg Marina has a wind gen, radar, and three solar panels on an arch... I posted some pics here awhile back... Well equipped C25 that has a lot of miles under her keel.

I have a windgen on my C&C39 and I love it. I have two 75 watt panels, but the windgen has outperformed the panels over the last 5.5 years of cruising and living aboard. Here's the real deal, if you have good ground tackle and a lot of chain, you don't care if it's going to blow. If you only have 20 feet of chain, stay home or please don't anchor anywhere near me! Turn if off late at night if in a tight anchorage, but feel free to leave it on when you go to to shore, etc... Now, around sundowners time, might be nice to shut it down for an hour. The good ones that generate serious juice do make some noise. But that's a small tradeoff for 250 amp hours on a good day!

Sten

Edited by - redviking on 02/15/2013 04:15:20

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2013 : 05:11:11

I have also considered installing a small wind generator either at home or on the boat. Probably 50% for the increased charging capacity and 50% for just foolin around with a wind generator. But right now it is more of an interesting thing to consider vs actually moving forward with an install.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

Members Avatar

USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2013 : 05:34:12

This is a pet project of mine and I have been working on a new design wind turbine for several months. Already got many of the materials to build it. I'm only looking for about 48watts. If the wind is up there, then we probably don't need the Air Conditioning on. I'm reluctant to put a bigger solar panel on the boat, but it is very feasible. Currently we have an 18w high efficiency panel and that works great, but that's only about 1amp normally, although we have had over 1.3amps.

Keep us up on your progress.

Paul

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2013 : 08:00:03

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">The good ones that generate serious juice do make some noise. But that's a small tradeoff for 250 amp hours on a good day!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I imagine your C25 might start to look like this......

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2013 : 12:30:37

Very funny Davy. It's just a standard Airex. Most cruisers swear by them. Some really salty dogs have two installed. Google gavia immer catalina 25 to see pics of one installed on johns boat. Ain't nothing really. 10 amps an hour means that John doesn't use any juice even at the dock!

Granted, whenever you see a windgen and solar array on a well found vessel, chances are you are looking at a bluewater cruiser. Cruising World this month has an article about a round the world vessel with four hydrogenerators, two windgens, and solar panels on deck.

On my C25 I had three 15 watt panels and a Honda generator to keep my five, yes five batteries up to snuff while doing extended cruising which is what the OP is considering. As the resident cruising Curmudgeon here, and probably the only full time liveaboard, I welcome any bold enough to drink the koolaid and follow John's path in his C25 - he is nearing 80 BTW - or those who upgrade and cut the lines.

Anyone can go out and sail in circles and go home. It takes some gear and brass ovaries or balls as the case may be to build a vessel capable of "being out there" for weeks at a time.

Sten

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2013 : 13:11:33

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Anyone can go out and sail in circles and go home. It takes some gear and brass ovaries or balls as the case may be to build a vessel capable of "being out there" for weeks at a time.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I have stayed out for weeks at a time.... with an 80 watt solar panel, two batteries, an Engle fridge..... and any other equipment that is necessary.....

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2013 : 14:06:28

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Davy J
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Anyone can go out and sail in circles and go home. It takes some gear and brass ovaries or balls as the case may be to build a vessel capable of "being out there" for weeks at a time.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I have stayed out for weeks at a time.... with an 80 watt solar panel, two batteries, an Engle fridge..... and any other equipment that is necessary.....

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Then you qualify

!!!! Self sufficient is my motto. We lost power for a few hours during Xmas. We "cruisers" kept our Xmas lights on while the rest of the world was dark.

Sten

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2013 : 14:45:16

After the last couple of days of weather around here, I can see how a wind generator would be an asset. I've been fortunate enough that most of our cruising has coincided with good weather and sun.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">We lost power for a few hours during Xmas. We "cruisers" kept our Xmas lights on while the rest of the world was dark. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
When the hurricanes came through back in '04 & '05 that little Honda kept my fridge, fans, tv and even a portable A/C going. Best investment, for on or off the boat.

Edited by - on

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.