Jul 26, 2001 8:22 pm

With a heavy Windhunter 12A generator using a bolted on Ampair fan, I hung it forward from the spinaker halyard (or the staysail halyard) going through a simple estrope sliding on the furled genoa. I did not get any rotation until 12-13 kts of apparent wind, and am looking for another lighter solution such as proposed below, still listening. Agree to leave the mizzen top free.

Oct 18, 2001 10:54 am
We have two banks of golf cart batteries under the locker on the starboard side of the cockpit. They are kept charged by 1. a engine driven 55 amp alternator with a 65 alternator spare. 2. a 60 watt solar panel mounted on the bimini. 3. a 65 amp alternator, driven by a towed line and propeller. 4. a Redwing wind generator that's hung in the rigging at anchor. We believe in multiple ways to generate power and therefor have not ever been without adequate power. I might add that our refrigeration unit draws 27 amps per hour. We also believe in simple systems, because once outside the U.S. in many areas of the world even getting parts for the simple systems can be difficult if not impossible. We also believe that if you have a system on board you should have the skills necessary to remove the unit, dis-assemble it, repair it, and re-assemble it to a like new operating condition. This limits us to simple technology as I'm not of the genius catagory. Oct 18, 2001 1:33 pm
Your towed water generator uses a 65 amp alternator? That sure seems like a lot! Years ago on a different boat I used a tow system that drove a generator, but it made only 5-10 amps depending on speed. I was under the impression that towed systems don't use alternators because they like to spin very rapidly. Oct 18, 2001 9:37 pm
Your right of course, we're getting ready for a voyage and loading,things are a bit crazy as we depart tomorrow. I simply goofed big time writing that!! God only knows what I must have been thinking. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. Must be my age getting in the way, good excuse, but not likely. Now the correction: We have a redwing towing generator, not an alternator and it is not 65 amps. So you folks please understand Jack is RIGHT ON! And yes if we get 6 amps with it we are happy campers.